As seniors prepare to close a significant chapter of their lives, many reflect on not only the memories they created but also media that grew alongside them. Media has become more than just entertainment, but rather a sense of comfort, identity and a representation of personal growth.
Individuals have observed music evolving throughout different stages of their lives. History teacher Gloria Quintero grew up listening to Shakira and finds Shakira’s journey as an artist emulating her own journey navigating motherhood.
“As a young person going through all those experiences and then college life, her adventuring outward with having a family and motherhood and going through hardship, that really resonated with me,” Quintero said.
Students similarly see their music mirroring their transition into adulthood as they face new experiences with uncertainty. Senior Stephanie Jimenez began listening to Billie Eilish in 2018 after hearing “when the party’s over” and found Eilish’s lyricism reflecting her emotional growth.
“Her songs put words to emotions I didn’t always know how to express, which is what made me connect with her so strongly,” Jimenez said. “I went from relating to her more vulnerable songs to connecting with ones that reflect confidence and independence.”
Others gather self-confidence and reassurance through music during difficult periods in their lives. Senior Jasmine Le found listening to artist EMELINE helped reconnect with herself after struggling with self-confidence and trust during junior year.
“I was unsure about myself and reverted back to my shy and quiet self,” Le said. “But now, listening to more of her songs, I discovered more of myself inside and out. I’m slowly going back to my more confident self. I got out of my shell more, making friends again as I learned to trust again.”
Like music, television became a reflection of students’ experiences. Senior Olivia Moreno related strongly to Gabriella from “High School Musical” because of her own transition into high school.
“Gabriella transferred from a different school, and I didn’t know anybody in freshman year,” Moreno said. “I came from a private school, so I had to put myself out there a little bit. In the end, it all worked out with her, and I feel like it did for me too.”
Quintero sees music reshaping her perspective on age and self-image. Rather than viewing growing older negatively, she believes art can encourage self-love and appreciation for every stage of life.
“I’m really enjoying this time of my life, even though I’m an older woman,” Quintero said. “I think we have this negative idea of aging through music and through art. You really can learn self-love and aging is a beautiful thing. Even as we change physically, we become beautiful in a different way than what society values.”
As Jimenez prepares for life after high school, she believes “when the party’s over” now represents excitement rather than uncertainty of new beginnings.
“As I’m growing into this new mindset, I’m more confident in myself and genuinely excited for my future,” Jimenez said. “It makes me look forward to this next chapter of my life, where I can continue becoming more independent and figuring out who I want to be.”