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 Huong Lambert and Kiara Torres!

What year did you graduate from WYWLA?

I graduated from WYWLA in 2016

How long were you at WYWLA?

I was at WYWLA from 9th grade until 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 back then because I thought it was an interesting concept. The idea of earning college credits while in high school was appealing to me. I did end up getting enough college credits by the end of high school to allow me to graduate college 1.5 years early, but I chose to stay an extra semester at my college, so I graduated from college in 2019. 

My biggest influences at WYWLA would be Mrs. Watkins and Mrs. Solomon. Both teachers were my strongest supporters and helped me realize my full potential. They taught me a lot of academic skills and life lessons that I still hold onto over ten years later.

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

One of the biggest lessons I learned while at WYWLA was advocacy. You are your strongest advocate in the real world.

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

I tried to be a part of everything that I could be a part of, from Glee Club to the Prom Planning committee, if there was a meeting, I was there! You never know what you would like or be good at until you put yourself out there and try. While at main campus, I would say Mr. di Carlo really encouraged me to just try new things and also supported my friends and I when we wanted to start a new club or had a new idea. While at the college campus, Mrs. Solomon entertained any idea we had and tried her best to make it happen. Times were a little different when I was at WYWLA since I was a part of the first graduating class. There were no pre-established clubs or traditions, so our class had to make things happen.

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

I don’t remember off the top of my head since it was a long time ago, but I do remember being able to transfer enough credits that it satisfied most of my general education requirements. I haven’t taken a math class since 11th grade!

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

I was a political science major with a pre-law minor. Currently, I am in legal billing & finance. I manage client accounts, forecast budgets, and deliver invoices and other financial information between the firm’s attorneys and its clients. 

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

Don’t be afraid. The worst they can say is “no”, and that is ok too.

What do you do in your spare time?

My favorite hobby right now is yoga. I also like to read and go to Carolina Hurricanes hockey games when I can! I’ve started to challenge myself to learn a new skill or hobby at least once a month – so far I’ve learned how to knit a scarf, how to cross-stitch, and how to engrave metals and glass. 

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

It has been 10 years since, so I don’t remember exactly, but I know that I got accepted into University of North Carolina Wilmington, University of North Carolina Charlotte, and East Carolina University. I ended up choosing UNC Wilmington because they had the major that I was looking for and the campus itself was really nice. When I toured, I could picture myself living there and being happy.

How did high school prepare you for college? 

9th and 10th grade prepared me academically for what was to come in college, while 11th and 12th grade taught me self-discipline and independence. Once you get to college, you won’t have someone looking over your shoulder to make sure your schoolwork has been completed or if you went to class; it will be up to you to make sure you have your priorities together!

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

College is definitely what you make of it. It’s a balancing act of experiencing freedom as an adult while making sure you go to class and get your work done. Try new things, meet new people. The world is your oyster!

What year did you graduate from WYWLA?

I graduated from WYWLA in 2018.

How long were you at WYWLA?

I was at WYWLA from 7th grade to 12th grade.

Why did you choose WYWLA? What were some things you had in mind to get out of WYWLA? Did you?

Earning free college credits while in high school was my biggest reason to apply! I loved the academic challenge from all my teachers, it prepared me for college and professional school!

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

One of the biggest lessons I learned from WYWLA was how to critically think and make meaningful relationships.

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

I was involved in yearbook and student government. I loved to help plan events and be in the loop with everyone. I especially loved all my high school teachers, shoutout to Mrs. Watkins, Mrs. Solomon, and Mr. di Carlo, they are amazing!

How many college credits did you earn through our partnership with colleges?

I believed I earned 63 credits- the equivalent to an associate degree, so when I started my undergrad at Campbell University, I was able to graduate in 2 years!

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

I applied to all the public North Carolina schools and I chose Campbell University for the size and the community. I was already used to a small environment and Campbell's university size was perfect for me to grow and make it my home!

You recently graduated from Campbell University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. How long after graduating from WYWLA did you earn this doctorate? What were some challenges that came alongside this pacing? How did you overcome them? 

I graduated WYWLA in 2018, I graduated Campbell University in 2020, and graduated from Campbell’s Physical Therapy program in 2024! I took a 1 year gap in between undergraduate and graduate school as this was COVID time and I wanted to make sure physical therapy was the right path to take. In total it took me 5 years of school. 

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to stay active, so I am part of a run club in Raleigh and I go to Pilates! I also have a dog. I love to take him to different parks in the Raleigh area.

How did high school prepare you for college? 

WYWLA’s rigorous coursework prepared me to study efficiently and communicate with my professors on a consistent basis. I learned to advocate for myself and grow in my independence with not only course work but also in my social life to keep everything balanced.  

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

I honestly thought it would be very challenging-grad school was very hard-but I felt very well prepared to tackle even the hardest classes in undergrad.

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

Working hard now will pay off! Everything you are doing now is preparing you for a great version of YOU!