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New Haven Unified seniors offer college, career and pathway advice at district panel
Summary
Graduating seniors told a district-hosted panel that pursuing passions, finding mentors and choosing AP classes selectively helped them prepare for college, careers and the military; students also described how alternative district programs supported their success.
John Thompson, superintendent of the New Haven Unified School District, hosted an annual student panel in which graduating seniors described the experiences and choices that shaped their next steps.
The panel opened with brief introductions. Edwin Linas, a Dakota School of Independent Studies graduate headed to the U.S. Marine Corps, said he's focused on the physical and mental preparation required for military service. "I used to be 216 pounds, and now I went to 150," Linas said, describing the changes he made to qualify for the Marines.
Several students urged current middle- and high-schoolers to pursue activities that match their interests rather than piling on credentials. "Take APs in subjects you're interested in," Arif Angar said. "Don't kill yourself doing APs." Vidiyush Sethupathi added that AP courses can show how a student handles college-level work and recommended actively seeking opportunities, including emailing professors.
Benjie Buenaflor, introduced during the panel as a student board member, said many college-relevant experiences can be found inside district schools through leadership and clubs. "Ninety-nine percent of my extracurriculars were school related," he said, arguing that students can succeed without always needing outside programs.
Students also described the district's different pathways. A student who identified as attending the district's alternative campus described it as flexible and personalized, noting staff efforts to find resources for students. Edwin said Dakota School of Independent Studies taught responsibility and provided advising that kept him on track.
When asked when to start preparing for life after high school, Cassandra Jimenez recommended checking college requirements early and considering community college as a cost-saving option. Arif and Vidiyush encouraged students to find mentors and pursue projects that demonstrate initiative; Arif described founding a stats club that worked with the basketball program and led to his interest in sports analytics.
The panel closed with students thanking teachers, coaches and counselors who supported them. Multiple students named specific staff they credited with mentoring and classroom guidance.
Thompson closed the panel after student remarks. The event emphasized practical advice for peers about choosing courses and activities, seeking mentors and using district pathways to reach postsecondary goals.
