May 11, 2026
Paige Haehlke
Four recent graduates share post-grad progress and advice to the Class of 2026
As the Class of 2026 embarks on the next chapter of their lives following the College’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, they enter a season of life defined by change and growth.
Whether they pursue employment or further education, the College’s robust alumni network, personalized support, and career resources have prepared them for success.
We connected with four recent graduates from the Classes of 2024 and 2025 who found success on their own paths and shared what advice they’d give to the Class of 2026 as they begin to navigate post-graduate life.
Mauricio Calderon '24
- Economics teacher at UWC Mostar in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Majors: economics and environmental studies
What liberal arts skills from the College do you find yourself implementing in your current role?
As a teacher at an international boarding school, my role requires an equal amount of academic and interpersonal skills. The College's strong emphasis on critical thinking and essay writing is something I apply all the time when teaching my students how to engage with their studies. My experiences working at the Writing Center developed my patience and curiosity to help others learn something new. Learning French and studying abroad strengthened my intercultural skills, making my adaptation to challenging contexts a lot smoother.
How did Lake Forest College prepare you for success in your post-grad life?
The College has robust systems in place to prepare you for post-college life. Engaging with the Career Advancement Center for the review of my resume or doing an internship as part of the In The Loop Program gave me a sense of what applying to and working at a job would look like.
Chelsea Davis '24
- Marketing Communications Specialist at Sherwin-Williams Global Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio
- Majors: self-designed (public relations and digital marketing) and theater
How did the College prepare you for success?
Lake Forest prepared me for success by encouraging me to take an interdisciplinary and self-directed approach to my education. The ability to create my own major while also double majoring was transformative, allowing me to integrate different areas of interest and develop a well-rounded perspective that I continue to apply in my career.
In addition, the College fostered a strong sense of community, where I learned the value of building meaningful relationships. Those experiences strengthened my communication and collaboration skills and have played a key role in my professional growth.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned since graduating?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to be a beginner again. In many ways, I felt like a freshman of life, unsure of how to “adult.” I’ve learned to remind myself that it’s okay to start from scratch, to not have everything figured out, and to make mistakes. Mistakes mean you’re trying and learning. No one expects you to have a perfect plan or a perfectly defined sense of self right after graduation. And even if you do, it’s okay for that plan to evolve along with you.
Adam Plager '25
- Broadcasting and Media Relations Intern with the Florida Everblades in Fort Myers, Florida, with plans to work as a Broadcast and Media Relations Manager for the Norwich Sea Unicorns this summer in Norwich, Connecticut
- Major: business (marketing track)
What liberal arts skills do you find yourself implementing in your career?
I use a lot of the communication and critical thinking skills I built at Lake Forest in my role every day. A big part of what I do is taking a lot of information—stats, game notes, storylines—and turning it into something clear and engaging, whether that’s on a broadcast or in written content. I’m not just relaying what’s happening; I’m trying to connect it to a bigger picture that fans can follow and care about. I also rely on being able to think on my feet, which I learned from my discussion-based classes.
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself since graduating?
The biggest thing I’ve learned about myself is how important structure and routine are for me. Moving to a place where I didn’t have any real connections pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to find confidence in unfamiliar situations. It also reinforced the importance of taking care of myself mentally. In a fast-paced field, it’s easy to burn out, so I’ve learned that maintaining balance is key to being consistent and performing at a high level.
Daniel Tulchinskiy '25
- Attending Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
- Majors: neuroscience and biology
What liberal arts skills do you find yourself implementing in medical school?
My professors—specifically Professors Rebecca Delventhal and Shubhik DebBurman—equipped me with irreplaceable skills that I use daily. From learning how to critically read and analyze primary literature to conducting independent research, I developed a strong foundation in scientific thinking. Just as importantly, the liberal arts environment strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, think across disciplines, and approach problems with curiosity—skills that I’ve been able to apply confidently early on in medical school.
How did Lake Forest prepare you for success in your post-grad life?
Lake Forest College prepared me for success in post-graduate life by fostering a unique intersection of discipline, leadership, and intellectual curiosity. Balancing the demands of collegiate tennis with a double major required a level of time management and endurance that closely mirrors the intensity of medical school. It taught me how to perform under pressure and manage a complex schedule without sacrificing quality.
Beyond athletics, my leadership experiences helped me develop interpersonal and collaborative skills essential in the team-based environment of modern healthcare. Combined with having the opportunity to carry out independent research, I built the intellectual stamina needed to navigate the vast volume of material in medical school. Ultimately, my time at Lake Forest College didn’t just provide a strong academic foundation; it shaped the resilience and professional mindset needed to thrive in a demanding field.
What advice would you give to the Class of 2026 as they enter post-graduate life?
Mauricio:
Aim high for your goals but remember that life rarely turns out the way you picture it, so learn to relish in that.
Chelsea:
Post-graduate life is full of surprises. Embrace this new chapter with open arms and give yourself grace. Your journey is your own, and it’s important not to compare yourself to others. It’s okay not to have everything figured out or to change your mind; that’s part of the process. The sooner you embrace the journey, the more you’ll be able to enjoy it.
Adam:
Patience is the greatest gift of all. If you have goals and dreams, it is important to embrace the challenges and the highs and lows along the way. Build a strong support system and never be afraid to ask for help. Everyone was in your shoes at one point, and unless you are willing to ask for help, no one will know you need it. This first year out of Lake Forest has been as big of a transition as any with more uncertainty than ever, and that’s why having the right people in my corner has been critical to any success I've had.
Daniel:
Take initiative early and often, whether it’s reaching out for opportunities, asking questions, or seeking mentorship. Being proactive makes a meaningful difference early on. At the same time, trust the foundation you’ve built. Even if you don’t feel fully prepared, the skills you developed throughout your academic journey will carry over more than you expect.
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