Lessons from the Other Side: Alumni College Panel Shares Perspective with Upper School
On Wednesday, January 7, the halls of ICS buzzed with a familiar kind of energy as six alumni returned to campus - not as students this time, but as mentors eager to share what life looks like beyond the Creek. Members of the Class of 2022, now college seniors, gathered to speak candidly with current Upper School students about their college journeys, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and how the foundation they built at Indian Creek continues to shape their paths.
The panel represented a wide range of academic interests and institutions across the country:- Amareah Bead is studying Civil Engineering at Purdue University, where she now serves as president of the National Society of Black Engineers.
- Kai Collins is pursuing Clinical Psychology at Tufts University.
- A.J. DePaolis has combined his passions for teaching and music as a Music Education major at Towson University, already working as a paid musician while completing his degree.
- Chris Kokoski is studying Marketing with a minor in Commercial and Investment Real Estate at Coastal Carolina University, where he currently serves as vice president of the student body and was recently honored with the Spirit of the Chanticleer Award for leadership and campus involvement.
- Sarah Martin is majoring in Psychology with minors in Biology and Health and Society at Rutgers University, balancing rigorous academics with life as a Division I rowing athlete.
- Nick Menendez, a Neuroscience major at Villanova University with minors in Music and Psychology, is preparing to take his next academic step at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Introduced by College Counseling team members Maggie Margiotta Melson and Nadine Marks, the alumni were thanked for returning to campus to support Creekers navigating the college application season. Throughout the conversation, the panelists shared thoughtful insights into the college search process, reflecting on how their high school experiences helped clarify their interests and values. They encouraged students to think beyond rankings and focus instead on factors like campus culture, size, location, affordability, and where they could truly see themselves thriving.
Many alumni spoke fondly about the lasting impact of Indian Creek teachers and programs. A.J. reflected on the flexibility and encouragement he received from Director of Performing Arts Jill Woodward, which allowed him to pursue both athletics and music at ICS, a balance that ultimately shaped his path in music education.
Amareah shared how her involvement in STEM Club and Green Club, guided by Upper School Science and STEM faculty member Tricia Roth, sparked her interest in engineering and helped her build the confidence to pursue a demanding field at a large university. When discussing college choices, Amareah spoke openly about her decision to attend Purdue over Princeton University, advising the current high school students to listen to their intuition and not just make the choices that other people want for them. She explained that while both were excellent options, Purdue felt like home. Its Minority Engineering Program reminded her of Indian Creek’s close-knit community, reinforcing her belief that the right fit is about more than prestige, it’s about support, belonging, and opportunity.
Amareah shared how her involvement in STEM Club and Green Club, guided by Upper School Science and STEM faculty member Tricia Roth, sparked her interest in engineering and helped her build the confidence to pursue a demanding field at a large university. When discussing college choices, Amareah spoke openly about her decision to attend Purdue over Princeton University, advising the current high school students to listen to their intuition and not just make the choices that other people want for them. She explained that while both were excellent options, Purdue felt like home. Its Minority Engineering Program reminded her of Indian Creek’s close-knit community, reinforcing her belief that the right fit is about more than prestige, it’s about support, belonging, and opportunity.
The panel also offered an honest look at the realities of college life. Students heard about heavier workloads, greater independence, and the importance of time management. Sarah shared what it takes to balance Division I athletics with academics, while Chris described how leadership roles on campus helped him grow personally and professionally. He also highlighted the power of internships, noting that his summer experience with PepsiCo led directly to a full-time job offer after graduation.
As the discussion wrapped up, alumni offered parting advice that resonated deeply. They encouraged students to try new things, release the pressure of doing everything, take classes that spark genuine curiosity, and get involved in campus life. Above all, they emphasized that Indian Creek prepares students not just academically, but socially and personally, instilling the confidence to build relationships with teachers and mentors. Those connections, they noted, often open doors in college and beyond.
Kai summed it up with a reminder that drew nods from the audience: “Advocate for yourself. At the end of the day, you are responsible for what you get out of your college experience.”
Kai summed it up with a reminder that drew nods from the audience: “Advocate for yourself. At the end of the day, you are responsible for what you get out of your college experience.”
Indian Creek is proud to welcome alumni back to campus and celebrate the many ways they continue to learn, lead, and succeed. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when curiosity, support, and self-belief come together, and of how an Indian Creek education continues to shape lives long after graduation.
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland. Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.
