Beyond The Nest is a feature that reaches out to WYWLA  graduates and interviews them to 

provide insights about their college or professional experiences.

This month, we spotlight Lena Klayman and Teresa Basaves!

What year did you graduate from WYWLA?

I technically graduated early in December of 2024, but I walked the stage in May of 2025.

How long were you at WYWLA?

I was at WYWLA for all of highschool, so 9th through 12th grade. 

Why did you choose WYWLA? What were some things you had in mind to get out of WYWLA? Did you? Who were your biggest influences at WYWLA?

I chose WYWLA for the chance to earn college credit, while being in a school environment that challenges me to be the best version of myself. I really liked the idea of a small school where teachers and students can work closely together. 

When I first came to WYWLA I really wanted to earn as many college credits as I could, yet as I continued through WYWLA I found that “quality over quantity” was the path meant for me. I found myself better able to invest in both my classes and extracurriculars if I was thoughtful about the credit hours I was taking. 

My biggest influences at WYWLA were definitely the teachers and staff members! Each one cared so much for the school and the students. I also found myself leaning on friends when things got difficult. 

What are some of the biggest lessons you learned at WYWLA?

Challenge yourself! You are capable of more than you think!  Work hard, but learn to prioritize. Don’t sacrifice your wellbeing for a perfect transcript.  Lean on your community for support and ask for help. High school is difficult but one of the best things you can do is acknowledge its difficulty and find people to walk with you through it. 

What were you involved in during your high school years? What staff members championed you while at WYWLA?  How?

I was involved in various activities throughout high school both at and outside of WYWLA. My WYWLA involvements included: Newspaper & Yearbook staffs, Girls Learn International member, Student Government Association Representative, National Honors Society member and Historian, and starting and leading Green Team.

Outside of WYWLA my involvements included: Teen Leadership Corps at my local library, Cary Teen Council, The Climate Leaders fellowship, and Triangle Art 4 Aid.

Truly each and every staff member was so influential in my time at WYWLA. A special shoutout to Ms. Wormald (I hope she is enjoying her well deserved retirement!), Mr. & Mrs. di Carlo, Ms. Watkins, Ms. Solomon, and Ms. Cuffee.  Each of these individuals went above and beyond to encourage, support, and advise me as I went through high school. 

How many college credits did you earn through our partnership with St. Augustine’s University?

I earned 29 credits.

What did you choose as your major? What is your current/dream career?

I chose my majors, English and Environment and Sustainability Studies. Although I am still deciding on a career, I chose these majors because they bring together two ideas I love most- words/language and activism. Although at first my majors may seem incongruent, I am excited to explore the intersecting world of environmental literature, policy, and language as the basis for social change. 

What advice would you offer to our 6th-grade OWLS, 9th-grade OWLS, and our senior OWLS?

6th-grade OWLS: Explore, explore, explore! Try out different classes, hobbies, clubs, etc. Even if you only have a small interest, don’t be afraid to go after it. Middle school is such an impactful time in your life, so use it to help you discover who you are and what you love. 

9th-grade OWLS: Pace yourself. High school moves quickly and has many expectations and deadlines. Time management really will be your best friend during these next four years (and beyond!). Interact during class and with your teachers. It will help you learn, absorb information, and develop a relationship with the staff around you (they are awesome!). 

Senior OWLS: Be proud of yourself you have made it so far! Keep being studious and enjoy this big milestone. Don’t beat yourself up over college applications and decisions- go where you're most wanted! 

What do you do in your spare time?

Apart from extra-curriculars, In my spare time I love to knit, crochet, read, write, garden, multimedia art, hike, upcycle clothing and kayak. My college has a great campus for being outdoors so I definitely utilize it! 

What colleges did you apply to/get accepted? Why did you choose your university?

I applied to a lot of colleges (probably too many!) But some highlights were:

University of North Carolina Greensboro 

Appalachian State University

New York University 

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill 

Oberlin College 

George Washington University 

I ultimately chose UNCG because I received a full scholarship. In addition to this, I love how beautiful the campus is, and how much the university invests in its students. There are so many opportunities at UNCG, from internships, honors college, to employment, to undergraduate research. I've already developed wonderful relationships with peers and professors, and I’m so excited to get even more involved in campus life! 

How did high school prepare you for college? 

I am so incredibly grateful for the education I received at WYWLA. I learned skills spanning time management, essay writing and analysis, (truly the biggest thank you to Ms. Watkins!!), and study skills. WYWLA taught me how to be a confident student and person and pursue the things I care about. So much of who I am comes from being shaped by WYWLA! 

What was your impression of life in college?  What was college life like?

College life is chaotic, lively, unpredictable, and enjoyable. So far, it's a mix of balancing social, academic, and personal life. College has been incredibly different from high school and has forced me to grow in ways I could never have expected. One prominent characteristic of college is that all forms of success (social, academic, and personal) are highly dependent upon one's internal motivation. I’m finding that it's best to surround yourself with people of similar motivation, and to wholly trust yourself when it comes to how you spend your days. 

What year did you graduate from WYWLA?

I graduated from WYWLA in 2016.

How long were you at WYWLA?

I was at WYWLA from 2012 to 2016. I am a part of the first graduating class!

Why did you choose WYWLA? What were some things you had in mind to get out of WYWLA? Did you? Who were your biggest influences at WYWLA?

I’m first generation in my family in everything, and being able to take college courses while still being in high school caught my attention.

I wanted to be prepared for the real world. I knew there was not going to be any hand-holding after high school. WYWLA did help me prepare.

My teachers were my biggest influences at WYWLA.

What are some of the biggest lessons you learned at WYWLA?

You must believe in yourself. We learn from trial and error. We all make mistakes; how we come back from them is what matters. 

What were you involved in during your high school years? What staff members championed you while at WYWLA?  How?

I volunteered a lot and I had an internship that ran during the summers between high school years. All of them championed me! Mrs. Pierrie, Mrs. Nikki Williams, Mrs. Cholkar, Mrs. Watkins, Mrs. Wormald, Mrs. Solomon, Mrs. Cadavid,  Mr. & Mrs. di Carlo and Mr. Trout. I had personal challenges, mainly in the 9th grade and some towards the end of my senior year. They were always so caring and went above and beyond to lift my spirit to get me out of those trenches.

How many college credits did you earn through our partnership with St. Augustine’s University?

I don’t recall how many to be exact. I just know that when I started college, I was considered a junior. 

What did you choose as your major? What is your current/dream career?

First, my major was early childhood education, but then I transferred to Criminal Justice. I have a background in the legal field. I am currently working at State Farm!

What advice would you offer to our 6th-grade OWLS, 9th-grade OWLS, and our senior OWLS?

WYWLA overall helps ease the transition into middle school, just as they do when you move from middle school to high school and from high school to college. Don’t be scared to ask for help. WYWLA has a very supportive community.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I’m a mother!

What colleges did you apply to/get accepted? Why did you choose your university?

I applied and was accepted to North Carolina Central University. They have a great early childhood program and criminal justice program. Their Annie Day Shepard Scholars Program caught my attention. This program focuses on women empowerment, leadership, and community involvement, just like WYWLA does!

How did high school prepare you for college? 

The teachers taught us different study skills, research skills, and self-management skills. Being able to get an early experience on what a college class schedule looked like also helped a lot! I knew how many classes maximum I wanted in a day and how to space them out.  

What was your impression of life in college?  What was college life like?

Some people already knew what they wanted to major in. Others were still undecided, which was ok! Others would switch majors mid-way. It’s important to have confidence and just to be yourself.  There is definitely more independence and more responsibility in college.  There are so many different programs to be a part of as well!