About the Program
The Fostering a Conversation series, led by UAHS students, connects our community across generations through a collaboration of the Upper Arlington City Schools, Upper Arlington Education Foundation, Upper Arlington Alumni Association, and the Upper Arlington Community Foundation. The program offers opportunities for ongoing education and conversations regarding ideas that are of interest to the Upper Arlington community through a wide variety of speakers and events to build a stronger UA together.
Fostering a Conversation
Upcoming Speakers
Who: John O'Leary
What: Ignite a Radically Inspired Life
When: September 17, 2025 • 6PM
Where: Upper Arlington High School
Pricing: $50
Past Speakers
Who: Dr. Laurie Santos
What: What Makes Humans Happy
When: September 22, 2024
View Bio
John O'Leary
What More Can I Do?
Being out of bed doesn't mean you're awake. We spend a lot of our lives going through the motions. We want to live our best lives, but we’re so busy that we usually settle for good enough. We hope tomorrow will be different, but we aren’t clear how to live differently. We make excuses for ourselves. And it leaves us feeling unclear, unguided and unfulfilled.
And today, our challenges are more complex than ever before. Yet, it doesn’t have to feel that way.
Imagine waking up feeling alive, not just awake. Think about what you could accomplish if you stepped into each day feeling fully engaged and moved through life with joy, passion and inspiration. And picture the clarity of knowing your best days are yet to come.
When John O’Leary was 9 years old he burned 100% of his body when playing with matchsticks and was given a 1% chance to live. Now, he shares his story as an inspiration for others.
Visit his website to learn more: https://johnolearyinspires.com/
Jake Borelli
Jake Borelli - Dare to Dream
Over the last few years, actor Jake Borelli has become “one to watch” in the entertainment industry, quickly becoming known for the dynamic characters he has brought to life in film and television. Borelli can currently be seen starring as Dr. Levi Schmitt on the award-winning, medical drama series “Grey’s Anatomy” for ABC. Originally introduced in season 14, Borelli instantly became a fan favorite as one of the newest interns to join Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Throughout season 15, fans tuned in weekly to watch Dr. Schmitt’s historic storyline unfold, as they witnessed the first kiss between two male doctors and the first major gay (male) romance in the show’s history. This inspired Borelli to come out in his personal life, as well. Grey’s Anatomy is currently airing its historic 21st season, with new episodes debuting on Thursday nights on ABC.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Borelli knew at a young age that he wanted to be an actor. He got his start acting with the Columbus Children’s Theater when he was just 10 years old, and performed in over 15 plays in just five years. From the stage, he went on to work in local commercials and radio in Ohio. In 2009, a few weeks after he graduated from Upper Arlington High School, Borelli decided to make the move to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of being a full-time actor. Shortly after the move, he landed his first major role as Roy in the Nickelodeon series iCarly. He went on to recur as Wolfgang, a quirky German exchange student in Nickelodeon’s The Thundermans, and starred in Netflix’s Original Movie #REALITYHIGH.
Dr. Laurie Santos
Former Head, Silliman College Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Prof. of Psychology, Yale University Host, The Happiness Lab Podcast
Dr. Laurie Santos is a psychologist and an expert on human cognition, its origins, and the evolutionary biases that influence our all-too imperfect life choices. Her work centers around how behavioral change through positive psychology can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. She is the Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology and the former Head of Silliman College at Yale University. Her course, Psychology and the Good Life, teaches what the science of psychology says about how to make wiser choices for a better life. The class is Yale’s most popular course in over 300 years and has been adapted into a free Coursera program that has been taken by over 4 million people to date.
Student Planning Committee
Advisors
- Alicia McGinty
- Melissa Hasebrook
- Nora N.
- Vivian M.
- Sarah S.
- Shreya T.
- Ola B.
- Esther L.
- Bishishta A.
- Clare C.
- Jake D.
- Gage G.
- Ava K.
- Abby O.
- Aiden S.
- Anthony C.
- Elena Z.
- Nieves A.
- Khloe D.
- Angela N.
- Jaxson H.
- Izzy M.
- Elena M.
- Santiago C.
- Camille B.
- Drew F.
- Kevin F.
- Elizabeth H.
- Ansley M.
- Abby M.
- Jimmy Z.
- Kilian B.
- Elise S.
- Lily C.
- Jayden K.
- Cooper M.
- Julia N.
- Nick U.
- Lucy W.
- Lola Z.
- Leah H.
- Katie S.
- Addison B.
- Carmen K.
- JoBeth L.
- Hannah S.
- Alexander W.
- Nick A.
- Hadley M.
- Ben F.
- Finn F.
- Sean M.
- Niki S.
- Ross S.
- Sienna T.
Advisors
- Alicia McGinty
- Melissa Hasebrook
- Nora N.
- Vivian M.
- Sarah S.
- Shreya T.
- Ola B.
- Esther L.
- Bishishta A.
- Clare C.
- Jake D.
- Gage G.
- Ava K.
- Abby O.
- Aiden S.
- Anthony C.
- Elena Z.
- Nieves A.
- Khloe D.
- Angela N.
- Jaxson H.
- Izzy M.
- Elena M.
- Santiago C.
- Camille B.
- Drew F.
- Kevin F.
- Elizabeth H.
- Ansley M.
- Abby M.
- Jimmy Z.
- Kilian B.
- Elise S.
- Lily C.
- Jayden K.
- Cooper M.
- Julia N.
- Nick U.
- Lucy W.
- Lola Z.
- Leah H.
- Katie S.
- Addison B.
- Carmen K.
- JoBeth L.
- Hannah S.
- Alexander W.
- Nick A.
- Hadley M.
- Ben F.
- Finn F.
- Sean M.
- Ross S.
- Niki S.
- Sienna T.
Thank You To
Our Inaugural Supporters
Events brought to you by
- The Foster Family
- Upper Arlington Schools
- Upper Arlington Education Foundation + Alumni Association
- Upper Arlington Community Foundation
Upper Arlington Community Foundation Funds
- Barney Family Fund
- Fitzpatrick Family Fund
- Michael and Judy Martz Family
- Lynn and Bob Ness Fund
- Overmyer Hall Associates Fund
- Jeff and Karen Trotier Family Fund
Purchase Tickets
Season Pass Coming Soon!