Though only attending Roseville High School for two short years, senior Taysia De Mesa can safely say she’s grown fond of the tight-knit community. Deriving from the paradise island of Hawai’i and then the pulsing city of Houston, De Mesa is all too familiar with being in a big city environment. Although she’s venturing back to her city roots post-high school to her true love of New York, De Mesa credits RHS with introducing her to new friends and opening doors to new opportunities. From driving to friends’ houses, visiting Roseville’s local food spots, and finding her niche through arts and academics, De Mesa prepares to graduate from RHS with an appreciation for the past two years – yet a desire for something more.

– Tarah Johnson

“I came to RHS as a junior. I moved around a lot. I actually moved from Houston to Roseville. It was a big change. You go from one of the biggest cities in Texas to some weird random suburb in Northern California.

Honestly though, my years at RHS have been better than I could’ve asked for. I was scared moving here. In a suburb area it feels like everyone sort of grows up together, like they’re very close knit. I was afraid I wouldn’t be easily incorporated into the groups here because of how close everyone is, but actually it’s quite the opposite. There were people who came to me the first day I got here. People here are very open and pretty outgoing, so it was a smooth transition.

I think I’ve met just the right people that’ve exposed me to the community. Without them I wouldn’t be as involved as I am in academics, sports, and art. I’m a city girl, so I’m excited to graduate and move to New York. As much as I love the suburbs, it’s not the place for me – but it was a greater change in environment. Honestly, I’ll miss driving in Roseville, going to my friend’s house, hitting up the local food spots. But I’m excited for the future.”