Last year’s graduating class has experienced a new kind of life in the past 10 months since graduation. Three alumni spuds in particular have shared their journeys and what they’ve been up to since starting their adult lives.
Scout Mortenson, a senior last year as well as a past journalism student, has now transitioned to the University of Colorado at Boulder where she studies public speaking, anthropology, group interaction, and journalism.
“There is so much time to explore and have a life outside of school,” Scout said in discussing the biggest change in her life since graduating.
Tallulah Bell has started a new job working at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles as a gallery interpreter. This adventure was nerve-racking for her, as she had struggled to find her passion.
“This way I could speak to people from all over the world, learn new skills, my weaknesses and strengths, and learn more about a world from my family background,” Tallulah said, explaining her strategy to gain more work experience.
She’s also deciding to make a big change by moving to Japan in August to attend University. Trying to stay consistent in challenging parts of life, she’s taken the time to prepare, using her free time to study Japanese and taking classes weekly.
Harley Wachter is attending Pepperdine University In Malibu, studying integrated Marketing and Communication. She is in a sorority, Alpha Phi and got a job as a barista at madhappy cafe.
“It is honestly the perfect major for someone like me,” Harley said. “It gives me a lot of room to be creative while also focusing on the typical studying.”
The one thing these three seniors have in common is how excited they are about having much more freedom, being able to manage their time on their own, and the change of independence going from the dorms to a free spirited way of living.
Scout’s time in the dorms was structured and very different from her lifestyle now. She has way more time to commit to her hobbies and spend time with friends.
She’s now a pledge at Kappa Alpha Theta in the fall, with Greek Week around the corner, and that sideline duty has taken up much of her time. She also spends her time snowboarding and adventuring any chance she gets.
The biggest difference for Tallulah from high school is that although she’s no longer under the roof of a school, she’s surrounded by a new environment alongside adults who have taught her many new elements of life.
When summer came to an end, she decided community college wouldn’t be a great fit for her at that time. Tallulah thought hard about what she should choose as her career, she knew she wanted to work with children in some capacity. That’s when she made a big decision to start her job.
“Although being a resident student at OVS taught me responsibility, this feels like a whole new level of independence,” she said. “I also feel a relief in the fact that I can make my own decisions in the way that I live, and what I want to learn about.”
Harley’s only struggle is being away from her family and not being able to dance, but she also enjoys being able to find things she likes on her own. She goes to pilates every day, and since she lives 5 minutes away from the beach she has a lot of freedom for that.
“So honestly the biggest difference is just having less structure and living to the fullest, whether that be having long walks on the beach or experiencing everything I possibly can,” Harley said.
To help the current seniors navigate the upcoming shift, last year’s graduates shared the one piece of advice they wish they’d known before entering a new point in their lives.
“Getting involved in everything you possibly can when you start college as a freshman,” Scout said. “You will make such amazing friends if you throw yourself into every sport and club you’re interested in.”
Added Tallulah: “You don’t need to feel like you should have everything figured out. I know that this final year of high school may feel overwhelming, with so many decisions and expectations, but my advice is to choose the path that feels right to you.”
“Do not choose a college based on its status or acceptance rate, also say yes to everything your freshman year,” Harley said. “Choose a major that genuinely fits you, it makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable.”