As the year comes to an end, seniors are closer to getting their first taste of the real world outside of the familiar walls of Trinity. This change, however exciting it may be, is also extremely daunting and scary for many. 

Whether they went on to college after graduation or went straight into the workforce, many Trinity alumni are thriving examples that life after high school isn’t as intimidating as many of us make it out to be. Past Trinity students Christiana Bouvy, Ava Robinson and Daniel Horne all have been successful after graduation in their own ways. 

Bouvy, Trinity Class of 2020, currently attends West Virginia University as an art education major. She spends her days in studios learning about all varieties and aspects of art and perfecting her craft, which was something she was also heavily interested in during high school. Bouvy had many helpful tips to share with Trinity seniors getting ready to make the jump from high school to college. 

“If you get randomly placed into a roommate situation, talk to the roommate beforehand,” Bouvy said. 

Bouvy also explained how to stay in touch with friends while away at college.

“Keeping old friends on social media is a good way to stay in touch and keep up with people’s lives. Also, not being afraid to just reach out and message someone is so important,” said Bouvy. 

Bouvy is graduating from WVU in 2024 and is already thinking about that familiar bittersweet feeling she felt leaving Trinity. 

Robinson, Trinity Class of 2022, currently attends Miami University of Ohio as a marketing and entrepreneurship major. Robinson cannot stress enough how happy she’s been in college compared to high school. 

“My favorite part of college is spending time with people I love and meeting new people and having new experiences. It’s so fun to get out and try new things,” said Robinson. 

Robinson’s campus is about four hours away from home, so she has been feeling a bit homesick while at college since it’s difficult for her to visit home. However, that hasn’t hindered her from having an amazing college experience. She has fun by going to see small concerts and enjoying local businesses in her college town. 

She leaves this piece of advice for upcoming college freshmen: “I’d say just to have an open mind and say ‘yes!’ 

Being spontaneous is so beneficial to making friends and finding where you belong,” said Robinson. 

Horne, Trinity Class of 2022, went straight into the workforce as a member of the Local 66 Operators Union and is currently working with Maxim Crane. Horne was extremely fortunate in acquiring such a job straight out of high school and explains that there are pros and cons. 

“Out of high school, you have more freedom and more time to enjoy things with family and friends. But working full time is hard, especially with my job where I have really long hours,” said Horne. 

Horne also mentions that the transition from being a high school student to a working adult means that he not only has to budget his own income, but he also has to be thoughtful about all decisions he’s making and how to spend his free time. 

“Don’t stress out about everything; it is everyone’s first time all at once. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be willing to learn,” said Horne. 

These three Trinity alumni are thriving examples that, yes, life does go on after high school and it’s bound to have its ups and downs. Trinity seniors are more than ready to move onto the next big stage of their lives, whatever that stage might be.