The Raider Ramble

A Conversation with Matt de la Peña

On this episode of The Raider Ramble, senior Lexie Smith sits down with Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña during his visit to North Shore Country Day. From his journey as a reluctant reader to the stories and experiences that inspire his award-winning books, Matt shares thoughtful insights on writing, identity, creativity and the power of representation in children’s literature. Plus, Lexie puts him through a fun round of rapid-fire book questions and asks for advice for aspiring young writers.

Seeing the World Differently with James Robinson ’15

In this episode of Raider Ramble, host Drea Gallaga welcomes back North Shore Country Day alum James Robinson ’15, an Emmy-winning filmmaker and author of Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen. James reflects on his time at NSCD and shares how his early experiences here helped shape his path into documentary filmmaking and storytelling. The conversation explores the inspiration behind Whale Eyes, an illustrated memoir about living with strabismus that invites readers to experience the world through James’s perspective. Drea and James discuss how the project evolved from a viral short film into an award-winning book, the creative collaboration behind it, and the power of storytelling to build empathy and understanding. James also reflects on the connections between film and writing, his work as a video producer with The New York Times Opinion, and offers thoughtful advice for students interested in pursuing creative careers with purpose. Tune in for a meaningful conversation about perception, narrative and the impact of sharing our stories. Links: Whale Eyes https://www.whaleeyes.org/ [https://www.whaleeyes.org/] How Life Looks Through My ‘Whale Eyes’ https://www.whaleeyes.org/watch [https://www.whaleeyes.org/watch]

Joel de la Fuente ’87 Brings Hold These Truths Home to NSCD

In this episode of Raider Ramble, host Lisa Doi ’09 welcomes back NSCD alum and acclaimed actor Joel de la Fuente ’87, joined by award-winning writer Jeanne Sakata, for a powerful conversation about storytelling, history, and purpose. Joel reflects on returning to North Shore Country Day and the role NSCD played in shaping his creative path. Together, Joel and Jeanne dive into Hold These Truths, the moving solo performance centered on the true story of Gordon Hirabayashi, exploring themes of courage, patriotism, and standing up for constitutional values. This episode offers an inspiring look at the power of art to spark reflection, dialogue, and change—along with thoughtful advice for students interested in the arts and storytelling. Tune in for a meaningful conversation that connects past, present, and purpose. Links: Hold These Truths https://www.holdthesetruths.info/ [https://www.holdthesetruths.info/]

Rethinking College Admissions: A Conversation with Jeff Selingo

In this new episode of The Raider Ramble, Head of School Tom Flemma sits down with Jeff Selingo, New York Times bestselling author and one of the nation’s most trusted voices on higher education, college admissions and the changing job market. For more than 25 years, Selingo’s reporting has helped families, educators and leaders make sense of an ever-shifting landscape — and today’s conversation is no exception. Together, Tom and Jeff explore the ideas behind Selingo’s latest bestseller, “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right For You,” a book born from two decades of questions about what college really offers students and how families can approach the admissions journey with more clarity, confidence and agency. Here are the key takeaways we have for you: * Families often place too much emphasis on college rankings, when true indicators of quality come from student experience — strong first-year support, faculty mentorship, internships and hands-on learning. * Students have more agency than they realize; the college search should empower them, not turn high school into a checklist or performance arena. * “Dream School” was written as a roadmap to help families look beyond selectivity and toward fit, value and long-term outcomes. * College is a major consumer decision — families should ask questions, compare options and evaluate cost and value just as they would with any significant investment. * Career outcomes matter: the transition to the workforce is increasingly shaped by what students do in college — research, internships, campus engagement — not just where they attend. * High school is a time for exploration; reducing it to a series of hoops for admissions undermines student growth and well-being. * Counselors are essential partners — they understand your student, your school and how to align college choices with academic, social and financial fit. * Families should feel empowered, informed and curious — approaching the process with questions, flexibility and an open mind. Links: Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You https://jeffselingo.com/books/dream-school [https://jeffselingo.com/books/dream-school] NSCD College Counseling https://www.nscds.org/academics/college-counseling [https://www.nscds.org/academics/college-counseling] FAN (Family Action Network) https://www.familyactionnetwork.net [https://www.familyactionnetwork.net]

Doar to the Past: The Traditions We Share

What makes North Shore, North Shore? In this reflective episode of The Raider Ramble, host and lifelong Raider Mullery Doar ’06 explores the stories, rituals and rhythms that bind generations of students together. From the joy of buddy day to Morning Ex, these traditions form the heartbeat of our community. We hear from current students about the moments that make them feel like they truly belong, then travel back in time with one of our oldest living alums, Louise Noll ’40, who reminds us why these traditions began in the first place. Finally, we turn to longtime lower school teacher David Green, who reflects on how traditions evolve while keeping our shared values alive. Tradition isn’t just something we do — it’s something we feel. A connection to the past. A celebration of the present. A promise to the future.