Checking in with the Class '22

Ah, the Class of ‘22, one of SUA’s favorite classes. As they recently started their collegiate lives away from home, we decided to check in with the whereabouts of a few former students. Although we miss them tremendously, the SUA community is so excited to see them in their new habitats.

Grace Milton - Miami University

Grace Milton is staying close to home as she attends Miami University in Oxford, OH, just about 45 minutes from SUA. Grace is currently a psychology major but in the process of changing to marketing within the business school. Although she loved playing field hockey at SUA, Grace is focusing on her academics this year. As Grace loves the outdoors, walking around campus is one of her favorite things about collegiate life. She wasn’t sure how she was going to like living with a roommate but is now “so grateful that my roommate and I are as close as we are.” The biggest adjustment for Grace has been not working for the first time since her sophomore year of high school and not having her car with her. College has allowed her to have lots of free time that she is not sure how to handle. She especially misses the SUA faculty and staff and her job at NorthStar Café in Liberty Township. Her advice to her younger self is that “college isn't as stressful as she thought it was going to be and the workload is manageable as long as you use your time wisely.”

Luci Hittle - Warren Wilson College

Luci Hittle, a former editor and reporter for The Light, currently attends Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. She is majoring in English with a concentration in film. Fittingly enough, she is also considering a minor in creative writing. Luci is proud to be a part of their theater program. She says that one of her most favorite things about WWC is that there are so many “interesting folks who come from all different backgrounds and experiences. I feel like I meet someone new every day and it’s pretty amazing to share our stories!” According to Luci, it’s unbelievably easy to make friends at Warren Wilson- “everybody’s involved in a bit of everything, so there aren’t really hard-and-fast groups, regardless of major or seniority. I feel like I can walk up to anyone and start a conversation!” Along with moving away from her family, she finds the new, more flexible schedule a huge adjustment. She doesn’t know what to do with all her free time! As she is one of two siblings, Luci misses her family and friends in Cincy, and her parents' delicious home cooked meals. Last of all, Luci reminds us to try as many new things as you can. Since the school year started Luci has “dyed clothes with indigo, made a bottle-opener at the campus forge, rescued some injured animals, fed campus pigs, and visited an archaeological site - so many things I wouldn’t have expected!”

Lily Bien - Saint Louis University

Lily Bien, a freshman at Saint Louis University, is majoring in early childhood education with a minor in entrepreneurship. She is continuing her SUA tennis career at SLU by being a part of the club tennis travel team! Lily loves getting involved in extracurriculars around campus such as a student government committee, the residence hall association, mental health awareness club, babysitting, and is currently getting a job at a local school working aftercare hours. She has especially loved exploring the city of St. Louis and getting to meet new people around campus. As many other college students do, Lily is constantly adjusting to her free time. During this extra time Lily says that it is “nice to be able to have time to hang out with friends, catch up on homework, go on a walk, or grab a bite to eat during those times.” Lily would advise to make sure to take advantage of all the great things that college has to offer. Lily’s note to SUA students: “I know the college process can be stressful at times, but enjoy your time in high school and try not to worry too much about the process, you will get through it!! Also, if you have any questions regarding the college process, feel free to reach out!”

Maddie Gillock - University of Cincinnati

Maddie Gillock, one of two other SUA sisters, is pursuing her studies at the University of Cincinnati through their renowned DAAP program. The DAAP program focuses on the elements of design, architecture, art, and planning, one of which, architecture, Maddie plans on majoring in. Similar to many other students, she enjoys the independent aspect of college life. This allows her to work around her schedule to stay on top of her studies and health. Going into college, Maddie anticipated having too much free time. Oh, how she was wrong. According to Maddie, “my weekly schedule fills up very fast between school work, extra curriculars, and social life.” The biggest adjustment she has had to face would be the teaching style used within the DAAP program compared to SUA’s art and design program. Her homework looks a lot different than it did in high school and she spends most of her time working in a studio rather than in the library. Maddie misses the “supportive environment of an all girls school because it felt like such a tight-knit community.” Lastly, Maddie encourages SUA students to take things one step at a time and to give yourself credit for your hard work. “Keeping an open mind is the key to success because some things may not be perfect right away, but in the long run, everything happens for a reason.”

Téa Sabin - Lenoir-Rhyne University

Téa Sabin is a former SUA student who currently plays soccer at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, and plans on majoring in biology. Téa loves expanding her social circle and meeting new professors and friends when she is not busy exploring campus, playing soccer, and trying new things. As expressed by many other students, independence and freedom is one of the most prominent aspects of collegiate life. During this time Téa has worked to improve her mental health and organize her life. One of the things she misses the most about her home in Cincinnati is her time with her sister, Soleil Sabin, who is currently a sophomore at SUA. They can often be found on Facetime and love to make visits both ways. Téa wants to remind current SUA students to “control the controllable.” Prepare as best as you can and continue to stay on top of your work. Along with this, Téa says that “creating a schedule and practicing time management is critical. I continually reminded myself that everyone was stressed about the transition. I wish I would have known that everything was going to be okay and I had all the tools right in front of me, I just had to figure out how to use them. Everyone's college experience is going to be different. Make the most of it.”

The SUA community is so very proud of these girls in how far they have come and how far they will go. If you need any help with the transition or just need general advice about college, feel free to reach out to these intelligent young ladies.