Publications Alumni Visit Campus, Offer Advice to Students

Cascade Alumni Benjamin Jerome poses at a nearby park, where he often sits with friends. “Just a 10 minute drive to a local park where we watch the sunset and if we are lucky, we get to pet the surfing goats,” said Jerome.

During the holiday season, college students often return home to celebrate with family and friends. Each year, former editors of CHS Publications are invited to visit current students. Publications students interview these alumni to learn about college life, their experiences, and any wisdom they may have. This year, Cascade Publications was fortunate to receive visits from alumni editors Isabel Menna (Class of 2025), Jerome Jerome (Class of 2019), Benjamin Jerome (Class of 2025), and Jackson Feeney (Class of 2025). The current Publications staff had the opportunity to interview each alumnus and learn about their journeys after high school, as well as receive advice. 

Isabel Menna was an editor in chief for the Publications team and was also the valedictorian of her graduating class. After high school, Menna took a gap year to attend a folk school in Norway. “It was nice I got that break to be myself and figure it out at very low stakes environment,” said Menna. 

She is now attending Dartmouth University in New Hampshire, where she is majoring in economics. She lives in one of the oldest dormitory buildings on campus, where she has formed strong connections with other students. 

Menna currently writes for The D, Dartmouth’s newspaper and one of the oldest college newspapers in the country. She believes the editing and writing skills she developed through Cascade Publications prepared her well for her journalism journey in college. 

One major difference Menna has noticed between high school and college is the increased freedom, particularly in writing and class structure. She appreciates the ability to choose her own writing topics and revise her work more independently. 

One of Menna’s core memories from college is participating in a three-day hiking trip during her first year. “It was such a good experience, such a good way to get into college. Getting a big orientation week kind of knowing people and then getting into classes was nice,” said Menna. 

Menna advises Kodiak students to take all the honors English courses offered at CHS, as well as the highest-level math classes available. She also emphasizes the importance of learning basic life skills, such as cooking and doing laundry, to ease the transition to college. 

Jerome Jerome, also a valedictorian of his graduating class, was one of the most senior Publications members to visit this holiday season. He is currently attending Montana State University, where he is pursuing a career in nursing and preparing to take the MCAT in hopes of attending medical school. 

Jerome began college undecided, taking engineering, black-and-white photography, and chemistry courses. “I went down a bunch of different paths then eventually figured it out. A lot of the classes that I took helped influence me,” said Jerome. 

Publications had a significant impact on Jerome’s career path. Through the skills he gained, he spent a year and a half working at a writing center, editing papers and projects. These skills helped him succeed in college by allowing him to complete essays more efficiently. 

Jerome also credits his math classes with Dayle Massey for helping him transition to college-level coursework and learn accountability. He advises Cascade students to take the University of Washington chemistry course, as well as Eastern Washington University English 101 and 241, which are offered at CHS. 

 “Taking care of your mental health is a huge priority that most people should have. It’s okay to struggle and to hurt, to have bad days,” said Jerome. 

In addition to academic challenges, Jerome stresses the importance of prioritizing mental health. “Taking care of your mental health is a huge priority that most people should have. It’s okay to struggle and to hurt, to have bad days,” said Jerome. 

Benjamin Jerome, Jerome Jerome’s younger brother, was an editor for the Class of 2025 Publications team. He is currently attending California Polytechnic State University and majoring in nutrition sciences. 

When Ben began college, he discovered the wide range of career opportunities available to him. “Once I started to go to the one on one class. I started to find my passion,” said Jerome. 

Being part of the Publications team helped Ben develop strong communication skills, particularly through conducting interviews. These skills have made it easier for him to socialize and form new connections in college. 

Along with Publications, Ben found Eastern Washington University English 101 to be especially beneficial. He believes the class helped him build a strong work ethic that carries over into his current coursework. 

One challenge Ben has faced is dorm life. Sharing a small space with two other students while trying to get enough sleep can be difficult. He advises current Cascade students to take challenging courses, especially in math, and to cherish their high school experience. 

Jackson Feeney is attending San Diego State University and is majoring in journalism and media studies. He compares the Eastern Washington University English courses he took at Cascade to his current college writing classes. Publications also played a key role in his journalism journey, helping him learn to write on short notice and structure papers effectively. Additionally, astronomy helped him develop strong study and memorization skills. 

Feeney is enjoying the sunny weather in San Diego and believes he has escaped seasonal depression. 

He is currently living in a dorm with two other students. “It’s a good experience, but it definitely has its ups and downs,” said Feeney. One of his favorite memories so far is playing wiffle ball with friends on a large turf field. 

Feeney advises current Cascade students to be patient with others, noting that everyone is different and “weird in their own way,” especially in college.