Seniors Joy Cantu and Matthew Maldonado have been together for almost three years but their time in wrestling has kept them close since childhood. Always being part of the same team, over time their feelings developed further.
“We technically first met a long time ago, when we were about 5-7 years old at a youth wrestling club practice, that was actually here at the school,” Matthew said.
Joy and Matthew did not immediately hit it off; in fact they hated each other, but freshman year the sparks between them began to fly.
“Freshman year when we started talking more and hanging out together, and because I was the only girl he wasn’t scared to talk to,” Joy said.
Matthew finds it hard to narrow it down to find what he likes best about Joy.
“Best thing I can say is everything,” Matthew said.
No matter what Joy and Matthew go through, they know they will always be there and never quit on each other.
“I think if you really try and don’t give up, it’s not too hard to keep it going throughout high school. You overcome these tough times by working through it and finding the time to make for each other and keeping in mind what is important,” Matthew said.
“I think the key is to not take it so seriously and don’t let little things bother you. And always communicate to each other and make that person your best friend,” Joy said.
Seniors Paige La Belle and Cole Hurst have been together for 18 months. It started when Cole asked Paige to homecoming during junior year. They both then found they had common interests and humor.
“I don’t know; it just kind of happened. We were friends before we got together, and I feel like we started talking more, and I realized how nicely we get along and how similar we are. I did have a little crush on him before then though. I also liked that we both like the same things–like we have the same music taste for example,” Paige said.
They both share the belief that there are important things to emphasize in high school relationships, such as talking through issues with one another instead of keeping feelings hidden.
“Communication and mutual effort. There is a lot that goes into a relationship, but as long as you’re both keeping each other updated and putting forth effort you’ll find success with each other,” Cole said.
Finding positive qualities within each other strengthens the bond between Paige and Cole.
“I have a lot. He’s genuinely just a nice person. He’s the most generous person I know, and I also love how funny he is. He’s very patient and understanding,” Paige said.
High school is one of the most challenging parts of a teenagers life, and adding a relationship will never be defined as easy. Cole and Paige make an effort to support one another through their rough patches, as well as strengthening each other.
“However, we both try to work together to make each other’s lives easier. We are both understanding of each other’s differences, and that’s what enables us to grow deeper into our relationship,” Cole said.
Chemistry class brought both Pedro Hoefferle-Anaya and Alicia Martinez, both juniors, together in January of 2024. Starting from pure coincidences such as class together and Alicia’s locker being where Pedro stood, feelings developed when he contemplated asking for her number.
“We had 1st hour honors chemistry together last year and he would always stand outside the class waiting for Mrs. Ruane. My locker was right next to where he stood so he noticed me, but he didn’t know my name. He ended up stopping me after school one day and asked me for my number and, obviously, I gave it to him,” Alicia said.
Alicia and Pedro have found their jokes and acts of reassurance between each other are a major favorite part of their relationship. Ways of messing around with one another is a way to bring the light into the other’s life.
“Her personality has always been my favorite thing, we share a similar humor so we always find ways to make each other laugh. She thinks she’s funny but she’s just copying off me,” Pedro said.
Alicia believes there is an importance of keeping your own peace as well as recognizing you are your own person.
“It really is just about finding that balance between your hobbies, friends, and relationships. Both people just need to realize they can be happy without constant dependence,” Alicia said.
