High School Matters

Josh Kadden went through high school with a lot of privilege, but that doesn't mean his experience came without challenges. Josh was in my chemistry class back in 2008 as a sophomore. While our conversation focuses on many of the issues Josh faced, most importantly it highlights how his attitude and coping strategies were what really set him apart. It turns out that Josh is actually more special than the people who know him—and even he—might have thought.

Lisa Hayim was one of the most popular girls in high school and now has more Instagram followers than almost all of my students combined! Lisa was in my Biology class back in 2002 as a freshman in high school. She is now a very successful nutritionist and social media influencer, after years of having not only many struggles but also many privileges. Our conversation talks about her high school experience and also the events that lead to where she is at this very moment.

Kyra Benton went through high school in a wheel chair and on a life-supporting ventilator. Kyra was in my Biology class back in 2012. Our conversation touched upon so many themes, like the power of friendship, the concept of death, not wanting to be treated differently, and so much more. While Kyra may think that there is nothing inspirational about her story, my guess is you will feel differently after listening.

David Nowinsky walked through the halls of his High School like he owned the place. David was a student in my Chemistry class back in 2008 while he was a Junior. We talk very openly about how situations in his life lead to the way he acted in high school both towards his friends and towards authority. We also talk about how the things that happened in high school had an effect not only on his own life but also on the life of others.

Jee Min Lee started High School in America as a 10th grader after leaving her home in South Korea to pursue a career as a concert pianist. She was my student that year in my Honors Chemistry class, and more. We talk deeply about how her experience as a high school student had a profound impact on her career and on what she is doing today. It was very exciting to discuss her evolution into Brianni Lee!

Joshua Cox was one of only a handful of African American students back in High School. He was a student in my Biology class as a freshman and was a member of the graduating class of 2006, for which I was the class advisor. We talk very openly about how this experience not only impacted his life back in high school, but also how those effects are still felt to this day.

Sam Eshaghoff is notorious in the SAT world, as he was arrested and charged for cheating on the SATs. Sam was my student back in 2007 while he was at Great Neck North High School. In our conversation, 10 years after he graduated High School, we talk about who he was before, during and after his infamous cheating scandal. We talk about his '60 Minutes' interview, any regrets he may have, his personal growth and so much more.