Senior Life 101: Preparing the Class of 2025 for Life Beyond Baldwin

As the Class of 2025 prepares to leave Baldwin and embark on their 3-week externship experiences, they were given a series of “Life 101” sessions to help them navigate the challenges and opportunities of life beyond the Baldwin gates. These six informative workshops offered practical advice and insights into critical aspects of adulthood, from self-defense to professional growth.

A self-defense session, run by Spear Jiu Jitsu, focused on personal safety, with a class designed to equip students with essential skills for protecting themselves in various situations. Seniors also had a Freshman Fundamentals workshop, where Sydney Scheiner and John Delaney, both from Villanova University, led a session on what to expect in the first year of college. Sydney, the Assistant Dean of Students for Conduct Resolution, and John, the Conduct Resolution Specialist, shared invaluable guidance on navigating campus life, student conduct and fostering a safe, respectful community. Their insights helped students understand how to manage academic and social pressures while adjusting to life in college.

Thanks to Director of Technology Dr. Thomas Heverin and Maintenance members John McClafferty and John MacAleer, the students also learned the basics of car maintenance, including how to change a flat tire. This practical knowledge ensures that students are prepared for car-related emergencies when they venture into the world beyond Baldwin.

Alumna Dr. Florencia Greer Polite ’93, a renowned OBGYN and faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, returned again this year to offer this year’s seniors a thorough discussion on health and wellness. Her expertise in women's health and her extensive career in academic medicine helped students understand the importance of self-care and maintaining physical and mental well-being as they transition into adulthood.

 

During “Avoiding Life’s Pitfalls,” Ashley Shapiro, a lawyer from Stradley, Ronon, Stevens and Young, provided crucial legal advice on how to navigate potential situations, particularly regarding encounters with law enforcement. The workshop covered the legal system, what to do if confronted by police and how to avoid legal trouble, while emphasizing the importance of making smart choices during the transition to college life. Ashley will also present to parents on May 6.

The final session, Beyond Baldwin – An Alumnae Panel, featured a panel of Baldwin alumnae who returned to share their career journeys and life experiences. These accomplished women — Jodi Teitelman ’91, Vice President at QVC; Ariane Wright ’09, Portfolio Specialist at BlackRock; Amanda Steinberg ’95, founder of CanCat.io, an AI-powered finance platform for solopreneurs, and leader of Soapbxx, a data engineering company; Dr. Shubha Bhat ’05, Family Medicine Physician; and Lauren J. Walker ’04, Business Affairs Executive at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) — offered valuable insights into the paths they've taken and provided mentorship to the seniors, helping them see the endless possibilities that await after Baldwin.

 

The “Life 101” series equipped the Class of 2025 with knowledge and skills to succeed beyond Baldwin’s gates, setting them on the path to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and preparedness.