Young Alumni

Administration and operations. Chemical engineering. Business operations. Baking and pastry arts.

Four completely different career paths, but all influenced in part by time spent at Cheshire Academy.

On the following pages, four young alumni share their stories of where they are today and the journeys they took to get there. They talk about how CA helped them on their collegiate and career paths, their professional and personal goals, and so much more. Their words are truly inspirational; we hope you enjoy their stories as much as we loved hearing from these trailblazers!

Evan Solomon ’13

Where did life take you after Cheshire Academy?

After graduating from CA, I went to college in New York City, which has remained my home for the past decade. I received my bachelor’s degree in philosophy and international political economy, and master’s degree in ethics and society from Fordham University. I also had the opportunity to study abroad at University College London for a semester and travel around Europe. After completing the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, I jumped into the nonprofit sector and have worked for multiple social service organizations in New York.

I currently live in Queens with my fiancée, Daniela, and my cat, Lucy.

How did CA prepare you for college, and how did it influence your professional career?

Going to CA was the best decision I could’ve made to prepare for college. The academic rigor, the diversity of the student body, and the autonomy offered to students made it a mini college experience. Like almost every friend I had at CA, college felt like an extension of high school, making it far less daunting or challenging. I noticed a clear difference with many friends in college who had to adjust and improve their time management skills.

CA’s values, reflected in the Eight Pillars of Bowden, influenced my decision to work in the nonprofit sector. Giving back was expected of all students — I remember doing community service activities and sitting with nursing home residents during our Thanksgiving dinner. These experiences stuck with me and shaped my professional path.

What are you doing currently?

I am the associate director, administration and operations for Fresh Youth Initiatives, a nonprofit serving immigrant youth in northern Manhattan. This is a recent career adjustment; prior to this position, I worked in fundraising and development roles.

What are your personal and professional goals in life? What impact do you want to have on the world?

My professional goals are to grow my career in nonprofit operations and continue to make an impact on community based organizations. I hope to one day become a chief of staff, chief operating officer, or even executive director.

Personally, I am excited to one day become a parent and raise children, though that day is not tomorrow!

My lifelong goal is to follow the Cheshire Academy motto — “Ich Dien” — and make a positive impact on every piece of the world I touch, both professionally and personally.

When you reflect on your time at CA, was there a moment or experience that, looking back now, influenced your path to where you are today?

One highlight that always sticks out in my mind occurred in an IB History class during my junior year. We were discussing a body of water in Asia whose name is in dispute depending on your country of origin. Two of my classmates, from different Asian countries, got into a friendly disagreement about the name of the sea. It is one thing to read that people disagree on the name of a place; it is quite another to see that disagreement come to life in your classroom. Experiences like these broadened my perspective of the world.

Another memorable experience comes from the same class, on the first day of my junior year. We had just gotten back from Convocation and our teacher, Mr. Hayes, asked us a simple question: “What happened at Convocation?” We listed a couple of speakers and got quiet. “Is that all?” Mr. Hayes asked. Then we recounted additional speakers and the small stumble one speaker made on the way to the podium. Oh wait, there was the bagpiper that led us to the church, too. What was the point of this exercise? To illustrate the flaws in recounting events — what is memorable or important to one person may not be to another. It was a reminder to always question information as it is presented, and assume it is probably, at best, incomplete.

These learning experiences have stayed with me long beyond my time at CA and shaped the way I perceive the world.

Who was your favorite teacher at CA, and why?

While it is nearly impossible to choose only one teacher, I have to shout out Michelle Repass, who was my English teacher for three years and a cross country coach for four years. We read diverse, challenging, and thought-provoking books that I still reference today, most notably “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. Ms. Repass also refused to accept "good enough" work, pushing me to become a better writer. I will be forever grateful for how she treated us like adults, holding us to the highest standards with everything we did.

I also need to mention Christopher Hayes, my aforementioned IB History teacher. Mr. Hayes forever changed the way I perceive the world and forced me to critically analyze all information, a skill set that has served me well in my career and in life.

Why do you think it’s important for you and other alumni to stay connected with — and support — Cheshire Academy? How has your connection to CA helped you?

I continue to support and stay connected with Cheshire Academy because of the immense impact the school had on me. More specifically, I would have missed out on this defining academic experience without a scholarship from a generous benefactor. I want to provide support to the next generation of Cheshire Academy students and ensure they have the same enriching experience I had. This continually motivates me to give back as a monthly donor.

Beyond the academic and life skills I gained while at CA, I also met my closest friends in the world. I will be getting married next year, and half of my wedding party are friends I met at CA. In more ways than one, Cheshire Academy is a big part of my life.

I highly encourage all alumni to stay connected and give back and support current Cheshire Academy students and staff!

What was one of your favorite songs to listen to during your time at CA?

Anything off Kendrick Lamar’s “good kid, m.A.A.d city” album, which came out my senior year at CA. He is still my favorite artist to this day.

Nicolina Lamberti ’14

Where did life take you after Cheshire Academy?

