The Tripod is a platform for San Clemente High School students, alums, and everyone who supports them — with each episode featuring a diverse crop of stories, experiences, and mental meanderings. In the spring of 2013, Sean Topping was a sophomore in my English class; it was also the time he taught me one of the best lessons I've ever learned as a teacher. We'll dig into that -- and more -- on this episode of the Tripod.

The Tripod is a platform for San Clemente High School students, alums, and everyone who supports them — with each episode featuring a diverse crop of stories, experiences, and mental meanderings. Episode #9 features Nico Coli. One of the best surfers in San Clemente, Nico's love for waves and the water started when he was three years old. At five, he was competing. And now, he's sharing what lies ahead.

As a sophomore, Ricky free-styled in front of my English class and caught my attention. While he speaks a mile a minute, he always has something important to say.

Five students discussing personal beliefs, core values, and religion.

Grant Kelsay and Jason Keany are 2019 alums of SCHS. In this conversation they reflect upon life after high school, the benefits of unplugging their devices, and the unknown road ahead – on this episode of The Tripod.

Kinsey Sattel and Lorenzo Marino are creative, intelligent, and on a mission to learn more about their identity. From the myopic culture of a high school campus to the open minds that exist beyond it, we cover a lot of ground beyond the binary. To learn more, check out these links: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-grateful-are-we-to-live-beyond-gender-binary-alok/id1068563276?i=1000500166425 Transgender TedTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbQZ7jAvgoI Non-Binary TedTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pvLDHFCEWk

Senior Jessenia Torres is about to become the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college, as she’s been accepted to Cal Baptist University. In the next twenty minutes, we’ll explore her work ethic and mentorship as part of the English Learners community, why she’s been translating government papers for her parents since the age of six, and how AVID has influenced her.

After injuries prematurely ended her club and SCHS soccer career, Layna Hathaway parlayed her love for fashion and styling into 75 Degrees and Fuzzy – a creative fashion brand for women. Currently a business student at Cal Poly SLO, we’ll tap into everything Layna’s learned and experienced since high school graduation – on this episode of The Tripod.

A high school soccer phenom explains how he capitalizes on big moments and the ways in which he sees the field.

On the cusp of life's next chapter, three people discuss: staring death in the face while cliff-diving, why it's important to be uncomfortable, the ascent to happiness, chasing dreams around the world, how a self-starter's mindset opens doors, alternative routes to success, and so much more.