In Can't Hardly Wait, a graduating class gathers for one unforgettable night — a chaotic, emotional, and often hilarious collision of cliques, identities, and expectations. Beneath the 90s nostalgia and party anthems, the film poses a timeless question for educators: how do young people find belonging and purpose in a world so quick to label and divide them?

Through characters like Preston, Amanda, and Denise, we see the tension between perception and authenticity — between who students think they should be and who they truly are. The movie reminds us that every learner is in their own process of discovery, and that connection and empathy can transform even the most uncertain transitions into opportunities for growth.

On this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Carla Cummins and new co-host Jessica Westerduin sit down with Jay Doherty to unpack what Can't Hardly Wait reveals about identity, belonging, and the powerful role educators play in helping students write their next chapter with confidence and hope.

Takeaways:

• Every student carries a story beyond the surface — belonging starts when educators listen deeply.
• Transitional moments, like graduation, can spark reflection, growth, and the courage to reinvent oneself.
• Schools that embrace diversity of thought, emotion, and identity prepare students for more than success — they prepare them for life.
• When educators foster genuine connection, they help students see that they're already enough, just as they are.

About Jay Doherty:

Jay Doherty is a K–12 Design Principal, Project Architect, and Certified Educational Planner (ALEP) at Lavallee Brensinger Architects in New England. He is passionate about designing educational and inspiring spaces that nurture the next generation of thinkers and doers.

Jay's favorite place to be is at the intersection of art and science—a place where creativity and logic meet. He finds joy in the balance between these disciplines, whether it's expressed through thoughtful architecture, a well-composed piece of music, a carefully crafted beverage, or a beautifully made film.

In addition to his work as an educational architect, Jay is a dedicated film enthusiast and critic. He served as Executive Director of the SNOB (Somewhat North Of Boston) Film Festival for over a decade.

Learn More About Jay Doherty:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jpdoherty3/

Learn More About Lavallee Brensinger Architects:

Website: lbpa.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/lavallee-brensinger-architects

Facebook: facebook.com/LavalleeBrensingerArchitects

Connect with host, Carla Cummins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/

Connect with co-host, Jessica Westerduin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-westerduin-b75454267/

Learn More About Kay-Twelve:

Website: https://kay-twelve.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay_twelve/

Episode 249 of the Better Learning Podcast

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

For more information on our partners:

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/

Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/

Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/

EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/

Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

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