Life in College Series
OneDublin.org’s unique Life in College series includes articles written by recent Dublin High School graduates about their experiences in colleges across California and the US. To contribute or recommend an article to include in this series contact us at editor@onedublin.org.
Life as a Student of the Humanities – from Dublin High School to UC Berkeley – Dublin High School Class of 2022 alum Anjali Pajjuri shares her story of pursuing a degree in the humanities, and her love for poetry and literature.
Life as an MIT Engineering Student – from Dublin High School to East Coast Boston – Dublin High School Class of 2019 alum Mallika Pajjuri shares her story of flying from the West Coast to the East Coast to attend MIT for engineering.
Life at Stanford University: Dublin High School’s Jianna So Combines Product Design with Social Impact – Dublin High School Class of 2017 alum Jianna So shares how she discovered a love for Product Design at Stanford after initially expecting to pursue a degree in law focused on social justice.
Surviving the Transition to College: Tips From a Rough First Year – Dublin High School Class of 2018 alum and McGill University freshman Evelyn Morehead writes about the challenges she face transitioning to life in college (and thousands of miles from home) and how she overcame those challenges.
Life at Johns Hopkins University: Dublin High School’s Joanne Baek Combines Passions for Engineering, Chemistry and Biology – Dublin High School Class of 2018 alum Joanne Baek shares why she chose to pursue a passion for STEM at Johns Hopkins and how Dublin High School helped her get there.
Life as a Highlander at UC Riverside – from Dublin High School to SoCal – Dublin High School Class of 2016 grad Anaswar Jayakumar shares why he selected UC Riverside to pursue a passion for mathematics.
A Bruin’s Declassified School Survival Guide – Pranav Singh’s Journey from the Bay to UCLA – Dublin High School Class of 2017 alum Pranav Singh shares practical advice on how on the college application process and the transition from high school to college.
Life at USC Studying Engineering – Dublin High School Loic Alini’s STEM Journey – Dublin High School Class of 2017 alum Loic Alini writes about how he decided to select USC and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, and the transition from high school to college-level academics.
Dublin High School Alum Hania Guiagoussou on Combining Computer + Political Science at Sciences Po + Columbia – Dublin High School Class of 2017 alum Hania Guiagoussou’s story about pursuing not one, but two degree in two countries.
Studying Abroad: Dublin High School’s Leesa Ko Pursues a Dual BA at Columbia University and the Paris Institute of Political Studies – Dublin High School Class of 2017 alum Leesa Ko shares her experience so far pursuing a joint degree at Columbia University at Sciences Po (France).
Life at UC Berkeley: Dublin High School’s Lily Hu Turns Passion for Math into Data Science + Economics – Dublin High School Class of 2017 graduate Lily Hu is interviewed by fellow Dublin High School student Neha Harpanhalli about how an interest in math started in high school can continue into college.
Life in Harvard University: Dublin High School’s Armaan Sengupta Explores Computer Science at the Ivy League – Dublin High Class of 2017 alum Armaan Sengupta discusses his first year at Harvard University where he is studying computer science.
Life as Biology Major at UC Irvine – Emily Bryant’s Journey from Dublin High School to Science in SoCal – Dublin High School Class of 2016 alum Emily Bryant shares her story of discovering a love for science during high school and pursuing that passion in university at UC Irvine.
Life at Tulane University – Nick Padnos’ Journey from a Dublin Gael to the Big Easy – Dublin High School Class of 2016 alum Nick Padnos talks about what it’s like to go to college in “The Big Easy” and what makes New Orleans culture so unique.
Jessica Bouchard on Life as a Kinesiology Major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo – Dublin High School Class of 2016 Jessica Bouchard talks about why she chose Cal Poly SLO, what sparked her interest in kinesiology and what helped her overcome homesickness.
Life in Stanford University: Dublin High School’s Kyle Reed Discovers Product Design – Dublin High School Class of 2016 Kyle Reed shares how he discussed his passion after starting Stanford University undeclared, and offers advice on managing through imposter syndrome.
