Westmark Grads Talk College and Career Readiness

A few weeks before Commencement Exercises 2024, eight Westmark School alums and two college professors convened on campus for Westmark’s annual College and Career Readiness Panel, answering questions and sharing helpful tips with the Classes of 2024 and 2025 about their post-secondary experiences. 

Presented as part of Senior Recognition Day and moderated by Dr. Katharine Gibson, Director of College Counseling, the panel explored the challenges and opportunities of life after high school. The discussion was wide-ranging, from moving away from home and transitioning out of a small school like Westmark to utilizing the accommodations available to college students with learning differences (LD). Here are some of the highlights. 

Where are the alums now?

It was wonderful to catch up with the eight alums (pictured above, from left to right):

• Aiden Fogel ’23 is a student at Chapman University.

• Sean Crummy ’23 is a student at Southern Methodist University.

• Jacob Rose ’20 is a recent graduate of Loyola Marymount University.

• Ethan Guetta ’20 is a recent graduate of the University of Southern California.

• Jackson Ornstein ’14 is a graduate of the AMDA College of the Performing Arts and now works in the sports industry.

• Alexis Strickland ’23 is a student at Loyola Marymount University

• Katherine Abraham ’23 is a student at California Lutheran University.

• Jojo Devine ’20 is a student at the University of Arizona.

What was the first semester of college like?

Aiden opened the discussion: “If anyone says they’re not nervous on their first day of college, they’re lying! But it was genuinely one of my best experiences.” 

Alexis said a tutor was beneficial during the first semester of college since it was challenging academically.

Both Jacob and Jojo emphasized the importance of being socially active early in college, as well as thoroughly understanding each class syllabus. They also recommended using calendar apps to manage workloads effectively.

How does one navigate college effectively? 

Paula DiMarco, Ph.D., Professor of Design at California State University, Northridge, and Justin M. Smith, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies at Azusa Pacific University, shared valuable advice. 

The professors encouraged students to make a lasting impression on their professors by utilizing office hours and advocating for themselves. They advised that this close communication is critical to standing out, building connections, and fostering mentoring relationships. 

Ethan echoed the professor’s sentiments: “Professors don’t want you to fail. Show your face. Let them know about your disability. Speak to them; they want to help. That is a really big key.” 

What are ways to start preparing for a career? 

Jackson advised Westmark students to utilize productivity apps. “Once you are out of school and then start looking for or having a job, you don’t have a schedule that’s very structured. Your boss isn’t going to constantly remind when things are due, so it’s really time to start using the skills you learned in high school and college,” he noted. 

Sean emphasized the importance of internships for career readiness. He highlighted that his university's requirement for internships, particularly in his major of Sports Management, gives him a competitive edge given the school's strong connections to major teams in the Dallas area. 

What do the alums love most about college? 

To close the discussion, each panelist talked about what they loved most about college and the best advice they could give Westmark students. 

Echoing the sentiments of her fellow alums, Katherine said that joining clubs and expanding her friend group to include people who live across the country are what she loves most about college. “Use your time wisely, have fun, but also prioritize your school work,” she added.

Throughout the insightful discussion, the panelists noted that while the transition from high school to college or career can be challenging, it is also filled with opportunities to learn about oneself and grow into adulthood. As the Classes of 2024 and 2025 listened, a resounding message became loud and clear: With preparation, dedication, and an active approach to utilizing available resources, future Westmark graduates can navigate the road ahead successfully.