By Sachi Bhati ’18, News Editor
The theme of this year’s Senior Seminar was “College Experience Beyond the Classroom.” Recent graduates returned to the school Jan. 5 to present to the seniors on topics such as studying abroad, conducting summer research, Greek life, life in the professional realm and training to be an EMT.
Baldur Tangvald ’11 talked to the seniors about the transition from college life to the professional world. Tangvald is a game designer at Bungie, located in Seattle. Tangvald graduated from the University of Southern California. Edwin Sam ’13, who attends the University of Pennsylvania, broke down the stereotypes against fraternities and sororities, while explaining the benefits of joining one. Evelyn Nkooyooyo ’14, a sophomore at Grinnell University, emphasized the importance of building connections. Not only does networking help advance your academics, but also any extracurricular interests. Gunnar Lykins ’15, a freshman at the University of Dayton, spoke about what it’s like to live in a residence hall. Lykins is applying for an RA position for the upcoming school year, and expanded on the benefits the experience can give you. Haleigh Miller ’12, a University of Chicago student, knows that experience is vital in deciding what career you should pursue. Having held three different internships, Miller was able to explain to the students how they impacted her decision on what she would like to do. Miller used Skype to talk to the seniors. Ishan Ghildyal ’14 decided to take a gap year during his freshman year in college. He explained the importance of keeping the relationship strong between the student and college counselor. The counselors were able to guide Ghildyal on what to do. He explained to the seniors that gap years provide time to gain experience and grow as a person too.
Jack Findley ’14 is living proof that knowledge and experience are as close as your nearest fire station. Findley volunteered at the Terrace Park Fire Department and as an EMT, which helped him in college. Jules Cantor ’11 played baseball for four seasons during high school. Balancing academics and athletics can be hard, so Canter gave advice on how to excel in both realms. Canter attended Northwestern University. Kat Mapes ’14 plays three seasons of sports at Mount St. Joseph University. She described the demands that the sports have, but also the rewards that come with them. Rebecca Miller ’13, took the Country Day dedication to service from high school all the way to college. For the past three years she has worked with Mentor for Philly, which helps underprivileged high school students with the college application process. Miller attends Haverford College. Sara Fitzgerald ’13 attends Tufts University. Fitzgerald recently spent a semester in Florence. She discussed the pros and cons of spending time abroad. Sonia Bhati ’14, a sophomore at Miami University in Oxford, shared her experience combining pre-med research with politics. She emphasized the benefit of getting involved in undergraduate research.
Bhati ’14, who sat in the seniors seats only two years ago, described how it felt to be speaking instead of listening during the seminar: “It was cool to have the roles reversed, being able share my experience in attempt to guide and inspire them, and answer their questions.” She emphasized how senior seminar made a difference to her right before going to college. “It broadened my understanding of opportunities available for an undergraduate student.” A huge supporter of the seminar, Bhati, thinks “It is a great tradition which helps prep the seniors by being able to hear the experiences from their peers, and I hope it continues for years to come.”
Kendall Smith ’16 saw Baldur Tangvald, Sonia Bhati, Haleigh Miller, and Rebecca Miller’s presentations. She said, “through the alumni’s speeches I learned how to go about finding and pursuing your passions in college. I learned a lot about how to make connections and gain access to research opportunities and internships.” Smith believes that the seminars are very useful to the seniors: “I think senior seminars are a great way to learn about college life before going to college. I definitely feel a bit more prepared for the transition to college.”
