This year, just like in previous years, I wanted to send an open invitation to all students who were in my class at any time during my 17 years at Coppell High School and had since graduated. I would invite them to show up either in person or by Zoom to talk with the students, and answer their questions about their senior year experience, applying to college, writing essays, college life, and what to expect afterwards.

I honestly wasn’t sure if I should continue this for this fall, because it does involve a lot of planning and class time. So, I sent out a survey to my incoming students before school began, asking them what they were excited about and what they were nervous about as the first day of school approached. I teach mostly seniors, so I was very interested in their answers.

As I scanned through the responses, they were excited about the upcoming year for many different reasons. Then, when I looked at why they felt nervous about this year, I noticed a pattern:

• I’m nervous about handling my coursework, college apps, dance and everything else all together.
• College apps☹️
• Filling out college apps and the workload I am going to have during first semester.
• That I will be expected to be an adult immediately after I graduate.
• I’m nervous about not getting into one of my listed colleges.
• college applications (obviously) as well as deciding my major
• I am nervous for college applications.
• I’m nervous about college applications and admissions
• i’m nervous about being able to manage everything with my anxiety and depression
• Managing both school and college applications at the same time this fall.
• A bit nervous about Calc because it was my worst grade last year. Also trying to get into NYU and waiting for their decision is a bit nerve-wracking
• College applications, and the sheer amount of things to do before going to college.
• I am particularly nervous about being a senior and applying to colleges. This is my second year in the states and I have very little clue about the process of college admissions here. Along with that I don’t seem to have the best grades or extracurriculars to apply to schools I want to go to, so I’m nervous about how my future will turn out.

Most of the students were nervous about the very things I was asking my alumni to discuss. Once I saw this, I knew I had to go through with it.

So, I sent the invitation through all of my social media accounts. This year I received 60 responses from alumni, and 52 participated – a new record! The alumni ranged from the Class of 2008 to the Class of 2023, so there were a lot of different viewpoints and opinions about what life is like after graduation. Within these different perspectives, however, there was a common thread in the form of a message that seniors should enjoy senior year because they only get it once. All the other stressors won’t seem as nerve-wracking if students work on them a little at a time, long before they’re due.

Alumni pictured above: (Row 1) Manasvi N., Priya P., Nikhil K., Erin J., Sven C., (Row 2) Hanna K., Lea B., Afrah S., Sanjani P., Julia S., Vishal K., (Row 3) Kashvi S., Brenna M., Amatullah K., Aarushi A., Adil S., Ananya B., (Row 4) Anuja M., Sahith M., Ananya A., Sahana R., Yue T., Smaran V., (Row 5) Ronak I., Kevin C., Alyssa R., Adrian G., Sahan Y., Amruta D., (Row 6) Shraavya P., Mason E., Dylan S., Dev C., Ryan I., Ansh D., (Row 7) Hannah M., Sreyashi E., Chetan V., Sophia S., Daniel E., Alanna D., (Row 8) Arjita S., Garrett S., Celeste W., Juwon L., Maanas S., Madhura N., (Row 9) Saman H., Anushka L., Akhila G., Jess G., and Rohin B.

After the week was over, many of my students approached me and thanked me for taking the time to make this happen. As a result of the wisdom from the alumni, my students’ stress levels were lowered, and they were excited, ready to face the year along with all the obligations that came with it.

A huge thank you goes out to all the alumni who helped me out this year! This would not have been nearly as successful without them. Teaching current students brings me happiness without question, but the relationships I’ve been able to form with them after graduation bring me unending joy.