Surviving and Thriving in UC Berkeley Engineering – Dublin High School Alum Madison Hildenbrand on the Transition to College – Dublin High School Class of 2016 grad Madison Hildenbrand discusses why civil engineering is so important to the world, and how she’s tackling the rigor of Berkeley Engineering.
Life as a Microbiology Major: Amy Peng’s Journey from Dublin High School to UC San Diego – Dublin High School Class of 2017 alum Amy Peng shares what inspired her to pursue STEM classes in high school and beyond, and offers advice for students interested in STEM.
UC Berkeley Senior and Dublin High School Grad Japna Kalra Awarded ASM Undergrad Research Fellowship – Dublin High School Class of 2013 alum Japna Kalra shares her story of pursuing microbiology at UC Berkeley, and the adjustment from high school to college-level science courses. Read more…
Life as a Computer Engineer at San Jose State University – Zoie MacDougall’s Coding Journey – Dublin High School Class of 2015 alum Zoie MacDougall shares her story of how Dublin High’s Engineering Academy and getting involved in robotics in middle school ultimately led to pursuing computer engineering at San Jose State University. Read more…
Life in College at the University of Michigan : Liz Fu Draws on Dublin High School Experience to Pursue Passion for Art and Design – Dublin High School Class of 2016 alum Liz Fu builds on the art and design classes she took at Dublin High to pursue a degree in art and design at the University of Michigan. Read more…
Life in Harvard University – Dublin High School’s Grace Li Takes a Passion for Writing to the Ivy League – Dublin High School Class of 2015 alum Grace Li, a frequent contributor to OneDublin.org, spoke to us about what drove her passion for writing and how that led her to Harvard’s Ivy League. Read more…
Life at Diablo Valley College – Taking the Road Less Traveled from Dublin High School – Dublin High School Class of 2016 alum Alyssa Arriaga writes about the value of a community college education. Read more…
Life at Brigham Young University – Adjusting to College Culture Shock – Dublin High School Class of 2013 alum Tori Shipp shares how she adjusted to life at BYU and used internships to find her major, all well staying on track to graduate in four years. Read more…
Life at San Francisco State University – From Gael to Gator – Dublin High School graduate and San Francisco State University student Sabrina Tabaracci shares her story of going away to college in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Read more…
Life at Colby College – Dublin High School’s Robert Durst Skates from Hockey to Computer Science – Dublin High School Class of 2014 alum Robert Durst shares his story of following a passion for hockey to the east coast and pivoting to computer science in college.
Life in a Community College: To the Top and Back Again (without the debt) – Dublin High School Class of 2015 alum Courtney Varela shares her story of starting her college experience at the University of Portland before transferring to Diablo Valley College due to the cost of a private college.
Life at Sante Fe University of Art and Design – Charles Simon on Finding Yourself in College – Dublin High School Class of 2014 grad Charles Simon shares how starting his college experience at Las Positas College helped prepared him for a 4-year college experience. Read more…
Sisters at UCLA: Natalie and Tatiana Bouri’s Journey from Dublin High School to the City of Angels – Dublin High School graduates Natalie and Tatiana Bouri, both attending UCLA, share what it’s like to pursue different career paths, at the same university, as sisters. Read more…
Life in Brigham Young University – Emilee McFadden’s Three Lessons for Dublin High School Students – Dublin High School Class of 2015 alum Emilee McFadden looks back on her time at Dublin High School, as she completes her first year at Brigham Young University, and offers advice to Dublin High students. Read more…
Life at MIT – Dublin High’s Kimberli Zhong Rides Robotics to Boston’s Tech Paradise – Dublin High School Class of 2014 graduate Kimberli Zhong writes about how leading the Dublin High Gael Force Robotics Club helped her land a position at MIT studying computer science. Read more…
Life in Harvard University: Savannah Wieser Pole Vaults East from Dublin High School – Dublin High School Class of 2015 alum Savannah Wieser shares what it takes to take athletics to the collegiate level, providing valuable and honest feedback for student athletes. Read more…
Life at The University of Idaho – Arianna Georgallis’ Journey from Gaels to Vandals Country – Dublin High School Class of 2014 graduate Arianna Georgallis shares her experiences pursuing a degree in philosophy by traveling north – to Idaho. Read more…
Life in Cardiff University – Jin Hyun’s Journey from Dublin High School to Welsh Castles – Dublin High School Class of 2015 graduate Jin Hyun writes about how she made the difficult decision to study abroad multiple timezones away from her family and friends, and the amazing experiences she’s had so far in Cardiff, UK. Read more…
Life in Cal State Stanislaus – Caitlin Carrion on Competitive Cheer for Warriors, Gaels and Mustangs – Dublin High School Class of 2015 alum Caitlin Carrion takes competitive cheer from high school to college, and shares how students balance the intensity of college-level athletics with academic achievement. Read more…
Alex Cappa at the Line of Scrimmage with the Humboldt State University Jacks – Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Alex Cappa shares what it takes to be an athlete at the college level – and how his love for sports started at Dublin High.
