In the next four years, the classes of ‘25, ‘26, ‘27, and ‘28 will graduate from our beloved school and set off to start their lives. Whether this looks like going to college or starting your career, this next step can seem daunting at times. Many of us wonder what we are going to do after high school, and many of us don’t have a specific answer. That being said, there are people who have already been down this path…our alumni! So, what are our former bears doing now? How has their life changed since graduating?

As a previous year-round athlete, Payton Smith ‘24 has discovered how much more free time she has since starting her first year of college at the University of Southern California. She states that “In the past, I’ve always had sports all year, so I’ve definitely had a lot of time free up since graduation.” She has been spending this free time doing various activities California has to offer. “I’ve done a lot of exploring,” Smith states, “There’s a lot of stuff to do here in LA, so I’ve been taking advantage of that by going to different concerts, events and restaurants.” She also noted large differences, stating that “the biggest difference I’ve noticed is how much more independent I've had to be. There isn’t really anyone telling me to get stuff done anymore or making sure that I manage my time well. It’s all up to me now.” 

Prior student body president Karn Kaura ‘24 is also studying in sunny California at the University of Stanford. He’s been very busy since graduating, stating, “I actually started two businesses. One of them is a college consulting business.” He started this business with “Curtis Yang” who he states is “also a Blake class of ‘24” graduate. Kaura says that the purpose of their consulting business is to help “edit student’s college essays” and make the pricing of these services cost-effective. “Our aim is that we want to be a lot more affordable than these services that charge you like thousands of dollars,” Kaura states. A big difference he’s noticed is how much more “intellectual freedom” college offers. When in high school, Kaura states that “being in school for a seven hour long period kind of limits intellectual freedom,” and college gives students more of that freedom to explore their interests.

Jackie Wethington ‘23 chose to further her education at the University of Minnesota, specifically the Carlson School of Management. One of her highlights is walking onto the Women’s Rowing team. She states that “now I can say I’m a division 1 athlete which is kinda fun for a sport I’ve never done before.” Similar to Smith, Wethington notes the difference of time management between college and high school life, stating, “I think a big difference is you have a lot more time on your hands to kind of figure out and manage your own schedule.” Her biggest piece of advice to current Blake seniors is to “take it all in.”