On December 18th, 2024, Northside College Prep hosted its first Alumni Day called “Northside Comes Home,” connecting current students with alumni from the class of 2015 and beyond. The event featured an Alumni Panel during advisory, where former students shared their college and career experiences with current upperclassmen, followed by breakout sessions during Flex 3 and Flex 4, covering topics like pre-med studies and post-graduation pathways. 

Purpose and Goals

Ms. Noa, Northside’s College and Career Coach, organized the event to emphasize the importance of empowering and elevating diverse perspectives: “Alumni have walked the path our students are about to take. Their stories highlight the different journeys that begin at Northside,” she explained. Her goal was to show students a variety of opportunities and encourage exploration of different paths Mustangs could take after graduation. 

Impact and Future Plans

The event fostered a stronger connection between alumni and the Northside community, allowing former students to reflect on their journeys and reconnect with their teachers, while offering guidance to current students. Attendees gained valuable insights into navigating college, career choices, and the importance of adaptability after graduation. 

Looking ahead, Ms. Noa hopes to expand future panels with more breakout workshops covering additional fields and experiences, such as first-generation college students, STEM fields, and LGBTQ+ experiences on campus. Another focus will be creating more informal networking opportunities to foster connections beyond speaker panels. 

“Northside Comes Home” has the potential to become a valuable tradition, ensuring future students benefit from the insights of alumni as they navigate their own academic and career journeys.