Life at UC Santa Barbara – from a Dublin Gael to a Seaside Gaucho – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Katie Somerville writes about transitioning to life away from home, in college next to the ocean, and her journey to selecting a major. Read more…
Life at Chico State University – from a Dublin Gael to a Chico Wildcat – Dublin High School Class of 2014 graduate Caitlin Benoit learns that the most important lessons of college are keeping an open mind and making the most of every opportunity.
Life at San Diego State University and Majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Jenny Lutz writes about how San Diego State University helped her discover a passion for the hospitality industry and working with people. Read more…
Life at Auburn University – Pursuing Aerospace Engineering in Sweet Home Alabama – Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Eric Turner writes about what inspired him to pursue aerospace engineering, and to move to Alabama to attend Auburn University for the experience. Read more…
Life as an Air Force Academy Cadet: Rebecca Beasley on her Military Adventure – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Rebecca Beasley shares her story of the first two years in the elite US Air Force Academy where she has learned more about herself and what she is capable of than any other point in her life. Read more…
Dublin High School Alum Crystal Fisher Explores Engineering at Purdue University – Dublin High School Class of 2012 and Purdue University chemical engineering student Crystal Fisher shares her experiences as a women in engineering in school and in the workplace, and why more students should given engineering a closer look when considering college majors. Read more…
Getting In to Law School: Dublin High School’s Kirsten Johansson University of Texas Law School – Dublin High School Class of 2011, Southern Methodist University Class of 2014 and University of Texas School of Law student Kirsten Johansson writes about what it takes to get accepted into and survive the transition to law school. Read more…
Life at UC Berkeley – Alexandra Brown’s Journey to Cal Chemistry Labs – Dublin High School Class of 2013 and Berkeley chemistry major talks about what inspired her to pursue a science degree, how Dublin High AP classes prepared her for the challenge of college, and what she learned as a student representative on the Dublin School Board during high school. Read more…
Dublin High School’s Malina Jiang Discovers Computer Science at Stanford University – Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Malina Jiang talks about how an all-AP schedule in her junior and senior year helped prepare her for Stanford, and what inspired her to pursuing computer science. Read more…
Life at St. Mary’s College of California: Megan Zummo on Balancing Lacrosse and Academics – Dublin High School Class of 2013 and St. Mary’s College of California student Megan Zummo talks about the how athletics and academics combined for a scholarship to college, and her advice for students looking to follow a similar path to a four-year degree. Read more…
Life at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo – from a Dublin Gael to a Seaside Mustang – Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Camille Chabot shares her experiences adjusting to life away from home at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she is working towards a Bachelor of Science – Liberal Studies to ultimately pursue her passion for elementary education. Read more…
Life at Georgetown University – A Dublin High School Gael Meets Jack the Bulldog – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Ina Deljkic writes about being accepted into her dream school to pursue a business degree and her first two years of college in Georgetown’s prestigious McDonough School of Business. Read more…
Life as a University of Southern California Trojan On and Off the Stage – Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Ryan McRee writes about selecting USC to pursue his passion for theatre and writing, and being honored with a full scholarship. Read more…
Life as a University of Colorado Buff – From Dublin Hills to Boulder Mountains – Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Tristan Elias talks to OneDublin.org about how an interest in biological sciences led him to the University of Colorado to pursue his college degree. Read more…
Life at Whitman College – Jillian Colwell’s Journey to Walla Walla, Washington – Dublin High School Class of 2014 graduate Jillian Colwell writes about moving to Walla Walla Washington to pursue a liberal arts degree at Whitman College, and how competing in cross country and track helped shape her education experience. Read more…
