The Class of 2026 is now entering the final stretch of their high school careers, and many students are finalizing decisions for college and finding a sense of relief as they commit to the places they will soon call home. One of Seven Hills’ most recent college commits is senior Daniela Alper, who will continue both her academic and athletic career at Occidental College. After a very successful process, Alper is proud to take the next step in her journey.
Throughout her time at The Seven Hills School, Alper has been deeply involved in athletics and school life being experiences that have helped shape who she is today. Her dedication to tennis has led her to this exciting opportunity at Occidental. While the college commitment process can be stressful for many students, Alper approached it with confidence and an open mindset. Alper said, “I was confident that I would find the right school, and I tried to keep an open mind and not get too set on a specific place.” This was a mindset that truly set her apart from many students as she trusted that she would ultimately find an environment that was right for her.
Alper also shared advice for rising seniors who are working towards the application process, saying, “Don’t choose a school based on how it looks on paper or what others might think. Don’t rush your decision either.” For many students, committing to a college can feel overwhelming as stress builds. However, staying positive with an open mind can truly help as it is one of the most important parts of this process. By staying organized, focused on her academics, and confident in herself, she knew she would end up in a place where she felt welcomed and loved.
For many students, deciding how far from home to attend a college can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. Going too far away can feel like a scary change, while staying too close to home may feel overwhelming for some. When choosing a college, it’s important to find a place that feels right while keeping an open mindset to new opportunities and environments since college is a place for growth and change. Alper strongly agrees with this point as she explains, “I wanted a totally new environment. I enjoy being in new places, so going somewhere unfamiliar felt like the right choice to me.” For Alper, stepping outside into a new environment was not something to fear, but rather an opportunity to challenge herself and begin the next chapter of her life in a setting where she could grow as a student, friend, and community member.
Having meaningful people who guide you through such an important part of your time is so special and a moment to remember forever. For Alper, this was her family and coaches. She said, “My parents and my two main coaches. My parents have taken me to tournaments for eight years and have always been a supportive, grounding force—especially during the stress of college decisions. I also wouldn’t be where I am today without my coaches’ support.” Their encouragement and belief in Alper navigated her through her challenges and hard times and truly brought her to where she is today. This plays as a key reminder of how she was never alone on this journey, where she was built up to her commitment by those who truly supported her.
As Daniela begins her next chapter, we are excited to celebrate her commitment and accomplishments and can’t wait to see what she will accomplish in her next chapter. Daniela Alper’s commitment to Occidental College truly reflects her talents as a student and athlete showing her confidence and growth throughout her journey. As she moves into this new exciting chapter of her life, the Seven Hills community proudly celebrates her accomplishments and can’t wait to see what she will achieve in years ahead.
