Titan Emma Chamberlain returns to alma mater after nearly seven years

Andie Wong, Editor in Chief • June 1, 2024

On Class Day, May 31, popular influencer, podcaster and Chamberlain Coffee founder Emma Chamberlain ‘19 surprised students.

In an excited, but speechless state of shock, students gave her a big round of applause before she sat down with Head of School Meredith Essalat for an interview about how she navigates a work-life balance, her reasons for openly sharing her struggles with mental health and how the structure of high school played a positive role in her journey to fame.

During their discussion, she shared the impact NDB has had on her personal and professional life.

“It all started [at NDB]. This was the place where I truly started to realize that I had an idea of something that I wanted to do in my life,” said Chamberlain. “[This is] where I started filming videos … so my first videos are so special to me.”

Since her time at NDB, Chamberlain has amassed a following of over 12 million on YouTube and 15 million on Instagram and is widely respected for the vulnerability she displays in her videos and podcast “Anything Goes.” Some of her most popular videos on YouTube are of her vlogging her day-to-day life, which includes her morning ritual of making coffee. Her passion for experimenting with different recipes eventually turned into a business called Chamberlain Coffee.

As a high school student, her goal was to earn admission into a prestigious university, but she struggled with finding meaning in the process of attempting to achieve this.

When asked what last words of wisdom she hoped to give to NDB students, she emphasized the importance of making purposeful decisions.

“Especially with the graduating class, as you’re now faced with the world, I think it’s so important to remember to do things for you,” said Chamberlain. “The internet is telling you what you should do and … even society as a whole is telling [you] what you’re supposed to do. For so long, I was not doing things for me … and you can truly begin to find fulfillment, but I think it has to be for you.”

Her advice was impactful to the graduating class of 2024, who are the hundredth class to graduate from NDB.

“It helped me celebrate my success in graduating, especially [in] the 100th year of NDB, and my success in the future, knowing there will always be a path for me to go to, even if I make a mistake,” shared senior Jessica Ai.

Shortly after her interview, Chamberlain helped Essalat in presenting the Head of School Award to senior Kaylee Ellerhorst, who exemplified excellence in multiple areas at her time at NDB, including in multiple leadership roles.

After Class Day, Chamberlain posted photos of herself earning her honorary high school diploma for the Titans Class of 2019 on Instagram.

She has made a strong impact on young women pursuing their goals and continues to inspire not only the NDB community, but also millions of her followers worldwide.

About the Contributor

Andie Wong, Editor in Chief

Andie Wong is a senior at NDB and serves as the Editor in Chief for The Catalyst. She was the News Editor in junior year and became an active member of the Journalism club in her sophomore year. This year, she is especially looking forward to deepening her passion for writing, interviewing students around campus and, most importantly, amplifying our community's voices. Apart from The Catalyst, Andie is the president of Key Club and enjoys running on the NDB Cross Country and Track teams. She also loves crocheting, playing the piano and going out for brunch with family and friends.