Life at the University of British Columbia – Why Not Canada? – Dublin High School Class of 2013 graduate Emily Morehead writes about the freedom and adventure of taking her university experience north of the border. Read more…
Life in College at UCLA – Pursuing Collegiate Dreams in the City of Angels – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Ronil Bhatia shares his experiences transitioning to UCLA from Dublin High and also shares his top 10 tips for students about to head off to college. “College is about defining and pursuing your passions – a degree is something that is attained and reflects on the success of that pursuit.” Read more…
Life at St. Mary’s College of California – from a DHS Gael to an SMC Gael – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Sarah Finn, who is attending St. Mary’s College on academic and theatre scholarships, shares her experiences in the scenic hills of Moraga. She talks about learning to adjust from the structured schedules of high school to the self-discipline of college, and how Advanced Placement (AP) credit at Dublin High helped prepare her for the rigor of college classes. Read more…
Life in College at Cal Lutheran – Thriving in Your First Year of Independence – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Rebecca Bomfim shares her experiences selecting and attending California Lutheran University, how college provides an opportunity to achieve independence, and other practical advice including balancing work, extracurricular activities and academics while attending college. Read more…
Life at Chapman University – a Dublin High Gael Becomes a Chapman Panther – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate and former Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees Student Representative Katelyn Haubert shares her experiences at Chapman University, the value and benefits of living in a sorority, and how AP classes in high school has helped prepare her for the rigor of college. Read more…
Life at College of the Holy Cross – from Dublin Gaels to East Coast Crusaders – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate and DHS Gaels varsity football player Clint Jackman writes about moving thousands of miles away from home and the challenges of balancing collegiate athletics with college-level academics. Read more…
Life at the University of Chicago – from Dublin High School to Hyde Park – Dublin High School Class of 2012 valedictorian Andrew Song writes about moving to the windy city of Chicago to attend one of the world’s premier research institution – the home to many Nobel Laureates – the University of Chicago. We followed-up with Andrew for a second story, covering his time studying abroad in Paris: Studying Abroad in the City of Lights – from The University of Chicago to Paris.
Life at Pace University: From Dublin High’s Little Theatre to the Manhattan Stage – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Chris Harral talks to OneDublin.org about moving to Manhattan to pursue a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts – Acting degree), and how Dublin High’s Drama Program and regional theatre helped prepare him for the Big Apple. Read more…
Life at UC San Diego – from the Dublin Shield to the UCSD Guardian – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Lauren Koa writes about transitioning from being Editor-in-Chief of the Dublin Shield to a contributing writer at UCSD’s newspaper (The Guardian), and what it’s like to pursue a degree in sunny San Diego. Read more…
Life at UC Berkeley – A Day in the Life of a Cal Bear – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Tatum Wheeler shares how she selected UC Berkeley, joining a new sport (Cal Women’s Crew), describes a day in the life of a college freshman and provides practical advice to college freshman students and their parents. Read more…
Life at Santa Clara University – from Dublin Gaels to Silicon Valley Broncos – Dublin High School Class of 2012 graduate Annie McDonald writes about starting her college experience at SCU, where she discovered rugby, learned how to look after herself when sick, how Dublin High prepared her for college and why SCU is ranked #5 for having the most caring professors. Read more…
Life as an Orange at Syracuse University – From Dublin’s Number Hill to The Hill – Dublin High Class of 2012 graduate Chandler Bullock shares the experience of moving away from home in sunny California to the east coast in search of his college dream, and how moving away has taught him to be self-reliant and independent. Read more…