After graduating from CA, I attended Villanova University. I studied chemical engineering with a focus in bioengineering. I loved my time at ’Nova! It reminded me a lot of what I appreciated most from my experience at CA: strong academics and a tangible sense of community. Not to mention, I got to celebrate two NCAA basketball national championships, which was a once (twice) in a lifetime, unforgettable experience.

How did CA prepare you for college, and how did it influence your professional career?

I fell in love with science at Cheshire! I remember my chemistry class with Mrs. Glassmire very clearly. It clicked right away for me. From then on, I knew I wanted to enter the field. I remember my freshman year of college to be relatively easy. I owe that to the International Baccalaureate program. The academic rigor, especially the emphasis on writing, was excellent preparation. We had a first-year “Foundations” class that was designed for everyone to level up to the college writing standard. Needless to say, with what I accomplished in the IB program, I was already there. My professor was very impressed.

What are you doing currently?

Chemical engineering is a very broad field! I first started my career in the automotive coatings industry at Axalta. (Yes, car paint is more science-y than you think.) I was in a rotational program with the company for two years. I started as a formulation scientist at their Global Innovations Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then tried out Process Engineering / Manufacturing at one of their plants in Virginia. Afterward, I switched to the biotech industry and happily returned to New England! I have been in Boston, Massachusetts, ever since. For the last three years, I have been a senior associate scientist at Lyndra Therapeutics. My team is developing a longacting oral drug delivery platform. Imagine only having to take a pill once a week or once a month for your medical condition. It’s in the works! I helped formulate 5+ therapies through preclinical and clinical trials. I just transitioned into a new role at Corner Therapeutics. There, I’ll be working on vaccine drug product formulation for cancer and infectious disease treatments.

What are your personal and professional goals in life? What impact do you want to have on the world?

My goals in life are pretty simple: be a kind person, care for my family, and make a positive difference in the world around me. Whether that’s from my career in science or simply the small choices I make each day, I aim to live out these core values. One day, I hope to raise a family as loving and supportive as the one that raised me. As a bonus perk, I would love to see my team’s research turn into real, life-changing therapies for patients.

When you reflect on your time at CA, was there a moment or experience that, looking back now, influenced your path to where you are today?

There isn’t one particular instance that comes to mind. It is the summation of opportunities presented to me: high-level academics, spirited athletics, leadership positions, enlightening interactions with students from all over the world, and so much more. All of these have helped shape me to be the independent, driven, and conscientious person that I am today.

Who was your favorite teacher at CA, and why?

Mr. Davidsson. He was my math teacher for three years at CA — one year of Algebra II and two years of IB math. He was a tough one! He demanded hard work and discipline. But at the same time, he cracked jokes, laughed loudly, and shared his “intangibles” (Why is it that you park in the driveway, but drive in the parkway?). He taught many life lessons and instilled in us important values for growing up and being human. He seamlessly tied together grit and compassion. If you’re reading this Mr. Davidsson, thank you.

Why do you think it’s important for you and other alumni to stay connected with — and support— Cheshire Academy? How has your connection to CA helped you?

I was extremely blessed to have been able to attend CA through the Town Scholarship program. I would not have been able to do so without it. I may not be able to pay back every penny, but I am encouraged to support in any way I can. It is so important to express gratitude and to give thanks to those who have formed you.

What was one of your favorite songs to listen to during your time at CA?

Just like any teenage girl at the time, I was a huge One Direction fan! “Back for You” was one of my favorites.

Brandon Wheeler ’14

Where did life take you after Cheshire Academy?

Following Cheshire Academy, I attended Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, where I graduated with a degree in finance. I then worked at Boston Scientific for two and a half years until 2020, when I began working at the NBA Coaches Association in New York City.

How did CA prepare you for college, and how did it influence your professional career?

CA prepared me for college in many ways. As a boarding student, it helped me develop living habits by being away from my parents for the first time. As a postgraduate student, the curriculum prepared me for several college courses. On the court, CA not only helped me become a better player, but a better leader as well.

What are you doing currently?

I’m currently living in New York City and working as the director of business operations at the NBA Coaches Association.

What are your personal and professional goals in life? What impact do you want to have on the world?

Professionally, I’d like to find my way into an NBA Front Office. I’m not sure in what capacity yet, but a management role in the professional sports industry is the goal.

Personally, my goal is to serve others as much as possible. I would love to someday start a foundation for under-resourced communities, grounded at the intersection between education and sports.

When you reflect on your time at CA, was there a moment or experience that, looking back now, influenced your path to where you are today?

Walking on the first day of classes and meeting new people that were so welcoming, to this day, has impacted the way I interact with new people. As a postgraduate student who didn’t know many familiar faces, the earlier stages of my time at CA challenged me to “get out of my shell.” Looking back, those times were vital to my personal development.

Winning the NEPSAC Championship was pretty cool too. Shoutout to the 2013-2014 hoops team!

Who was your favorite teacher at CA, and why?

