Editor’s note: The Como class of 2025 experienced the challenges of most high school students, balancing the demands of classes with new opportunities and responsibilities coming into view. In the following essays, Como graduates Vincent Anderson, Giselle Sanchez-Esparza and Levi Kallhoff reflect on their high school experiences.
“There is no shortage of people who are willing to help you.” – Vincent Anderson
Vincent Anderson
Before coming to Como, I never really cared about which high school I would be attending. I thought that every school would be the same, that it wouldn’t matter which one I choose.
But now that I’ve graduated, I can only imagine having attended Como Park.
Back when I was a freshman, I rarely did any other activities apart from school. But with the many different activities to choose from and a push from people around me, I was able to find something that I enjoy: a sport I was passionate about.
With time and effort, I became a two-time all-conference player and senior captain on the boys tennis team. Something I never would have thought was possible before.
However, my accomplishments weren’t just from my efforts alone. I have had so many people, from teachers and coaches to teammates and friends, supporting me. And this is what I love about Como.
There is no shortage of people who are willing to help you. As a student and athlete, I was expected to do my best, but when times got tough, I was able to reach out to others for support.
Through attending Como Park, I was able to challenge myself by taking AP (Advanced Placement) and CIS (College In the Schools) classes. These classes were able to give me a little taste of what college may feel like.
While taking these classes, we were assigned college level or near-college level work, while still being in high school classes. With that, I pushed myself, and also prepared for work in college.
Additionally, through my AP Government and Politics class, 18 students including myself were given the opportunity to take a trip to Washington, D.C., and immerse ourselves in the history and functionality of our government. On this trip, through the Close Up Foundation, we had the privilege of meeting with our representative and senator, meet other students from across the country and expand and deepen our understanding of politics and different perspectives.
Being a student at Como, although experiencing many normal ups and downs, has been wonderful. I have made so many wonderful connections with friends, teachers and coaches, and have learned many things that will be useful as I progress through life as an adult.
I am truly grateful to Como and all of the staff that have influenced who I am today.
Vincent Anderson will be attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
“… I learned that with hard work and determination, you can succeed at anything.” – Giselle Sanchez-Esparza
Giselle Sanchez-Esparza
I am incredibly grateful for the people, communities and experiences Como has brought into my life.
When I came to Como as a freshman, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t have any built-in friendships from middle school, and while I was excited for a fresh start, I was also scared.
As a shy, timid 13-year-old, I worried about how I’d make friends. Thankfully, sports gave me an outlet — not just to stay active, but to meet new people.
Over the past four years, soccer has been more than just a sport. It gave me a chance to play the game I love while surrounding myself with amazing people. The soccer community at Como truly feels like a family and I’m forever grateful for the memories we created.
Playing on a professional soccer field had always been a dream, and thanks to Como, my teammates and I made it come true with our Mayor’s Cup Match at Allianz Field. I’ll always cherish my time on the team and the friendships I built, watching my teammates grow from the shy freshmen I first met into the confident leaders they are now.
I also stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new — softball. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but it ended up teaching me valuable lessons, both on and off the field. Even though I didn’t start off strong, I learned that with hard work and determination, you can succeed at anything.
Without my teammates and coaches from both sports, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I want to specifically shout out our athletic trainer, Lindsay Knight. She became like a second mom to me throughout my athletic journey. I truly don’t think I’d be standing on two feet without her. Thank you, Lindsay!
Academically, Como gave me the chance to challenge myself. I took multiple AP classes like American History, Government, and Psychology that helped me figure out what I enjoy learning while building my time- management and study skills. One highlight was our AP Government trip to Washington, D.C., where I learned to be open-minded and listen to different perspectives on politics and life.
But the most important thing I learned was the value of strong friendships. Through my classes, I built relationships with both teachers and students that I’ll never forget — especially my advisory group and our amazing teacher, Julia Mohn. Thank you, Ms. Mohn, for being such a positive role model for all of us. We love you more than you’ll ever know!
Overall, I’m incredibly thankful for everything Como has given me over the past four years. I’ll always carry these experiences with me and will forever cherish the amazing people I’ve been lucky enough to call my friends.
Giselle Sanchez-Esparza will be attending St. Olaf College.
“My high school experience would not have been the same if all I did was go to class then go home, and I know it sure would not have been better.” – Levi Kallhoff
Levi Kallhoff
I am proud of the person that I have become over the past four years.
I am a better student, a harder worker and a more well-rounded person leaving Como than I was coming in.
While my development required a lot of effort from me, I have been blessed with a meaningful support system to guide me through high school and beyond.
One thing I am grateful for in my Como experience has been that I have been set to succeed after I leave. One of my goals going into high school was to utilize accelerated classes to earn free college credits.
In the last four years, thanks to my teachers, counselors and other support, I have been gifted plenty of opportunities to achieve my goal and saved thousands of dollars in college.
One example of success was how I was able to get CNA (certified nursing assistant) certification. My counselor knew that nursing is my dream career and was able to set me up with a program to get my CNA training through Saint Catherine University.
Not only did I get college credit through the class, but I was able to pass my certification test. Thanks to Ms. Thao for thinking of me and that opportunity, I have been able to take the next step to getting my dream job.
In my four years at Como, I have grown academically, but I think that how I have grown socially is even more impressive. When I stepped into school my freshman year, I was leaving behind over a year of isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic.
To say my social skills were rusty is a vast understatement. Despite that, I was able to build connections with people who have grown to be some of my closest friends. My friends are by far the greatest reason that I am a happier person now than I was four years ago, and why I am confident I will thrive in college.
If I were asked to give one piece of advice to someone going into high school, I would tell them to join extracurricular activities. Joining Como’s ultimate frisbee team and theater tech crew have set me up to succeed after high school.
I have learned valuable lessons about working on and leading a team, time management and communication. Those skills will not only help me in college but in the professional world after that.
Joining extracurriculars has also helped me diversify my friend portfolio, letting me meet people who weren’t in the same classes as me. My high school experience would not have been the same if all I did was go to class then go home, and I know it sure would not have been better.
While high school has felt like a grind at times, now that I am done it feels like a blur.
I am blessed to look back without regret as a better person than when I began.
Levi Kallhoff will be attending Creighton University.
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Graduation time for seniors at Como Park High School
Graduation for Como’s class of 2025. Members of the senior class at Como Park Senior High School walked across the stage at Roy Wilkins Auditorium on June 3 to receive their diplomas. Photos submitted by Eric Erickson.
