High School Time Machine

Muzz Ahmed is a 2014 HS grad who currently works for one of the premier players in the tech industry. He was recently part of a team that created a new Virtual Reality headset that will revolutionize our ability to connect with one another online! Muzz was initially on a pre-med track after high school, mostly due to well-intentioned advice from family and friends; however, he was always drawn to technology's ability to create change on such a massive scale and eventually the excitement of those possibilities caused him to redirect his path. In this episode we dive into the early sparks that inspired him to pursue a career in tech, transferable skills he picked up working in cybersecurity, the importance of seeking experiential learning opportunities, and leveraging relationships with those who can help you get started. We have no doubt that you'll enjoy our Season 2 finale with Muzz! Thanks to all for tuning in and we look forward to coming back with new content in February, 2023.

Quinn Eberhard is a 2017 HS grad and is currently a PhD student in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at UNC. Quinn was an International Baccalaureate Diploma Student while in high school where she developed disciplined habits and experienced success in and out of the classroom. When deciding on a college, Quinn placed a strong emphasis on being able to graduate with as little debt as possible while seeking a program that would provide her with a strong foundation, knowing that graduate school was likely in her future. Quinn decided on Bowling Green State University’s forensic chemistry program, where she continued to thrive. In this episode, Quinn explains how BGSU provided an incredible foundation for her PhD program, where she had the opportunity to work in four different research labs, received a scholarship to study abroad in Cambridge England, received the Goldwater Scholarship in 2020 to pursue her research goals, and was able to immediately enter a prestigious PhD program at UNC after graduating from college. Quinn shares the academic and life skills she has gained along the way and shares the advice she would give to her high school self, or anyone else who might be considering a career in science. To what extent has she been successful? Tune in to find out!

Kwabena Amponsah is a 2014 HS grad who is now a Principal Consultant at PayPal, where he has become an expert on e-commerce and the systems used to help businesses create a seamless buying experience for their customers. Bena's path to success has involved multiple twists and turns but his desire to help others has always been at the core of his personal mission. This episode title is a tribute to a program that Bena and his friends started at our high school called Black Brothers United back in 2013-14. This is a student-led mentorship program that connects upperclassmen with younger students in an effort to develop genuine relationships that lead to brighter futures. Bena had a desire to create a roadmap that could help underrepresented students in our building with navigating the challenges of high school and it evolved into this incredible program that still exists today. We also dive into how he unexpectedly ended up at the College of Wooster, what he learned from working firsthand in a college admissions office, and how his life has been enhanced through building relationships with a diverse group of people who challenge him to learn new ways of seeing the world. Tune in for the great ideas that are shared as well as some very interesting stories, especially one that involves an exchange Bena had with a homeless man when he was only five years old that has stuck with him his entire life!

Brennan Whitis is a 2014 HS grad who is currently the Ohio University Men’s Golf head coach. Brennan graduated with a degree in business marketing and a minor in sports management and had aspirations to work in the social media/digital marketing field after college. However, after winning 4 conference championships and the 2017 NCAA Championship with his team at Wittenberg University, changing his path from business to the golf course presented itself due to the help from some key mentors in his life. Tune in to hear what life lessons Brennan hopes to pass along to his student-athletes and what steps he is taking to build the culture and attitude for the Ohio University golf team. Brennan shares the tips and tricks he’s picked up along the way, advice he’d give to high school athletes hoping to play in college, how he’s developed strong time management skills, and how the messages from his former Coffman coaches (especially those of Mr. Woodmansee) are still central to his life today.

Thomas Solomon is a 2014 HS grad who is now a Clinical Scientist for Bristol Myers Squibb, a global biopharmaceutical company. Thomas graduated high school with the intention of becoming an engineer but ended up switching gears after a summer bridge program at The University of Cincinnati, where he ended up going to school and studying to become a pharmacist instead. Learn about how his path as a pharmacy student led to specializing in finding cures for deadly diseases. We also discuss why Thomas wishes he had stuck with learning a foreign language after high school, the importance of finding immersive career exploration opportunities, and how he breaks down goals to make them more achievable. This one is full of great advice and we may have even started a little trouble with our final question about how Thomas would fare in a one-on-one basketball game against one of our colleagues and former HSTM guests, Dalton Maynard!

