CATCHING UP WITH...
“Catching up with…” is a new, recurring feature where we take a few minutes to hear from recent graduates of NDCL to get their perspective on how NDCL prepared them for college, graduate or post-graduate studies.
Catching up with Jackie Delahunty `16 Where are you now? Case Western Reserve University School of Law Studying what? Second year law student Looking back, how did NDCL prepare you for college? Academically, NDCL was more challenging than my undergraduate work at Miami of Ohio. I actually felt overprepared for college. NDCL’s emphasis on teaching critical thinking is huge for law school. Law is all about critical thinking. What impact has your family made for your success? My family has always had faith in me, and trusted me which has allowed me to grow. They root for me, always telling me to “go for it!”. What life lessons did NDCL teach you? My closest friends are NDCL graduates. Community means so much, no matter where you are in life. Find your passion, get the tools you need to achieve, and you’ll be fine in whatever you choose to do. Your advice to NDES and NDCL students today? The academic preparation you are receiving is invaluable. Take advantage of the College Credit Plus opportunities. I did and was able to graduate a semester early.
Catching up with Sami Cooney `16 Where are you now? Temple University, School of Podiatric Medicine Studying what? Working towards a DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) Looking back, how did NDCL prepare you for college? Two individuals in particular, Mr. Poulos and Mr. Waler, pushed me to aim higher than what I was achieving. Mr. Poulos in chemistry, and then Mr. Waler always had us aim 5 steps ahead of where we were academically. What impact has your family made for your success? My parents are my #1 fans. They supported me exploring new waters as the first person in my family to pursue a career within the medical field and push me to differentiate myself in the rigorous application process.. Medical School is tough to get into, so I knew I would need to convince a panel of physicians what makes me stand out from other applicants. What life lessons did NDCL teach you? I had the opportunity go be on the state championship volleyball team. This experience taught me the value of mental preparedness and toughness, something I need in med school. Now I can overcome challenges mentally before I tackle them physically. Your advice to NDES and NDCL students today? Six years later I still keep the school’s core values close to my heart: Justice, Respect, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. At NDCL was the first time I was treated like an adult, and at the same time had expectations to act like an adult. Learn from your failures, seek what you want, and just keep going after it. 22
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