Follow three high school seniors from a resilient school in San Francisco as they navigate challenges and excitement of growing up. It explores their aspirations, struggles, discrimination, and determination. The students discuss their uncertainties, mental health issues, and preparation for graduation.
Despite setbacks, Demaris remains determined to achieve her college dreams and make her family proud.
Branton prioritizes his mental and emotional well-being, taking baby steps towards his future at his own pace.
Deep dives
Demaris' College Dreams
Demaris, a high school senior at Mission High, dreams of going to college and becoming a lawyer. She has worked hard and participated in extracurricular activities to make her dream a reality. However, the uncertainty of college admissions and the pressure to succeed lead to stress and anxiety. Demaris faces rejection letters and feels overwhelmed, fearing that she may not achieve her goals. Despite facing setbacks, she remains determined to make her family proud and carve out a successful future.
Branton's Uncertain Path
Branton, another senior at Mission High, is known as the 'buff guy' among his classmates. He has a tough exterior, but deep down, he harbors fear and uncertainty about stepping into adulthood. Branton contemplates college options but feels unprepared and uncertain. With the support of his counselor, he decides to prioritize his mental and emotional well-being, taking baby steps towards his future and focusing on his journey at his own pace.
Alex's Journey to Stability
Alex's journey to graduation is unlike his peers. He immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador, facing significant hardships and separation from his family. As an undocumented student, he works multiple jobs to support himself and experiences the challenges of living independently. After years of uncertainty, Alex receives news that he can stay in the U.S. legally, unlocking opportunities for him to pursue higher education and achieve his dreams.
Reflections and Updates
Years later, Snap Judgment revisits Mission High and reconnects with the students. Demaris faces personal struggles and takes a different path than expected, focusing on her mental health and finding fulfillment outside of traditional college. Branton's whereabouts are unknown, but stories of his success post-graduation circulate among his former classmates. Alex remains resilient, landing a stable job and recognizing the boundless opportunities that come with obtaining legal status.
It’s Senior Year and Alex, Damaris, and Brantin have been waiting for the day they get to leave Mission High and enter adulthood. Snap follows the three students for a whole year as their dreams turn into reality.
Plus, we have life updates from the students about what they’re doing now.
A very special thank you to our heroes: Brantin, Damaris and Alex. Thank you also to Mission High School Principal Eric Guthertz, everyone in the Wellness Center and our guide Chandra Shivakumar.
Produced by Adizah Eghan, Liz Mak, Eliza Smith, Anna Sussman, and Mark Ristich
Original score by Pat Mesiti-Miller and Renzo Gorrio