Adam Striker is a 2014 HS grad who is currently working as a digital content producer for Professional Bull Riders. Adam began college as an exercise physiology major, but his passion for producing film became too strong to ignore. Tune in to hear how three key internships with The OSU Wexner Medical Center, USA Football, and The Columbus Crew impacted his career path and contributed to the success he has found today. Hear what Adam has done to live life to the fullest, develop his skills, and produce a podcast about personal financial habits, while dodging all of the bull horns that life has thrown his way- well almost all of them. This is one you won't want to miss!

Sammy Edwards is a 2014 HS grad who is now a Senior Compliance Analyst at Matic Insurance. Sammy was a stand-out soccer player at Ohio State and originally thought she would either pursue a soccer career after college or something in the field of criminal justice. Learn how a spin-move gone wrong led her down a different path and how she has managed to maintain a positive outlook ever since. We also discuss an impactful internship that Sammy had with the OSU Police Dept., the strategies she utilized to manage the busy life of a student-athlete, and the relief that came when she finally developed the courage to share a secret with her friends and family that she had been carrying around for many years. We had so much fun kickin' it with this former soccer star and appreciate all the positive vibes she's putting out in the universe!

Cam Justice is a 2015 HS grad who is currently in his second year at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. After beginning his career in social work, Cam changed his focus after realizing that he could have a greater impact on the lives of others by focusing on public policy. Cam is the vice president of the Black Law Students Association, serves on the Law and Leadership Advisory, is a Mortitz Peer mentor, and is a member of the Student Bar Association. He also volunteers for the Miracle League of Central Ohio as well as Youth to Youth International. Cam reflects on his journey in high school and what he did to overcome being “the most put-together, lost kid.” Cam shares the tips and tricks that have allowed him to find success, as well as the advice he would give to high school students today.

Julie Pochodylo is a 2014 HS grad who went on to study at the University of Dayton and now works for an organization called Olive Ventures that focuses on creating innovative solutions in the healthcare industry using Artificial Intelligence and other forms of technology. Julie was hired as employee number 100 (there are now over 1,500 employees!) and describes what inspired her to join a start-up instead of going with a more stable corporate position elsewhere. After creating multiple roles for herself within the company and moving out west to live in Denver, CO, Julie has truly discovered how to create a life full of adventure. There are too many gems in this episode to list so do yourself a favor and pull a page out of Julie's playbook, take a hypothetical trip to the mountains, and get ready to mine for all the gold that gets shared in this interview!

Rylee Axner is a 2013 HS grad who is currently working in the film and media industry in Los Angeles, California as a post production coordinator. Hear how a decision to take a “fun elective” during her senior year had a monumental impact on her career trajectory. Rylee shares the path she took to make it in the film industry, the advice she would give her high school self, and the self-care routines that she utilizes to handle a stressful work environment. For those of you who always sneak candy into the movie theater, tune in to hear this episode. We have a few twix up our sleeves!

Kyle Vandeveer is a 2014 HS grad who earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University. He started his career working as an engineer for Tesla and now works full time as the founder and President of a company called Intrism, where he and a team of creative professionals design, produce, and sell intricate 3D puzzle mazes. This episode title was inspired by the side project that Kyle began working on in his 9th grade engineering design class that developed into the company he owns and operates today! Additionally, we discuss another business venture he's considering to address current issues with the housing market, an iPhone repair business that started in high school, the positive values that were developed in marching band, and why he is more than willing to hire high school students to help out with his company! Thanks for listening and be sure to check out the amazing work that Kyle and his team are doing at https://intrism.com.

Rachel LaPointe is a 2015 HS grad who, as long as we have known her, has been an advocate for others. As a passionate and dedicated IB diploma student, Rachel describes the ups and downs she encountered in high school, how she made the most of her experiences, and how her path has led her to a successful career with a historic womens’ advocacy group in NYC. Tune in to hear Rachel’s story, and what she would tell herself if she had the opportunity to do high school again.

