From Thursday, Jan. 4 to Friday, Jan. 5, alumni who took AP and IB Spanish were welcomed back to speak at a panel for current Spanish students. Graduates discussed their experiences in college and how they prepared in high school. 

Earlier in November 2023, AP/IB Spanish IV teacher Sra. MilyBett Llanos emailed her former students to catch up, and also ask if they could visit Westwood during their winter breaks to speak.

“Seeing as Sra. Llanos was always a big part of my high school experience, she was a great resource and teacher for me, I was very happy to see that email in my inbox,” alum Kate Hajmasy said. “I felt more than willing to come back and speak about my [college] experience.”

Answering questions pre-written by Sra. Llanos, speakers explained their experiences with adjusting to college life and becoming college-ready in high school. 

“It’s important for students to hear from people that went to their high school because [we can give] more direct advice, as we have that shared experience,” Hajmasy said. “Hearing our experiences and advice for college [are] a little more relatable, and hopefully students can see themselves in our shoes.”

Arranged and executed by Sra. Llanos, this event was a testimony to her dedication to her students. 

“Sra. Llanos always makes an effort to go above and beyond for her students,” IB Spanish student Sanjana Alluri ‘25 said. “I’m grateful that Sra. Llanos invited the panel to speak— it was really nice to hear directly from students that have been in the same place as many of us at one point.”