LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — On college commitment day, also known as National College Decision Day, thousands of students across the country finalized their college decision. Last week, hundreds of students across high school campuses proudly wore the sweatshirts of their colleges. Across colleges, class sizes were finalized, and students prepared for a new year. Last Thursday, May 1, was college commitment day at Los Alamitos High School. 

“I saw an Instagram that today is college merch day for seniors, so I decided to wear this sweatshirt,” committed senior Daniel Li said on Thursday. 

Li will attend Cornell University in the fall, focusing on the engineering track. Like many other Griffins heading into college, he found himself nervous for a future far from California, but knows that missing home will be manageable. 

“I would say I am a little nervous about going somewhere completely new; the weather is going to be very different, and so is the culture. I am going to have to get used to living on my own, but I think I am going to learn a lot of new things there and meet many new people,” Li said. 

Another senior, Kaitlyn Mady, found herself dealing with similar issues of displacement and unknowing, but found comfort in college commitment day. College commitment day makes students feel connected with their peers; they know where their friends are going after months of the application process.

“Because I am moving so far away from home, I am a little nervous, but I am very excited to be in a new environment,” Mady said. 

Last week, hundreds of students were both excited and nervous about their future. Today, these students can plan and focus on moving forward. Soon, we will wish the LAHS graduating class of 2025 luck in all of their future endeavors, whether that be in college or not.