Check-In With Class of 2023

Due to the resounding success and supportive feedback the News received on the 2024 class check-in, we have decided to check in with the class of 2023 to see how they have enjoyed their first three semesters of college. They were asked two questions: “What’s a freedom you have at college that you didn’t have at Gilman?” and “What do you miss most about Gilman so far?” See below to see how your favorite 2023 graduates responded.  

Ben Weinfeld (Wake Forest University): A freedom that I now have at college is the ability to create my class schedule around my priorities, furthering my opportunity to pursue extracurricular activities and passions. For instance, last semester, I took 12 credit hours (6 less than the prior) to participate in a part-time internship experience outside of school, which was only possible due to my fluid schedule. I miss the freedom of individuality at Gilman, as in college, it is easy to find a group of friends similar to yourself and be perfectly content. At Gilman, I was surrounded by incredibly talented and unique kids, all with different perspectives, who were comfortable enough to express their own personality and were supported, something that I believe is critical to the Gilman community.

Brenner Enright (Boston College): I definitely found myself with a lot more free time at college than I did at Gilman, so using that time somewhat efficiently was an adjustment. I really miss hanging out as a grade, especially in the senior room, given that there are no established spaces like that at college. Looking back, being able to check in and talk with classmates on a regular basis is an aspect of Gilman I took for granted.

Alex Wasson (University of Miami): A freedom I would say I have is the double edged sword of freedom itself. In college every choice is yours to make, for the good and bad. Gilman did a spectacular job for me in setting me up for success in all aspects of high school, but in college, that road isn’t already paved for you, which is a positive or negative freedom depending on how you act on it. What I miss most about Gilman is seeing my closest friends day in and day out. As a 12 year man, it was a big adjustment not seeing the classmates I literally grew up with anymore.

Cameron Amiot (Michigan University): I definitely enjoy the freedom to schedule my day how I want to. If I want to study in the morning instead of at night, I can or workout in the morning. I’m not set to do XY and Z in some order. Second, I definitely miss seeing a familiar set of faces so often. There are days at school where I meet 20 new people. Happens often.

Kaydin Lunn (Bucknell University): First, in college you have the freedom to wear pretty much whatever you want to class which is nice. This allows students to express themselves more with their clothes and just be more comfortable. The thing I miss the most about Gilman is knowing pretty much everyone that you come across on campus. The constant familiar faces really builds a sense of community and connection.

Nicholas Gladis (Randolph-Macon College): A freedom that I have now at college is being able to wake up at a later time. I lived 40 minutes to an hour away from Gilman, so I would need to be up at 6:30 at the latest if I wanted to be on time for class. Now I can wake up at 7:40 and still get food for my 8:00 class. What I miss the most is most definitely the day to day relationship with faculty, coaches and my peers. 

Triston Hinds (Morgan State University): I feel like something I can experience in its fullness now would have to be the independence that comes with being in college. I think that’s pretty common amongst every college student for any high school, but you come to understand it better in college. Out of everything, I think I miss the tightness of a community with people who want to see you succeed. In college, you have to seek out every opportunity for yourself which is a blessing and a curse at times.

Nicky Merlo (Emory University): I think processing your own opinion in different social situations whether that is a small intricate situation among your friends or a situation affecting the larger society is a freedom I have discovered in college. In high school you process a more of a sheep mentality while you really blossom and come into your own pursuing college opportunities.

Kyle Smith (University of South Carolina): At college, I’ve found that I have significantly more time outside of the classroom to explore my interests. I miss being a part of such a close-knit community, which allowed me to form personal relationships with so many of my teachers and classmates.

Ryan Capodanno (Franklin and Marshall College): I would say there is much more flexibility with your class schedule which comes with a lot more free time. I would say I miss attending sports games like volleyball and lacrosse with my friends.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the experiences of last year’s last year’s seniors. It seems a common theme that emerges is to take advantage of the special community at Gilman and to appreciate your time here before it’s gone. It also appears that the freedom that comes with college can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on what you make it. What valuable lessons our alumni teach us! Let’s make sure to take these messages to heart while we are still a part of this community. Stay on the lookout for more alumni responses, the next class will be a surprise.