Senior Profile: Advice, Memories, and Hopes for the Future

By: Serena Zhang ‘28 and Devon Liang ‘27

May marks the end of an era for the Class of 2025, who are preparing for their next chapter.  As graduation is approaching, seniors are sharing what they have learned in the past four years, the emotions that come with every goodbye, and their hopes for the future.

Colette Chang ‘25, who is enrolled at Stanford University, shares that graduating comes with bittersweet emotions. “I am excited to start a new chapter of my life but also so incredibly sad. I love Cate so much. I have really grown here and have met such amazing people from all grades.” 

Colette has been a boarder at Cate for all four years, and this year, served as perfect in 25 House, the 9th grade girls dorm. “Boarding school students have the unique experience of living away from home and knowing how to manage our time wisely and stay independent. However, I am nervous about making new friends because of the close ones I have made here at Cate.” 

On the other hand, she is thrilled about the courses offered at Stanford. Colette says, “I really want to go more into dance and try to discover other interests I am passionate about. I also want to figure out what I want to do in the future.” 

For Colette, the most memorable event is the Sunset Ceremony each year. “It is always so wholesome getting to hug all the seniors,” she explains. Nevertheless, what made the most impact on her were the nights spent with the other 25 House prefects. She says, “We connected by simply doing work in the common room or just chatting.” Reflecting on her personal growth since freshman year, Colette talks about her time management skills. “Cate really trains you to organize your time well. I also think that I have come out of my shell since then.” Colette, who is the dance captain and Hadestown lead actor, shares, “I didn’t dance. I didn’t do the musical. I didn’t really perform at all before coming to Cate. That was simply something I tried and loved. Now, it is something I definitely want to pursue in the future.” Not only did Colette discover her passion for the performing arts, but she also learned to keep an open mind when it comes to meeting new people. 

Her piece of advice for Cate students is to try everything. “Look out for what you are actually interested in and what you are passionate about. Go deep into that.” However, she also adds, “Do not feel stressed out if you do not know what you want to do in the future. I am going to college, but I still do not know what I want to do, and I think that is exactly what college is for.” 

Jacob Gabbay ‘25 is also reminiscing about his time at Cate and looking forward to a new journey at UC Berkeley. Jacob’s path at Cate has been shaped by his devotion to sports and leadership. “The spirit of this place, the people, and the opportunities have made my time here unforgettable,” he shares. His experience at Cate has been enriched by the opportunity to play on several of the school’s varsity sports teams, including football, basketball, and lacrosse, which are opportunities he thinks would not have been possible for him at a bigger school. As key as these factors are, Jacob’s relationships with his teachers, like Dr. Laura Moore in the history department, have  greatly impacted him as well. “Dr. Moore has been a huge part of my development, not only as a learner but also as a leader,” he states. Looking back, Jacob’s advice for younger students is to cherish their youth and make the best out of their time at Cate. “Make use of the endless summers; go to the beach, hang out with friends, and enjoy the freedom that comes with being young,” he passionately urges. In expressing his hopes for the future, he emphasized the need for greater balance in his daily life. Although academics are the core focus of Cate’s mission, Jacob feels the same level of attention should be paid to athletics. Jacob’s experiences at Cate have equipped him to tackle fresh difficulties at Berkeley with the same vigor and resolve that he so proudly displayed on the Mesa.

As the Class of 2025 prepares to venture beyond the Mesa and into the wide world, their sentiments capture the strength, growth, and discovery that lies at the core of what the Cate experience has to offer. No matter where they are heading, each senior leaves with memories etched deeply and lessons they will carry with them. Graduation is not just a goodbye, but rather a celebration of all the seniors have accomplished with their time here. As for the rest of the community members at Cate, their advice rings true: try everything, stay curious, and know that it is okay not to know everything just yet.