Cloak of Mystery on Life After Graduation Lifted by AHS Alums

Bite-Sized Graduation Speeches

Is anyone ever completely sure of their future?  Are we making the right choice about college?  About work or travel?  Do the decisions we make as teenagers really dictate our direction in life?

While some have the perk of an older sibling or understanding parent  to confide in at times of ambivalence or worry, others may not have this reassurance.

Perhaps some of their experiences of Albany grads will give hope and encouragement to the high school seniors of 2013.

Andrew Marsh, 1998

After graduating, Marsh attended  MIT where he received  a B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering with a minor in music. Since then, he has worked in the video game industry as an engineer, lead, director, and now founder and CEO of his own software company.  As the most experienced interview source for this article, Marsh encourages students  to enjoy themselves.  “Life is a lot of fun if you don’t worry too much about it. There are plenty of opportunities to succeed and be happy, so don’t worry too much if you miss one. I’m not saying to be lazy, though, just not stressed.”

Marsh admits that working hard opens a lot of doors that can really make your life better. “Just find something you like doing that you can live off of, and don’t worry too much about what other people think about it.”

Kimia Azimi, 2007

Uncertain of what she really wanted to do after high school, Azimi  started community college at College of Marin while working a couple of jobs as a cashier and a nanny.  In trying to find direction, she worked at a doctor’s office to gain perspective of the field as well as interning for Youth and Government. In 2011, Azimi transferred to UC San Diego as a political science major and is now pursuing public health.

“I felt a little discouraged seeing my friends go straight to a four-year institution,” Azimi said, “but as a result, I got a lot of work experience I wouldn’t have otherwise.” Azimi went on, “Seniors should take the time to work different jobs and get exposure to different things to discover what inspires you, because you are most likely to succeed if you’re doing something you love.”

George Shan, 2009

In fall of 2009, Shan began studies at UC Berkeley. He is now a laboratory technician. For Shan, graduation meant freedom. “I think it is the moment that epitomizes the feeling of being young and having endless opportunities before you. However, it doesn’t last, so cherish it while you can,” Shan explains. Beyond this, Shan mentions that succeeding outside of high school is not the same as succeeding in high school—the world may be indifferent to your talents. Thus, Shan advises seniors to think seriously about the future and what they plan to do. “Decisions that you make can have a profound impact on how your life turns out. Get informed so that you make wise decisions. Read up on the economy and different jobs, talk to people in different occupations, and think critically. Work hard and enjoy the journey ahead of you. There’s no telling where you will eventually go, but have fun getting there.”

Loretta So, 2004

Upon graduation, So was eager for new experiences.  She was “ready to get on with her life.” She started UC Davis in the fall of 2004, where she graduated in fashion design and international relations with a minor in global studies.  Though she had no career plans in high school, Loretta is now an assistant manager of production for jewelry at women’s clothing retailer Charlotte Russe.

“During college, I interned abroad doing various things in marketing and business development. I worked abroad in Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore,” So elaborated.  After college she started working at Bebe Stores. Two years later, she  went over to Lucky Brand Jeans as a production associate, and then to Charlotte Russe.

“Try everything,” So urged. Through interning at various places and working at different companies, So found her true passion.  “College is the time experience new things. It’s when you build connections and figure out what you want to do. You’ll be working for a long time, so you definitely don’t want to hate your job.”

Eugene Yang, 2010

Unlike John Nagel (page 19), who put off college to join in the military, Eugene Yang combined his education with service. After graduating, Yang started at the United States Naval Academy. Since then, he has commanded a 108-foot ship, been submerged on a nuclear powered submarine out of Pearl Harbor, trained with the Marine Corps in California, studied in Taiwan at the National Taiwan University, done independent research projects in computer science, interned with the White House, been on exchanges to Yale and other colleges for leadership conferences, and more.  You get the picture: Yang has done a lot since leaving AHS. Eugene will be a staff member of the Naval Academy Leadership Conference next year.

Yang emphasized cherishing family and friends before leaving: “Have fun during your summer! Hit up everybody. You really only need eight hours of sleep a day to be comfortable, so get up and get out there! Throw parties for those who have to leave earlier than you and make sure they know you got their backs when they need to phone a friend. Demonstrate to your parents how much you love and appreciate them for supporting you all these years, whether you feel that way or not.” Yang added, “Trust in the experiences you’ve learned in high school and be yourself. You know a lot more than you think and it is valuable.”

Connie Huang, 2011

Huang is studying Computer Science at MIT, where, in addition to classes, she also has had a couple of side projects and internships.  Huang has done web development for an international art website, worked on data visualization for the Center for Civic Media in the MIT Media Lab, prototyped the website and mobile app for a fashion startup in San Francisco, and worked on a mobile app for the United Nations about social cohesion in Cyprus.

On top of this, Huang still gets to do a lot of art and design—she does marketing and publicity work for clubs on campus and she designs apparel for her sorority.

Huang strongly suggests finding what you are interested in and putting it to action. “Just devote your entire summer to it: learning a language, a sport, making a documentary, writing a novel, whatever. The summer after senior year is perfect because there are no expectations or questions about how you spent your time. Enjoy the time you have to be young and free; don’t grow up until you have to.”

One thing for sure, Huang advises seniors to really get comfortable with themselves over the summer. “You’ll definitely change going into college and during college, but if you have a good sense of who you are, then it’s easier to avoid things you might see as mistakes once you get to college.”

John Nagel, 2010

Eight days after graduation, John Nagel left for the U.S. Marine Corps. Although this meant that he was pushing college back to fall of 2016, enlisting in the Marines  allowed John to gain valuable skills that few have.  While deployed in Afghanistan,  he managed multiple computer communications networks. Nagel offered that the work tempo in the Marine Corps differed a lot from that in high school.

“Life doesn’t wait for you,” Nagel reflected. “If you want something, use your intestinal fortitude to get it. No matter what your choices  in life are, there will always be a consequence, so choose wisely, or watch your peers lead you.”

Scarlett Clothier-Goldschmidt, 2010

Scarlett Clothier-Goldschmidt is studying linguistics at UC Santa Cruz, where she will continue into the master’s program this fall.  Presently, she is doing research for her professors about the syntax of endangered languages and what they can contribute to our understanding of human cognitive architecture.

“Albany High School provides a great education, and I encourage graduating seniors to take advantage of everything that you can because you have the foundation necessary to do great things.”

“More importantly,” Clothier-Goldschmidt assured, “life after high school is gonna be great.”

Will Kim, Class of 2008

Will had no clue where he’d end up when he was graduating. He started off as a freshman at Yale interested in chemistry, but soon realized that he wanted to pursue something more business oriented. After taking a few internships to learn more about the financial services industry, he realized that he really did enjoy it and is now working in the industry. With his experience, Will points out that “it is important to find something you enjoy doing, but it is equally important to find something you can be good at.”

Faustine Luo is a junior. She has an irrepressible love of seventh period Journalism.