From College Campus and Personal Safety with Beth Celestini (Coco ‘28), Tips for Wellness in College with Laura (Rowell ‘96) O’Neill, LPC, to Personal Finance with Matt Buonocore, How to Be Your Best Self with Christopher Ullman (Alydia ‘20, Aria ‘24), and Building Friendships with Jessie Waites, English teacher, the students glean insights on how to face the practicals of the transitions that will come with adjusting to college and adulthood. The students even had a Car Maintenance 101 presentation from Rider Kanuch and Bern Deiderich.   

Dr. Wairimu Mwangi, a professor of sociology at Trinity Washington University, spoke to the students about how to approach their college experience. She encouraged them to “take charge of your education” as they embrace a growth mindset in their courses and in any of the other challenges they may face. 

But beyond the practicals such as - stay off your phone during class, communicate well with professors, and sit in the front - Dr. Mwangi encouraged the students to embrace their values and to call home often. 

“Please do not lose your values,” she said. “After all is said and done, that is all you have to hold on to - who you are and who your parents brought you up to be.”

“Go back to where you came from and to what was instilled in you,” Dr. Mwangi added. “That is what keeps echoing as you get older. Those values are so important, it is what keeps you going. You will keep going back to those same values.” 

One step closer to graduation, Lead Days help our seniors prepare to face the world ahead, equipped with the support and tools they need to succeed in all areas of their lives.