One semester has officially passed for us high school students. One semester has also passed for all of our Barbers Hill alumni. With a class of about 400 students, Barbers Hill has had its 2023 graduates in several places across the country and world with several unique experiences and stories, begging the question, where are they now?

It is everyone’s dream to travel across the world for their education, and for one class of 2023 alumni and former basketball player, they got to do exactly that.

“My favorite thing about going to college in another country would be exploring a new city and the architecture of the buildings and all the history that comes with it,” Peyton Whittington said. 

However, while traveling and studying abroad may be dreamy, there are a few catches. “My least favorite thing about going to college in another country would be not being able to speak their language,” Whittington said.  “I did not know Spanish, even though I tried to learn it.” 

Despite this, Whittington still plans to finish his education to follow his mother’s footsteps and be a travel nurse, and he advises all to pursue their dreams.

“Just be happy with where you go,” Whittington said. “You know nothing can go wrong if you choose happiness.”

Not everyone goes to another country. Our next look at college life comes from a previous drill member, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) worship leader, head of Girls Doing Good, and PAL, Ellie Alford. Alford currently attends the University of Texas (UT) at Austin and is majoring in government and journalism. 

“For those seeking rigorous academics, adventure, opportunities at every corner, and those that are big football fans, I absolutely recommend attending UT,” Alford said. “There is not one set way to deal with [going off to college].”

Her favorite part about attending college is the vast amount of opportunities that almost all colleges provide.

“There are endless amounts of clubs and organizations that you can join,” Alford said. “If there is not a club for you, you can even start one.”

However, having such a vast selection of clubs creates the tough decision of choosing.

“All of these options can be so overwhelming,” Alford said. “You have to learn there is no right or wrong path in college, but that it is really more of a journey.”

Above all else though, she wishes that students recognize one thing.

“Physical distance doesn’t separate people,” Alford said. “If you are worried about losing all of your hometown friends, just know it is not impossible to hold connections over long distances.”

Besides that, Alford looks forward to graduating and pursuing a career in politics, such as a campaign manager or legislative director.

“A really important part of my life is serving others, promoting justice, and ensuring a voice for the voiceless,” Alford said. “In politics, I could accomplish these goals.

Our next student is Isabella de la Cruz. She is currently pursuing a Music Education degree at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). 

“My favorite part of college is the independence and freedom you get,” De la Cruz said, “My least favorite part about going to college was moving away from home… I feel like a lot of kids can’t wait to move out – but I find myself missing my family a lot!” 

Despite the homesickness, De la Cruz adds that the benefit of attending SHSU is being able to visit your family on the weekends.

“I definitely recommend SHSU, it is not too far from home and the campus is the perfect size,” De la Cruz said.  “I feel very at home here.” 

However, for those students who cannot visit their family often, De la Cruz offers advice.

“When you are feeling homesick and missing your family, just call them,” De la Cruz said. “I am certain [your family] will appreciate the gesture and want to hear all about your day. Your family will miss you so much once you are all moved out than you realize.”

De la Cruz’s future plans are to become a band or percussion director. She was inspired by former Barbers Hill middle school percussion director, Sebastian Lopez. 

“I hope that when I begin student teaching,” de la Cruz said, “that I can touch the hearts of my students as he did to ours!”

Our last 2023 alumni I got to hear from is Wyatt Baca, a previous alto saxophone section leader, Spanish Club member, NHS Member, and computer science UIL competitor. He is currently attending Texas Agriculture and Mechanics (A&M) University as a general engineering student aiming for computer engineering.

“My favorite thing about college right now is the freedom I have to do what I want when I want,” Baca said,” My least favorite thing is probably how classes take up more time than they used to.” 

He adds that the overall work time is still less, for the highschool students drowning in homework right now.

“I would definitely recommend A&M,” Baca said. “It is a great environment that is the perfect distance from home and so far, all of the teachers and people I have met are great.” 

Like De la Cruz at Sam Houston, A&M is another college you will be able to visit home any time you want, if you are willing to make the two hour drive.

“My biggest tip for leaving your family,” Baca said,  “is just making sure you have contact with them.” 

Like the other 2023 BH graduates, Baca also agrees that it is important to make time and plans to call your family often and keep in touch with them.

Baca’s future plans are to keep up excellent grades to graduate and find a stable job so that he can live comfortably

Hearing about several 2023 graduates’ college experiences has been such an interesting experience. All our school’s alumni have grown, matured, and developed stronger character.  Their wisdom is a tool to help guide the rest of us highschoolers when we go off to college, and Perhaps even in the next few years, the articles will be about where we are now.