Life at Harvard University: Michelle Lee on Choosing Crimson for College Colors – Dublin High Class of 2011 graduate, National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist and Valedictorian Michelle Lee writes about choosing between staying close to home and attending Stanford or moving across the country to join Harvard, about how Dublin High’s AP program prepared her for Harvard’s rigor and how she’s made extracurricular involvement in leadership and dance a part of her Harvard experience. Read more…
Becoming a University of Arizona Wildcat – From Dublin to Tucson – Dublin High Class of 2011 graduate Emily Edlund writes about how AP and honors classes at Dublin High prepared her for success in college, the value of getting involved in college life, and how going to school so far from home has helped her mature into an adult. Read more…
Life as a Cadet at West Point – From Dublin High School to the US Military Academy – Dublin High Class of 2011 Student Body President Ben Young writes about the transition from high school to military training, and how is experiences at Dublin High helped prepare him for the rigor and teaching methods at the US Military Academy at West Point. Read more…
Life at UC San Diego – From Dublin High AP to Nanoengineering – Dublin High graduate Jamie Somerville talks about his first few months at UC San Diego, how Dublin High’s Advanced Placement (AP) program has helped him adjust to college-level courses and the benefits of getting involved in college life. Read more…
Life as a UCLA Bruin: Deanna Hong on Combining Art, Athletics and Academics – Dublin High graduate Deanna Hong writes about her decision to attend UCLA and the difficult choices she’s had to make to balance her love of art, athletics and academics. Read more…
Life as a Piper at Hamline University – Dublin High graduate Erik Wong shares his story of finding a home at Hamline University after being recruited for the Piper’s football team, and how football and Hamline’s First Year Seminars have eased the transition from high school to college. Read more…
Life as a Vaquero at Santa Barbara City College – Dublin High graduate Cynthia Moore writes about the adjusting to a college environment where you are responsible for your schedule – and how getting involved in school activities enhances the college experience. Read more…
Life at Stanford University: Ravali Reddy on Choosing Cardinal for College Colors – Dublin High graduate Ravali Reddy shares her story of fulfilling a childhood dream – to attend Stanford University. Ravali writes about how college provides terrific opportunities to participate in enriching activities despite the academic demands. Read more…
Life at Columbia University and JTS – from Dublin High to the Ivy League – Dublin High graduate Sarah Wolfish relates her experiences going to college in the Big Apple – and somehow finding time to enjoy New York City while completing a joint program at Columbia and JTS. Read more…
Life at UC Davis: From The Hills of Dublin to the Flats of Davis – Dublin High graduate Kevin Cappa writes about how college is different from high school – and how to approach the adjustment to college life. Read more…
Life at Penn State – Going from a Gael to a Nittany Lion – Dublin High graduate Melyssa Lloyd shares her thoughts on getting involved in Penn State student government and a sorority to complement her academic experience. Read more…
Life at Sonoma State University – Fulfilling a Love of Music – Dublin High graduate Ann Kenney writes about how Dublin High School – and in particular three specific teachers – prepared her for pursuing a degree in music at Sonoma State university. Read more…
Life at Carroll College – From Dublin Green to Montana Big Sky Country – Dublin High graduate Veronica Rubio writes about moving away from home to experience life in a small, Catholic college. Read more…
Life at UC Berkeley – from Dublin Gaels to Cal Bears – Dublin High graduate and City of Dublin Citizen of the Year Aslan Brown talks about surviving and thriving during his first semester at UC Berkeley, and how Dublin High’s AP program enabled his to earn 24 UC Berkeley credits from work completed during high school. Read more…
Life at the University of Nevada, Reno – From the Dublin Gaels to the Wolf Pack – Dublin High graduate Summer Benavidez talks about the transition from high school to college, how she overcame being homesick to enjoy her first year away from home, and busts some stereotypes about going to college near Reno. Read more…
These are just a subset of the Dublin High alumni stories to be found on OneDublin.org. To contribute or recommend an article to include in this series contact us at onedublin@comcast.net.
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