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 Alisha Nazir and Madison Francis!

What year did you graduate from WYWLA?

I graduated from WYWLA in 2023.

How long were you at WYWLA?

I attended WYWLA for 7 years, from 6th grade to 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 to go to WYWLA about ten years ago, when WYWLA was fairly new. The school’s emphasis on rigor and community service was compelling, but what really stood out to me was its focus on leadership and women's empowerment. The small class sizes encouraged participation, discussion, and personalized help whenever I needed it. At WYWLA, I was surrounded by support coming from both my peers and teachers. Being surrounded by like-minded students helped challenge me both in and outside of the classroom; they pushed me to join clubs and challenge narratives. I got infinitely more out of WYWLA than I had anticipated. I still live by the creed and advice I received throughout school, which gives me the confidence and success I have today. Trying my best to exhibit excellence in everything I do, and the ‘fake it till you make it’ really did take me a long way. 

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

Learn how to handle both success and failure. Lead with empathy, and keep company with those who do the same. 

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

During high school, I was involved in the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Broughton High School Track & Field and Soccer, external/club sports, the Civil Air Patrol, a few volunteering groups in the triangle, and a handful of jobs/internships. Many staff members championed me by personally supporting or challenging me, whether that involved tutoring me or encouraging me to join an organization. Mr. Reed encouraged me to join Future Business Leaders of America, where I learned and competed in subjects that I wanted to pursue as a career. Mrs. di Carlo helped guide me through the college application process, proofread my essays, and gave me feedback to improve my application. Mrs. Solomon held extra review sessions for those who wanted more practice before the AP exam. I remember talking to my friends attending other public schools and hearing that they could not even squeeze a few minutes out of their counselors and teachers. The one-on-one support and care my peers and I received at WYWLA was a privilege I am grateful for, because it brought me to where I am today. 

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

I completed 60 college credits in high school, 47 of which transferred to UNC Chapel Hill. 

The main incentive I heard about early colleges before graduating high school was that it allowed for an early graduation, but going into college with credits gave me something equally as valuable: flexibility. Having a light schedule, being able to study abroad, and doing a double major are what made my time in college so enjoyable. College would have been more difficult if I were worried about completing my general education requirements and fulfilling my credits. 

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

I majored in Data Science with a double major in Peace, War, and Defense. I work as a Business and Data Analyst in California at a company called Cisco. 

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

Take advantage of the resources and relationships you have at WYWLA. Persevere, you’ve got this! 

What do you do in your spare time?

I love playing sports in my spare time. Rock climbing, soccer, and tennis are some of my favorites. I also love reading, playing board games with my friends, and trying new things/learning new skills. 

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

I applied to 20 colleges, mostly including schools that are part of the University of North Carolina system (including UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, UNC Asheville, North Carolina State University), Duke University, and the University of Washington, all of which I was either directly accepted to or waitlisted and then accepted to. I applied to other public and private schools around the nation, too, with a mix of acceptances and rejections. I chose to go to UNC Chapel Hill because of its sports, academics/research, social life, campus, school spirit, student culture, and affordability. 

How did high school prepare you for college? 

Learning to write and research prepared me immensely for college. During high school, I learned how to structure my essays in Ms. Watkins’ classes, and I learned how to research and apply my knowledge in Ms. Wormald’s classes. I learned how to study and manage my time while also making time for extracurriculars and hobbies. The smaller classes made it so that students participated often. These discussions gave me the courage to participate in the much larger participation-based lectures in college. The hard and soft skills I learned at WYWLA translated into my grades and time management at Chapel Hill, which gave me room for exploring everything that college had to offer. 

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

My impression of life in college was balancing freedom and responsibilities. College life was fun. I took classes that I found interesting and I enjoyed researching, joined clubs and organizations, and made many friends along the way. My perspective of the world changed even more when I studied abroad and traveled across the world in the process, where I was able to spend time in different places and talk to people who come from completely different walks of life. College was both fun and eye-opening; it got me out of my comfort zone and forced me to keep growing. 

What year did you graduate from WYWLA?

I graduated from WYWLA in spring of 2025.

How long were you at WYWLA?

I was at WYWLA since 7th grade, so 6 years.

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 because it was an early college school and it would give me a large boost when I actually got to college. 

Giving every subject my all was definitely my biggest motivator to graduate. Classes here are tough, I can’t lie, so knowing that I did everything in my power to pass with the help of fellow students and teachers kept me going.

My biggest influencers were Dr. Terry and Mrs. Watkins on main campus, and Mrs. Solomon during junior and senior year. Those women made my learning experience 10 times more fun and I gave my heart to them when I needed a shoulder to cry on.

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

Expect the unexpected. There are times in college when a surprise test will happen or professors veer off the syllabus, and WYWLA prepared me for being ok when things don’t stick to plan. We got days off, classes cancelled, entire school changes, etc. 

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

I was in Performing Arts, National Honor Society, and Student Government Association. 

Ms. Thrasher was definitely one of my biggest supporters. I was in Performing Arts since 7th grade, so I practically grew up with her. She’s always supported me in both theater and with academics. She also wrote one of my letters of recommendation for college. We maintained a beautiful relationship over the past 5 years by me helping her with running Performing Arts and her being one of my teachers when I was struggling in my earlier WYWLA years.

Mrs. Watkins is another champion teacher. Speech class was truly one of my favorite classes, apart from our Othello unit in English. I always loved how honest her feedback was, and there were times when I’d take her advice a bit too serious. She also wrote me a lovely college recommendation letter, and I appreciate how she strengthened my love for analyzing books.

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

I graduated with 44 credits, making me a sophomore!

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

I’m a Marine Biology major. Currently, I work at our school’s gym and the box office at our auditorium.

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

6th graders - While I can’t relate in experience because I wasn’t there for 6th grade, I’d say prepare yourself for advanced work from the get-go. If you know you aren’t someone who can handle upper-level course work, this school isn’t for you.

9th graders - Start building relationships with your teachers now. They’re there to help you. Know that they are humans too, so ask them about their lives and find ways to connect with them.

Seniors - Cherish the friends that you’ve made over the years. College is going to be a time for you to branch out and explore different versions of yourself, but you’ll still want the comfort of familiarity.

What do you do in your spare time?

I usually go to different club events that are on campus or go diving with my friends!

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

I only applied to University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Not only was the acceptance rate high (which put my mind at ease), UNCW is the only school in North Carolina with a Marine Biology program.  I didn’t really care much for the beach, but it’s a great place for diving and other hands-on research, which is another reason why I chose it!

How did high school prepare you for college? 

Since WYWLA is an early college school, I got to experience college schedules and see how important it is to take classes that will actually help you down the line and not ones that just sound interesting.

Advocating for myself in high school also helped me in college! I knew when something was off both in my academic and personal life, so being able to communicate that was a big help for college when communication is the most important factor for good student-professor relationships.

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

For UNCW specifically, I thought everyone would be obsessed with the beach and parties. I didn’t think I’d really fit in because of my more alternative appearance. However, there are quite a few people that like the same things as me that are just as academically inclined! It’s really not all parties and going out, only on weekends or on major holidays.