Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

The Andalusian Alumni Share Their Lives After High School

Photo courtesy of Meghan Goletz

RJ Hosay (‘23 Online Editor-in-Chief)

After three years in the Andalusian, RJ Hosay went to the University of Florida’s business school to study finance. Hosay managed the business aspect of the Andalsuain in his junior year and achieved a sales associate license in real estate at the end of his senior year in high school. His current class schedule includes financial accounting, business statistics, principles of marketing and professional speaking in business. A fan of running and the outdoors, Hosay is involved in The Florida Run and Trigators Triathlon, where he aims to complete an Ironman Triathlon. His plan after college is to work for a firm that manages real estate investments or to run his own business in real estate.

“I gained extremely important skills for the business world through the various amounts of interviews and tasks I performed in the Andalusian,” Hosay said. “It helped build confidence and clear communication in me that has proven to help me succeed in my classes and real estate.”

Hosay at running practice / Photo courtesy of RJ Hosay

Merrell Webster (‘23 Print Editor-in-Chief)

Merrell Webster is now a sophomore at Auburn University pursuing a major in marketing and a minor in public relations. She found a passion for digital design in The Andalusian and decided that the business field would best allow her to express her interests in creative ways. Along with Auburn Phi Mu, where she found some of her best friends, Webster is involved with Women in Business and Oaks Agency, a club that connects students with local businesses. She has collaborated with the Public Relations Department at Auburn and Shine Facial Bar. Webster is open to exploring career opportunities in marketing and moving to a new location after college.

“Through my experience [in the Andalusian], I had to navigate challenges that required me to take charge, make tough decisions and manage a team—skills that pushed me to grow beyond what I thought I was capable of,” Webster said. “All of those characteristics have become invaluable with my experiences in group projects, my sorority and just navigating the overall pressures of college life.”

Webster with her friends at the beach / Photo courtesy of Merrell Webster

Kate Bulloch (‘23 Co-Managing Editor)

Kate Bulloch spent her first semester of college in Florence, Italy and traveled across London, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Greece and more. She then returned to Florida State’s main campus, where she is majoring in marketing with a potential minor in hospitality management. In her sorority, Kappa Delta, she is a member of the recruitment team and the director of social events. Bulloch is also an intern at Big Fish Marketing and a marketing assistant of Rowe Roofing. After college, Bulloch hopes to continue her adventure abroad and pursue a job involving event planning, running her own marketing firm or creating digital content for a cosmetic or fashion brand.

“Moving to Italy was a huge decision I had to make during high school, and I was very hesitant, as any freshly 18-year-old would be,” Bulloch said. “My Andalusian mentors and teachers Lee Norment and Cailyn Callaway encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and experience a world beyond what I was familiar with. Without the endless comfort and support they provided me, my life after high school would have been on a completely different trajectory.”

Bulloch in Venice, Italy / Photo courtesy of Kate Bulloch

Meghan Goletz (‘23 Co-Managing Editor)

After high school, Meghan Goletz attended Troy University for a year and transferred to FSU, where she currently majors in exercise physiology. Outside of classrooms, Goletz is involved with a sorority and Women in STEM, which is connected to her field of study. Although she is not certain about her future path, she wants to go into the medical field to help others.

“The Andalusian will forever hold a special place in my heart,” Goletz said. “It taught me so many lessons and helped shape me into a better writer.”

Goletz (right) with Webster (left) and Bulloch (middle) at FSU / Photo courtesy of Meghan Goletz

Meg Howell (‘23 Sports Writer)

Meg Howell is a sophomore at the University of Georgia (UGA) studying dietetics. After giving up her lifelong sport, swimming, she found a passion for nutrition, which was crucial for swimming. At UGA, she is involved with the Morehead Honors College, Student Dietetic Association and Chi Omega, where she was recently elected as a Panhellenic delegate to serve the executive board. She is also an intern for the UGA football team’s performance nutrition department. She wants to become a registered dietitian and work with a professional football team in a clinical or hospital setting, but she is also interested in the psychological side of assisting patients with eating disorders.

“My first semester of freshman year, I took a public speaking class,” Howell said. “Because of my time in the Andalusian, I was able to enter the class with confidence.”

Howell at a sorority event with her friends / Photo courtesy of Meg Howell

Zach Lowe (‘24 Online Editor-in-Chief)

After graduation, Zach Lowe spent the summer applying for scholarships and preparing for the upcoming golf season as a student-athlete. He is majoring in history with a minor in philosophy at Bates College. Lowe spends most of his time at Bates playing golf, but he also plays intramural soccer with his friends. He plans to go to a law school after college but is open to change.

“I would definitely say that the writing practice in The Andalusian has helped me a lot in college,” Lowe said. “The people skills that interviewing teaches you really helps with meeting and talking to new people.”

Lowe at intramural soccer practice / Photo courtesy of Zach Lowe

Leah Kiros (‘24 Print Editor-in-Chief)

Leah Kiros moved into Bowdoin College in late August. As a freshman, she currently takes biology, English, art history and anthropology classes, most of which are academic requirements. Outside of classrooms, Kiros is a member of The Bowdoin Orient, a student newspaper at Bowdoin College, and the Bowdoin Public Health Club. She plans to pursue medicine after college.

“My experience in The Andalusian has taught me solid journalism skills that have carried well into college journalism,” Kiros said. “Interviewing random people, editing articles and working with others has made it really easy to transition into a higher level.”

Kiros at Bowdoin College on a snowy day / Photo courtesy of Leah Kiros

Sara Mnookin (‘24 Co-Head Editor)

Sara Mnookin is a freshman at the University of South Florida (USF), which she chose to attend because of its location. Her college experience so far includes meeting new people and exploring Tampa. At the USF gymnastic club, she enjoys playing her old sport and discovering skills she can still perform. As of now, she is committed to exploring various subjects and career paths by taking electives and joining clubs.

“I have found myself referring and reflecting back to all the lessons I have learned throughout the [Andalusian] class,” Mnookin said. “The Andalusian has significantly helped me with my writing skills that I will continue to use and will be grateful for.”

Mnookin (left) with her friends at USF / Photo courtesy of Sara Mnookin