Senior Spotlight: Ja'Nina Thompson

By VCS Junior Kynadi Gordon & VCS Senior Soraya Rojas

For this week’s Senior Spotlight, we’re highlighting Ja’Nina Thompson, a dedicated student who has attended Valley Christian School for all 12 years. During her time at VCS, Ja’Nina has been involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, and helping around the school—making her a familiar and respected face in the VCS community.

Below, Ja’Nina shares her experiences, reflections, and hopes for the future.

Q: What’s one of the biggest changes you’ve seen at Valley? 

A: One of the biggest changes I’ve seen at VCS is the introduction of Yondr pouches.

Q: Anything you recommend to lowerclassmen? 

A: It’s okay to isolate yourself from others; you don’t need friends.

Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned about people in high school? 

A: Many people are two-faced, so be mindful of who you hang around.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during high school? 

A: To stay focused on myself.

Q: If you could go back to freshman year, what advice would you give yourself? 

A: Appreciate your youth—it goes by extremely fast.

Q: Was it easy to decide what you wanted to pursue in college? 

A: Yes. I’ve always loved and prioritized my teeth, so choosing my career path came naturally.

Q: What’s one thing you want to experience in college? 

A: I want to experience meeting new people and welcoming new changes into my life.

Q: What kind of person do you want to become? 

A: I want to be less irritable and learn to be more patient and effective at communicating.

Q: Who or what inspires you the most? 

A: My grandma. She constantly motivates me with positivity and biblical encouragement.

Q: What does success mean to you? 

A: Success means waiting until marriage to have children, starting a family, accomplishing your goals, and becoming someone others can look up to.

Q: What’s something you did in high school that you're proud of? 

A: I consistently maintained a 4.3 GPA.

Q: How do you want college to change you? 

A: I want college to help me become more mature and open to new experiences.

Q: What’s one quote that inspires the way you live? 

A: J. Cole’s “Love yourself or nobody will.” It has helped my self-love grow.

Q: Are you nervous about the next chapter of your life? 

A: No, I’m not nervous—I’m extremely excited for this new change.

Q: How do you want to balance work, school, and fun in college? 

A: My main focus will be college and working.

Q: What’s a passion that has motivated you through high school? 

A: Constantly reminding myself to stay focused and determined.

Q: What’s one thing you want to do before college starts?

A: I want to continue improving the way I manage my money.

Q: What are you most proud of in your life? 

A: “Maintaining good grades while still working a full-time job.”

Q: How has society changed you in ways you didn’t expect? 

A: “I don't really think society has changed me. I try not to let things change who I am unless it’s for a good cause.”

Q: What advice would you give to someone my age? 

A: “Don’t rush into adulthood! It’ll come slowly—just give yourself time to prepare.”

Q: If you could relive one year of your life, which would you choose? 

A: “My freshman year.”

Q: How did you choose your career path? 

A: “I thought about the places I used to go as a kid and how much I liked them. I also considered how much money the career would make.”

Q: What food, place, or memory brings you the most comfort? 

A: “Taco Bell, my grandma’s house, or cooking.”