Central Catholic Presents “Life After CCHS” Panel for Current Students
Central Catholic presented an alumni panel, “Life After CCHS,” to its current students, giving them an opportunity to ask questions about life, college, and the professional experience of alumni in a variety of professions.
The alumni included:
Kaila Blanchard, Class of 2009 – The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst
Phillip Carlisle, Class of 2000 - University of Toledo Law, Criminal Defense Attorney, CCHS Board Member
Ericka Haney, Class of 1998 - University of Notre Dame National Champion in women's basketball, WNBA player, Ohio State women's basketball assistant coach, Central Catholic teacher and girls basketball coach
Neaira Williams, Class of 2006 - Bowling Green State University, Senior Material Planner at Dana Incorporated, and children's book author
The alumni talked about their college experiences and career paths after high school, and the obstacles they may have had to overcome to get where they are today.
Here is just some of the advice they shared with our students:
Students should get involved in a variety of activities in high school rather than focusing on just one thing because you never know where life will take you.
If you have concerns about your mental health, don’t ignore it. Don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need.
Apply to and visit a variety of colleges, apply for scholarships, and don’t “put all your eggs in one basket.”
Absorb all you can from teachers and staff at Central Catholic. All the alumni agreed that they learned so much and are grateful for the support they received at CCHS.
Appreciate the diversity at Central Catholic. It prepared them well for college and the workplace.
Happiness is everything. You should do what you want to do in life and follow your heart, not what others tell you that you should do. God has plans for you.
Wherever you are, be in the moment. Enjoy it and make the most of it.
Believe in yourself even if others don’t and be adaptable. You are accountable to the person you see in the mirror, and that person can do anything!
The current students appreciated the alumni for taking the time to share their experiences and advice. Many of them stayed after the assembly to ask more questions one-on-one with the alumni.
“I thought their answers to our questions were very inspiring, and they gave me a more positive and different outlook on my choices and what I plan to do in the future with college and my career,” said senior Porsha Mosqueda.
Junior Bella Spinazze said, “Seeing such successful alumni from CCHS made me take a step back and look at how blessed I am to attend Central Catholic. It’s an honor and privilege that I often take for granted. The inspiring individuals answered my question and went above and beyond to share their experiences to back up their advice. The advice they gave will stick with me and is very helpful during the uncertain and exciting times of the college admissions process.
“I learned that no matter where someone comes from or what they have, with hard work and motivation you can accomplish your goals. When asked what I want to do in life, I will no longer think about what is going to make me the most successful or earn the most prestige. It’s so important to find what you love and to do it well. Living in the moment and doing what makes you truly happy is far more important than any amount of money you can make.”
Central Catholic is grateful that our alumni are willing to take their time to guide and inspire our current students in this important period of their lives.