TUCSON, Ariz. — High School graduations are still a few months away, but many seniors are already preparing for their college futures.
Pueblo High School seniors Aaron Kuzdal, Janice Salazar and Janay Ladriere are on the way to their next big adventure - starting college.
Kuzdal will attend Swarthmore College, and Janice and Janay will be at Smith College. Listed on U.S. News' 2020 Best Liberal Arts Colleges, Swarthmore is number three, Smith is number 11.
Right now, Kuzdal is on track to becoming the first African American valedictorian at Pueblo High School in almost 10 years.
"It means everything. I've worked really hard in high school. Like, just a bunch of sacrifices so it all worked out," said Kuzdal.
Salazar, eager to see the snow in Massachusetts, see's her going to college as a chance to succeed.
"It means a challenge. Once I got accepted, I could really push myself," said Salazar.
And while Ladriere said her major is undecided, she does know she wants to go into pre-med.
"I see my future just opening up for me and a lot more opportunities than I ever imagined for myself," said Ladriere.
With all three soon moving across the county, KGUN9 asked if they felt anxious, excited or nervous about living away from home.
"All of the above. I'm very excited to be independent, to be on my own But I'm also nervous because it'll be the first time without my mom and without family that's here," said Kuzdal.
"I'm very excited. I feel like I like to have new experiences and I really like the adventure of just moving to another place and starting college," said Salazar.
"I'm definitely excited and I'm not as nervous because my sister is already there so I already have here and then Janice is also going with me and we're really good friends, like study-buddies," said Ladriere.
Congrats to these standout students at Pueblo High School.
Watch below for their extended interviews:
