Matteo Zanelli
Coppell High School senior Matteo Zanelli is trading Texas for the coast of England to study makeup, hair and prosthetics at Arts University Bournemouth. Originally considering a traditional psychology degree, a trip to an English studio filled with Game of Thrones props sparked a realization.
“This is an actual job that I could do,” Zanelli said.
Supported by IB art teacher Michelle Hauske and a family of dreamers, Zanelli is embracing a focused curriculum without extra core classes. Despite the distance from home, Zanelli is ready to work toward the film industry.
“Artists used to be very influential in society… it’s completely possible,” Zanelli said.
Elizabeth Potter
For many, high school is a time of discovery, but for senior Elizabeth Potter the goal has been clear since elementary school. Heading to Oklahoma State University for animal science on a pre-veterinary track, she is pursuing a dream sparked during a fifth-grade open house.
“I’ve always wanted to be a vet ever since I was little,” Potter said.
While many expect a typical clinic setting, Potter is focused on the demanding field of large animal medicine. Inspired by her horse, Lucky, and supported by health sciences teacher Jodie Dinehammer, she is ready for the challenge.
“It’s a hard field, but I’m really excited to go into it,” Potter said.
Ryan Park
While many high schoolers feel pressured to follow traditional paths, senior Ryan Park is heading to Chapman University in California to master the art of screenwriting. After losing touch with her creative side in middle school, a summer workshop at NYU reignited this passion.
“I fell back in love with it,” Park said.
Though facing a competitive field and the culture shock of leaving Texas, she is driven by a love for impactful storytelling.
“I’ve always wanted to get out of Texas and been eager to find success and a community of fellow creators,” Park said.
For Park, the goal is simple: to write something leaving the audience saying, “I wish I had written that.”
Sejal Singh
Vast numbers of seniors are headed straight to college campuses. Sejal Singh is taking a gap year to bridge passion and performance.
A dedicated tennis player, she realized that jumping into college immediately did not allow enough time to reach the recruitment level she desired.
Beyond the court, the year provides space to explore career paths like statistics and economics addressing the stigma for a year off.
“Taking the gap year is not a lazy thing to do,” Singh said.
For Singh, the next chapter is not a delay, but a strategic move to explore who she is.
Sarah Mi-Sedhi
For many seniors, the path to a creative career starts with a smart strategy. Sarah Mi-Sedhi plans to attend Dallas College to tackle core credits prior to transferring to the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for graphic design.
This journey was sparked for Mi-Sedhi by her 10th grade graphic design teacher Shelley Dockery, whom she describes as “the GOAT.”
She is not deterred by skeptics who bring up artificial intelligence or the competitive market.
“All the markets are really competitive, so I’d rather do something I’m passionate about,” Mi-Sedhi said.
Inspired by friend Chloe Vigue’s success, Mi-Sedhi aims to eventually work her way up to creative director.
Dinesh Somasundaram
As senior Dinesh Somasundaram’s twin brother Vignesh Somasundaram heads to Texas A&M University, Somasundaram is taking a strategic, family-centered route by starting at Dallas College prior to transferring to University of North Texas for accounting.
Choosing community college was a decision rooted in financial wisdom and a desire for smaller class sizes, but also a deep commitment to home.
“If my parents ever need anything, it’s nice to just be right there,” Somasundaram said.
Somasundaram is quick to challenge the stigma that community college is for the unmotivated. After being told that it was a “waste of talent,” Somasundaram remains firm.
“You’re still harnessing it, working hard to move to your next goals,” Somasundaram said.
Supported by mentors like Coppell High School English teacher Matthew Bowden and math teacher Karie Kosh, he is focused on the future, advising others on the fence to just do it.
Olivia Cler
For the past four years, Coppell High School senior Olivia Cler volunteered at the Dallas Zoo, spending time teaching visitors about animals. Seeing people value what she taught them pushed her to combine her interest in art and education.
With plans to major in art history at the University of Texas at Austin, Cler hopes to pursue a career in secondary education, college education or museum work.
“I’m more interested in helping people with self discovery and finding their unique styles,” Cler said.
Prerita Singh
The majority of students stick to a single field, senior Prerita Singh is heading to the University of Texas at Austin to tackle a double major in computer science and neuroscience. Inspired by seeing neural networks in action while visiting her sister at UT, she chose this dual path.
“I wanted to be exposed to more career pathways and explore the intersection of technology and biology,” Singh said.
Though she admits the stress of such a rigorous workload, Singh is motivated by the potential to create tools like artificial intelligence.
“I want to help people who suffer from neural diseases,” Singh said.
Despite skeptics warning her how difficult the path will be, she is determined to succeed.
“That’s also something that drives me… I want to show them otherwise,” Singh said.
Follow @CHSCampusNews on X.