Tom Gilpin. I always enjoyed going to his statistics classes because his passion for teaching was infectious. Great dude.

Why do you think it’s important for you and other alumni to stay connected with — and support — Cheshire Academy? How has your connection to CA helped you?

I think it’s important to stay connected because Cheshire Academy has helped mold and develop students from all different walks of life. CA has a great sense of community and is always willing to help.

What was one of your favorite songs to listen to during your time at CA?

Wow, tough to choose just one song, but Drake’s “Nothing Was the Same” and Big Sean’s “Hall of Fame” albums were in heavy rotation walking around campus for sure.

Yubin Cho ’18

Where did life take you after Cheshire Academy?

After Cheshire Academy, I did my first year of college in Paris for a study abroad program at George Washington University. It’s crazy to look back how those choices can make such a big impact in your life later on because I didn’t think I’d be back in Paris two years later studying pâtisserie at the world’s best culinary school! After finishing my course at Le Cordon Bleu, I came back to Korea and opened my own dessert shop. Luckily after a month, we were fully booked and were featured in major sources such as Elle, Marie Claire, and Vogue magazine.

How did CA prepare you for college, and how did it influence your career?

By making friends from all over the world and studying with teachers who inspired and challenged me to think out of the box, CA helped me widen and deepen my view on life in various aspects.

First off, CA couldn’t have been more helpful with preparing for my college life. I was far more prepared for the dorm life than any other students and I had no difficulty getting settled in college. I also took full IB courses, which I complained about at the time due to their challenges, but when I look back at it now, I would go back and take them in a heartbeat.

CA always helped me spark my creativity and never be afraid to accept the challenges, which led me to where I am now. I chose a completely different path than what I majored in college and it was scary at times but I remembered how supportive my teachers were and how much they believed in me. Also, seeing fellow alumni carve their own path in such unique and different ways never ceased to inspire and motivate me to do the same. I still keep in touch with them and the community CA helped us build is something for which I will eternally be grateful.

What are you doing currently?

I am a pâtissier and I am currently running a cafe based in Seoul, South Korea. After finishing school in Paris, I got back and opened a tea dessert café. I make petit fours and all the drinks served at the café. During my off days, I am taking a course to receive a national pastry certificate in South Korea. Since I’m still an amateur chef, I plan on taking more courses back in Paris in the near future.

What are your personal and professional goals in life? What impact do you want to have on the world?

I think for me, this question all connects to one answer. I am currently building my career to open a baking academy. I’ve always had an interest and passion in teaching children and I think that’s how I can impact the world. Children are losing touch with nature, beauty, and art as the world is becoming more fast paced and technology oriented. I want to help them experience the beauty of nature and stimulate their imagination by baking creative desserts from scratch.

When you reflect on your time at CA, was there a moment or experience that, looking back now, influenced your path to where you are today?

Taking IB courses definitely impacted my path a lot because it helped me think outside of the box at all times. Taking the IB art course was a turning point in my creative journey because it challenged my artistry, and by completing the course successfully, I became more confident with my creativity and began to appreciate and nourish it more. Creating unique, unconventional pastries is my goal and the thought-provoking topics and assignments in IB art course still inspires me to think bigger.

Who was your favorite teacher at CA, and why?

Mr. Poisson was my favorite teacher at CA and still is my favorite teacher of all time. He has always been the best support system in and out of school through academics and just generally in life as well.

He knew how much I enjoyed and loved art so he always encouraged and motivated me to pursue it. Looking back, his words and support meant the world to me because even when I didn’t believe in myself, he was always there to fill me with courage and boost my confidence. I was afraid to pursue a career in the arts due to many reasons, but I could always hear him saying that he believes in me at the back of my head whenever I was in doubt. Later on, his support helped me choose my path in culinary arts. I never gave up on what I truly loved and cherished because the best art teacher in the world believed in me.

Why do you think it’s important for you and other alumni to stay connected with — and support — Cheshire Academy? How has your connection to CA helped you?

I’ve made my best friends in CA and I still consider them my lifelong friends. All the journeys we’ve been through in high school and up until now always reminds me how much I cherish this connection I have with them.

Even when I meet up with them today, we still talk about CA and our memories. Bonding through such unique experiences helps our connection stay strong. For example, living with my best friends and sharing everyday life with them is something only we could bond over which has deepened our relationship on so many levels. Moreover, connecting with other alumni after high school has always been inspiring and motivating since all of their journeys are different and special. Without this community, I would’ve felt lost at times because CA feels like my second home that I can always go back to. I am eternally grateful to the community CA helped us build, and by seeing CA newsletters and social media, it feels like I never lost touch!

What was one of your favorite songs to listen to during your time at CA?

This question connects to one of my favorite memories. After dinner, my best friends and I always brought our speaker to the turf and played “Rewrite the Stars” from the movie “The Greatest Showman.” The movie came out during my 11th grade year. After watching it as one of our weekend activities, we spent hours on turf looking up at the stars, talking and laughing the whole time.