By: Renae Brown

   From the East coast to the Midwest, TPA alumni from across the country returned to support current students in their college journey. 

   During paideia on January 6th, these volunteers answered questions posed by Mrs. Moffitt in a panel format. 

    Elizabeth Hollman, Catherine Ross, and Clqara Moffitt flew in for winter break from Wellesley College, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania respectively. Maya Kostov and Gabriel Huerta-McWhirter from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University also volunteered.

   Mario Ruano, not a TPA alumni but a student at the University of Pennsylvania, accompanied Clara Moffit down to Arizona.

   When Mrs. Moffitt asked the panelists what their favorite parts about their schools were, the panelists expressed diverse opinions. 

   For Clara and Mario, they appreciate their school’s top-notch preparatory programs. The University of Pennsylvania excels in pre-law, pre-med, and business programs.

   On the other hand, Catherine’s school focuses on its undergraduates by giving them many opportunities typically available only to graduate students. 

   Elizabeth Hollman remarked on the merits and pitfalls of the small-school setting. She both appreciated the sense of community and expressed a desire for more activity than available in her suburban town. 

   Maya is working towards two majors, one with a small class size and one with a large class. As such, she has experienced the differences between small-school connection and large-school anonymity. 

   In contrast, Clara’s reputation as a student at an Ivy League school has awarded her anything but anonymity. She said that “the networking is unparalleled.” Instead of her searching for a job, employers come to her. Instead of convincing people, they automatically take her seriously when they see her University of Pennsylvania email. 

   The service of these undergraduates benefited current middle and high school students. Make sure to check back next year!