This past spring approximately 100 freshman students took part in the Class of 2024’s first ever Alumni Event during which panelists shared their high school and college experiences with current 9th graders.
Ninth grade student council president, Natasha K. organized the event because she felt students could benefit from guidance as they make their way through high school and eventually the college application process. “I wanted the freshman students to be able to participate in an event to gain more insight about what they may want to pursue in the future, and give them a chance to ask questions to the seniors and alumni,” she said.
Class of 2024 president Natasha K. believes even freshmen need to start planning for the future, and so was passionate about hosting an alumni event.
A total of 6 panelists participated: senior William H. who will attend the University of Chicago, senior Pratim C. who is going to Dartmouth College, senior Alexia K.-B. who will study at Northwestern University, alumna Bela Kirpalani who attends New York University, alumna Angela Chen who is a student at Cornell University, and alumnus Wesley P. who is finishing a gap year before he attends the Georgia Institute of Technology this fall.
In order to best fit everyone’s needs, the panelists invited were diversified as much as possible. Natasha said, “I contacted seniors and alumni who majored in different fields of study. I also tried to diversify the extracurriculars they participated in since everyone has different interests.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event occurred via Zoom. Most of the participants had positive feedback, as many freshmen obtained valuable information. Freshman Josephine S. enjoyed this event because it provided “insight into college admissions” that she wouldn’t have received otherwise.
Freshman Jonathan C. said that the event was “eye-opening and interesting to hear of things that go on outside of high school.” Jonathan said he was able to “obtain advice and study habits for next year and the future.”
Panelist and alumna Bela Kirpalani enjoyed the event and was impressed by the other panelists.
Many panelists also had enthusiastic remarks about this event. JHS alumna Bela Kirpalani felt very comfortable speaking. She said, “My fellow panelists all had very wonderful things to say, and it was very easy to answer everyone’s questions.”
Similarly, alumna Angela Chen enjoyed this event and felt it took her back to when she was in a freshman’s position.
Overall most people would like to see this event repeated. JHS senior Alexia K.-B. would definitely want this event to happen again. She said, “It’s really important to target the freshman year because you’re kind of new to high school.”