Frank Ruiz is a 2016 HS grad who is living in NYC . After graduating from AMDA after only two years, Frank started out as a professional actor and now works as a full-time theater teacher for school aged students through an organization called Count Basie Center for the Arts. This episode title was inspired by Frank’s role in an international tour of The Wizard of Oz and his philosophy that we have to be open to allowing ourselves to be redirected when it feels right, even if that means choosing a totally different path. This was highlighted in a recent NPR article that features the stories of people, including Frank, who made significant career changes during the pandemic. Additionally, Frank shares insight on what/who inspired him to pursue a career in musical theater, the impact of working with the right mentors, and the importance of staying true to yourself. Hop on the Yellow Brick Road that leads to this week's episode!

Clay Raterman is a 2014 HS grad who has had a fascinating journey. Clay is the founder of Piggy Banker, raises capital for hedge funds, and has built several startups. Encountering numerous failures and setbacks along the way, Clay’s ability to respond, along with his intellectual curiosity have led to some incredible successes. Want to hear about walking on to The OSU football team, running 100 miles, the benefits of mindfulness and meditation, and what Clay would do differently if he returned to high school? Hop in the high school time machine!

Claire Edwards is a 2014 HS grad who earned a degree from Miami University in Supply Chain Management. She resides in Columbus, OH and is putting her degree to work as a Master Scheduler for T. Marzetti Co. in their frozen pasta department, hence the episode title ;). In her spare time, Claire is passionate about creating healthy habits around self-care. Learn how she overcame imposter syndrome and developed the courage to share her strategies in public as a wellness content creator! After getting her start in podcasting and blogging, she has now shifted to social media platforms where she produces great content through short videos. Be sure to check her out on Instagram @heyitsclaireedwards or on her website, https://heyitsclaireedwards.com/

Kyle Ritterbeck is a 2012 HS grad and is currently serving our country as a US Navy Nuclear Submarine Warfare Officer. This episode highlights Kyle's path to the military, how he ended up steering subs instead of flying planes, and offers some great insight on how he was able to get the most out of his extracurricular opportunities in high school. The stories shared will benefit anyone who listens and we are proud to be able to put a spotlight on someone who has selflessly served in our nation's military!

Sarah Proctor is a 2015 high school grad who spent three years working as a Quality Engineer in the medical device industry after college. After some recent soul searching, Sarah has decided to take a break from her career to pursue a Neural Engineering PhD track in graduate school as she in considering a future that involves research & teaching at the college level. This episode title is a nod to her alma mater, Duke University, as well as a tribute to her countless examples of selfless actions that she has demonstrated throughout her life. This episode scratches the surface on some of the amazing things that Sarah has done to help others and is packed with solid advice, especially for those high achieving students out there. It was a privilege to catch up with this brilliant young woman and her stories will benefit all who tune in!

Alex Ross is a 2015 high school grad who is living abroad in Germany and pursuing a career in education. This episode title is a tribute to Alex's short stint as a postman as he was figuring out how to redirect his path after his educational records from the US were unexpectedly wiped out by a new policy that was implemented by the German government. After the initial shock wore off, Alex found a creative way to work around this challenge and decided to redirect his career plans in the process. This is an entertaining episode with great advice on seeking opportunities overseas after high school! Geniessen Sie die Vorstellung (Enjoy the show)!

This week's episode features 2011 HS grad, Kali (Robinson) Rothwell. Tune in to hear about Kali’s journey as a graphic artist. Hear why as an artist, she considers herself to be a professional problem solver. Kali details the impact her college program had on her growth, her current role and responsibilities as a designer, and provides valuable insight for high school students who might be considering this career field. As a bonus, Kali discusses her mother-in-law, who is a Coffman legend!

Dalton Maynard is a 2014 high school grad who is improving the lives of many students as an educator and coach. This episode title is a tribute to Dalton's chosen field of teaching, his love of sports, and his dedication to mentoring others, which started when he was in high school. He discovered the joy that came from seeing the success of those he was tutoring which sparked his desire to pursue his current career path. This episode is packed with great life advice as well as examples of how to develop strong leadership skills!