Self-Awareness, Skills and Heart: W+H Alumni Embody What is Needed for Success During College Transition

On January 9, Wardlaw+Hartridge held its annual Young Alumni Panel, which is graciously hosted by the W+H Parents’ Association (WHPA) and remains one of the highlights of the academic year. The WHPA, administrators, faculty, and students joyously welcomed back five members of the Class of 2024: Gbemi Olarewaju (Biology and Economics/Finance, University of Pennsylvania); Jaiden Patel (Accounting, Fordham University); Raiya Patel (Economics with a possible double major in Data Science, New York University); Sanya Sidhu (Biology and Pre-Med track, Boston University); and Hannah Yin (Undeclared, but likely Biology and Pre-Dental track, Emory University). With the same insightfulness and personality that helped them shine at W+H, our alumni eloquently shared details about their admissions journey and first semester of college.  

The panelists enumerated the myriad of factors that influenced their college choices. Their reasons are some of the ones that the College Counseling Team urges W+Hers to think about while crafting their school lists. Gbemi is grateful for her program’s emphasis on “interdisciplinary learning,” which encourages students to be “genuinely curious” and “connect seemingly distinct thoughts.” NYU allows Raiya to remain within a short ride of her parents and grandparents, with whom she is very close. Hannah raves about Emory’s extensive support system that promotes “overall student wellness and happiness.” Jaiden finds Fordham’s “closed campus” within New York City appealing, implying that it offers him the best of both worlds. Sanya, who “fell in love with Boston” during a family trip, similarly enjoys the energy that a city offers.

Alumni spoke at length about their favorite aspects of this new chapter. A common theme was the excitement stemming from constantly meeting different kinds of people, and they believe that being immersed in W+H’s diverse environment helped fuel this desire. Our five panelists discussed the important relationships they have formed. Jaiden recognizes how his business professors’ focus on real world application, combined with Fordham’s commitment to providing students with practical knowledge through internships and the tools to build a powerful network, will prove invaluable in launching a career. Hannah relies on an advisor for “structure” and guidance that enables her to “stay on track,” as does Raiya.  Sanya and Gbemi both view upperclassmen friends as mentors who supply crucial advice about college and life overall.

Panelists seem to be satisfied with their adjustment to college generally, but they acknowledged that the transition – as can be expected – has not always been easy. They quickly realized that now they would be responsible for their education; first and foremost, they must take advantage of the assistance that is readily available from professors and advisors for those who seek it. Raiya also referenced the ins and outs of “adulting,” which Jaiden and Gbemi humorously pointed out includes waking up on one’s own, remembering to wear shower shoes, and other considerations that never may have crossed teens’ minds.

While our W+Hers understandably have found being on their own nerve-wracking at times, they unanimously praised W+H for preparing them for the challenges of independence.  Sanya happily relayed how W+H “teaches you how to talk to people, how to write an email, how to put yourself out there.”  Hannah reflected upon how W+H’s small environment results in students becoming comfortable with classroom discussion, which is an element of lecture recitations and first-year seminars. All credited W+H with strengthening their aptitude for critical thinking, which is critical for success in every field of study.

As W+H’s Director of College Counseling Sarah Honan and I moderated the 2025 Young Alumni Panel, I was struck by our panelists’ maturity and grace while they candidly discussed how experience has provided them with greater self-awareness and powerful lessons. I realized later that many of the ideas they touched upon are ones found in a book by Arielle Dance, Ph.D., also a recent visitor to our campus. Dearest One reminds readers that they should appreciate their uniqueness and all they have to contribute to society by “showing themselves love,” “taking up space,” and “choosing their path.” The book also frankly acknowledges that life’s highs and lows require individuals to “turn their face to the sun,” “embrace the rain,” and “be brave even when they are scared.” These are a few of the numerous lessons that Gbemi, Jaiden, Raiya, Sanya, and Hannah have learned during their first semester in college, where they will continue to grow into the people they were meant to be and make the entire W+H community proud!