No matter what year you graduated high school—whether it was just a few months ago or 40 years have passed—school picture day is a tradition with which most of us are familiar. You might have had to dress your best and pose in front of a classic backdrop or maybe a family member snapped a photo of you on the front steps of your childhood home.
Such photos are snapshots in time to preserve the memories of your educational journey.
We invited faculty and staff members to share their cherished childhood school photos for a fun look back—and we asked them to share advice for our students who are still plotting the next steps in their lives.
Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Ina Martin
Director of research cores and operations, Office of Research and Technology Management
High school class of 1995
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
All my science classes.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A world saver.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Follow your curiosity, build in-person social networks, and enjoy the learning process.
Rachel Stegemann
Associate director of student activities and leadership, Division of Student Affairs
High school class of 2010
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Science—specifically biology and chemistry.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A researcher or professor, although I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I want to be when I grow up.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
It's okay to change your mind. There's no one path to get from where you are to where you want to be. In fact, the best paths are ones that are winding and may lead you to places you never dreamed of!
Cynthia Kim
Assistant dean, Undergraduate Advising Support Office, Division of Student Affairs
High School class of 2014
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
English.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A baker or florist.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Search for your passions and interests, but also don't be afraid to change your mind! Our interests change as we grow, and that's just a part of life!
Samantha Cocco
Assistant director, Center for Civic Engagement and Learning, Division of Student Affairs
High school class of 2005
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Math.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An actor.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Do it all (to the best of your emotional and physical capacity—don't burn out, either)! Join the clubs, go on the excursions, spend the time volunteering, take the internship. I could never have fathomed how my experiences would come back around in my adult life.
I volunteered and now my career is in higher education, coordinating volunteer experiences for students. I joined some one-week international volunteer experiences and spent two years after college as a full-time international volunteer. I performed in some amateur stage performances and now I'm a theatre actor. I wrote for the college magazine and now I'm a playwright.
College is such an integral time: it's where many of us become who we are meant to be—we may just not be aware of it yet! It's hard to feel it as it's happening, but trust the process, have the experiences, and make some lifelong friends. You'll be thankful in 20 years when you'll look back and feel such gratitude.
Jason Steckel
Associate director, Greek Life, Division of Student Affairs
High school class of 1988
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Physics.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
It changed regularly.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Be curious. Ask more questions and make less statements. Don't fear intelligent failure in the pursuit of innovation and trying something new. Be kind to yourself and others, even and especially when things don't go the way you hoped.
William Breeze
Administrative director of faculty advancement and postdoctoral affairs, Office of the Provost
High school class of 1989
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
English.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
English or history teacher.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Cultivate an insatiable joy for discovery. Open yourself to learning about anything and everything. And read a lot! You'll be surprised at what you learn about yourself and about your universe in this way.
Theresa Grigger
Department administrator coordinator, [U]Tech
High school class of 1981
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Home economics.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Flight attendant.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Find your passion and don't let anyone tell you, you can't!
Dominique McIntyre
Assistant director of development, School of Law
High school class of 2016
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Science.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted an engineering career.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Stay curious, manage your time wisely, ask for help, build relationships, get involved, explore your interests, care for your health, embrace change, stay organized, balance fun and study, and believe in yourself.
Sara Lyons
Director of alumni engagement, The Alumni Association
High school class of 1978
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
All things math—algebra and calculus.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I pictured myself as a finance whiz making deals on Wall Street.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
College is a time to explore—be open to new classes, activities and friendships. Build strong connections with classmates, staff and faculty who will support your journey. Prioritize your well-being with rest and healthy habits. And remember, challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re opportunities to grow, learn, and discover your true path.
Diana Kloboves
Academic affairs manager, Physician Assistant Program
High school class of 2015
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
History.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A vet, an actress or an educational attorney.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Trust the process—everything that you come across or encounter is bringing you closer to where you need to be, even if it doesn't look that way in the moment!
Genine Apidone
Director, Cooperative Education, Case School of Engineering
High school class of 1992
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Psychology
What did you want to be when you grew up?
School psychologist
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Don't go it alone—seek support when you need it. There can be a lot of stress during your college years. Utilize the support and resources out there. This way you can truly enjoy the fun times and make the most out of your college experience!
Jay Klein
Senior director of national development
High school class of 1992
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Chemistry.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Lawyer.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Always challenge what your mind and body are capable of; it's the best way to grow.
Valerie Toly
The Carl W. and Margaret Davis Walter Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
High school class of 1976
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
History
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 5 years old.
What's your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Get all the education you can now before life gets complicated!
