From Career Jeopardy to mock interviews, Wellington juniors got real-world insights from alumni who’ve taken bold, surprising, and sometimes winding paths beyond high school.
What does it mean to build a future — especially when you're still figuring out what that future might look like? That’s the question juniors explored during a recent half-day career panel featuring Wellington alumni from a wide range of industries. Designed and led by Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations Officer J.J. Bain ’06 in partnership with Director of College Counseling Emily Berty and Assistant Director of College Counseling Ivy Mitchell, the event offered students an authentic chance to speak candidly with those who once walked the same halls — and are now navigating the complexities of life, college, and work after Wellington.
The day began with panel-style introductions and a round of Career Jeopardy — a fast-paced and fun way for students to hear snippets of each alum’s journey before diving into deeper conversation. “Having the Jeopardy to start off with provided for a solid and fun foundation of the alumni’s stories,” said Annie Shen ’26. “That was incredibly helpful for someone like me who sometimes struggles with remembering a lot of people and their backgrounds at once.”
In small-group Q&As that followed, students rotated between alumni to learn more about how college shaped — or didn’t shape — their career paths. From shifting majors to switching industries entirely, alums were candid about the unexpected turns they’ve taken. “You don’t have to decide your whole life at 18,” Chris Noble ’10 shared — a message that landed with both honesty and relief.
That insight resonated deeply with the juniors in the room. “I was particularly struck by how open each alum was in sharing their journeys — the highs, lows, setbacks, and everything in between,” said Enzo Corso ’26. “It reminded me that my life doesn’t necessarily have to follow a straight line.”
Dom Ragusa ’17 shared how tough it was to find that first job after college — and how persistence, even through side jobs and 80-plus applications, ultimately led to a career he loves in environmental consulting. Obi Johns ’16 spoke about launching his real estate career after a pandemic hiring freeze disrupted his original plans, emphasizing the importance of building flexibility into your goals.
The morning ended with mock interviews — and for many students, that’s where the real transformation happened. “I initially expected it to be pretty serious and intimidating,” said Annie. “But it turned out to flow just like a conversation.” Her interview with Idin Pirasteh ’97 offered a moment of unexpected clarity. “We reflected together on what I will bring to the table within the greater community in the future,” she said. “This was life-changing for me.” Enzo shared a similar experience: “It challenged me to think on my feet, speak my intention, and share my own story with confidence.”
Cassie Robbins '17, Sunny Kolattukudy '01, Chris Noble '10, Courtney Lewis '01, Lauren Morr '91, Dom Ragusa '17, Idin Pirasteh '97, Obi Johns '16
Wellington extends heartfelt thanks to the alumni who gave their time and wisdom to make the day a success — Brad Biehl ’18, Dom Ragusa ’17, Chris Noble ’10, Lauren Morr ’91, Courtney Lewis ’01, Sunny Kolattukudy ’01, Idin Pirasteh ’97, Cassie Robbins ’17, and Obi Johns ’16. Their honesty and generosity helped make the future feel a little less abstract — and much more possible. As Enzo reflected, “These experiences didn’t just prepare me for college. They gave me a clearer sense of who I am, where I’m going, and how to step into that future with purpose.”