The RISE Postsecondary Success team partners with CT high schools to ensure that all students graduate on time and complete milestones for their identified postsecondary plans. Throughout the month of June, we will be celebrating the accomplishments of graduating seniors in our core network schools. Their dedication, hard work, and resilience have led them to this important goal. Congratulations to the class of 2023!
Today, we are sharing an interview with Matthew Davy (above, left) and Atticus Brackett (above, right), from Naugatuck High School.
What is your plan, after you graduate high school?
Matthew: I am attending Brown University and thinking of majoring in psychology. My ultimate goal is to get a psychology degree, then go on to medical school and study neuroscience to become a psychiatrist.
Atticus: I will be attending American University and plan to major in international studies. I will be doing a three-year program and part of that program allows students to study abroad for at least two semesters.
Have you received any scholarships or special acknowledgments?
Matthew: I received an alumni scholarship within NHS, as well as a full tuition scholarship from Brown.
Atticus: I received a school-based merit scholarship that is covering more than half of my tuition.
What support did you receive to help you form your postsecondary plan?
Matthew: My family helped with the application process, as they had been through it before with my brother. They did receive some support with the CSS profile from the counseling team. We spent time researching programs individually to see what majors were offered and tried to select schools that had multiple areas of interest.
Atticus: Since I am the fourth child, I went through the process with my family previously, so we felt pretty ready, but I also worked with school counselors for support.
What advice would you give to a rising senior? What resources or support should they take advantage of?
Matthew: Get the process done early – don’t wait until the last minute! Demonstrate interest to show a school that you are interested in attending. Make any plans for senior year, including planning ahead on your schedule and applications. And plan for “senioritis!”
Atticus: I realized during the process that creating a balanced college list is key. It is important to build a list of schools where you have financial options. American University was a reach financially, but I was able to apply to a balanced list. If you are interested in the college, participate in showing demonstrated interest (visits, Zoom calls, meeting with reps, etc.)
What are you most proud of, as you look back on your high school experience?
Matthew: I am most proud of seeing how things progressed, as it was not expected when I started. I didn’t expect to make friends and now seeing the experience at the end has been rewarding.
Atticus: I am most proud of my social growth over the last four years.
What are you most looking forward to, as you look ahead to the future?
Matthew: I am most looking forward to taking control of my learning. In high school, you take classes you need to be able to graduate. In college, I’m looking forward to being able to study what is of interest.
Atticus: I look forward to meeting new people at college and living independently.
Follow along with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, as we continue to celebrate our amazing seniors during graduation season!