“I guess it’s something that I have taken a liking to because I haven’t really had the chance to see that many places,” she said. “I have always liked travel and learning different languages. It’s really interesting to learn about people and different cultures.”

As a student at University of California, Santa Barbara, Randall is a dual major as she takes both global studies and economics. With a class load of 16 units, Randall said she is enjoying the variety of courses.

“It’s well rounded,” Randall said. “I’m just not learning any one subject. Like with global studies, it’s a combination, it’s called inter-disciplinary. I’m taking Spanish classes and I am taking economic classes. It’s really cool.”

While attending Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs Randall was a member of the Ponderosa swim team, awarded High Point JV Girl 2006, won a varsity letter in 2009, was a member of the Key Club, a presidential adviser, member of the Ponderosa cross country team, participated in Safe School Ambassadors Program, was a Link Crew leader and participated in the Placerville Dry Diggings Dolphin Swim Team.

“My interest in cultures has really opened my eyes to many world issues,” she wrote in her scholarship application. Misunderstandings can occur when people are uninformed about other societies, and studying other cultures can help limit those misunderstandings.”

She added after graduating from college, Randall hopes to start a career in in business and plans to work for an international business and use her knowledge of economics and foreign language to play a role within the company.

“Although I am not sure where my academic adventures will lead me, I know that a college education is the first step to achieving my goals.” she wrote.

“My first semester was really crazy,” he said. “I wanted to get involved as much as I could and when  you get to college you are overwhelmed with opportunities to get involved and I took 17 units, which is the max you can take so I was super busy all of the time.”

Barrett, a student at Azuza Pacific University, is majoring in Biblical studies.

“Due to my faith and love for Jesus Christ, and the support of my two caring parents I am striving to continue my education at the collegiate level,” he wrote in his scholarship application. “I credit that decision to Jesus because it is His calling on my life that provides me with motivation and desire to attend a four-year university.”

A graduate of Golden Sierra High School, Barrett won numerous awards, including Honors English 3, Chemistry class “Mole King,” Honorable Mention in baseball, Biology Outstanding Achievement, All-League Baseball Player, Scholar Athlete and homecoming prince.

He played varsity baseball, was the sports editor for the school paper and a high school group leader.

In his spare time he volunteered for various community service organizations.

No stranger to keeping busy, his weekly college schedule consists of attending chapel and classes, studying and if he doesn’t have  a lot of homework, he spends time with his friends.

“My parents have raised me with the mindset to work hard towards my goals,” he wrote in his application. “Those goals include growing in knowledge and experience through college.”

Although living in Azuza is different than living in Cool, Barrett said he has adapted well and is looking forward to graduation.

“Environmental science is a newly discovered passion,” she wrote in her scholarship application. “Having the opportunity to be in AP Environmental Science has given me a new insight on what makes the planet tick. I feel that I have only scratched the surface on the fascinating world of natural resources and the discussions that arise due to differing views within the classroom on how we are impacting the Earth for future generations.”

Faulk, who is attending Cabrillo Community College in Santa Cruz, is majoring in environmental science and intends to be an environmental consultant upon graduating.

After spending all of her life in Placerville and attending El Dorado High School, Faulk said she finds college life interesting.

“It’s eclectic,” she said. “It’s so different. It’s really laid back. So far all the teachers I had last year were fantastic.”

She added Santa Cruz still maintains that small town feel and since it’s a small college, everybody knows everybody else.

“It’s a completely different culture,” she said. “It’s fantastic!”

Last semester Faulk carried 17 units and this semester she is carrying 16.

“It’s not so bad,” she said. “A lot of people who go back into college when they are 20-something and haven’t been to school in a while think, ‘Oh my gosh, four classes!’ and it’s like oh my God, when you were in high school you took seven, you’re fine.”

Faulk said she chose Cabrillo because she wanted to branch out and experience some place other than Placerville. She added she also has family living in the area.

“I still have my best friends in Placerville,” she said. “But Santa Cruz has the other alien kids and they’re great.”