Home for the holidays, college freshman reflects on path to preparation

This paid piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

The first year of college is filled with milestones — including the first big trip home.

For many students, that comes over the holiday season after a semester away at out-of-state schools.

That’s true for Grace Lent, an O’Gorman High School graduate who made the long trip from Waco, Texas, to see her family this Christmas.

Lent made the most of her time at O’Gorman, playing on the varsity soccer team and being named to the South Dakota High School Track and Field Academic All-State Team.

She also wrote for the newspaper the Knight Scroll and ended her academic career as a South Dakota Regent Scholar with a 4.0+ GPA and membership in the National Honor Society.

We sat down with Lent, who is a freshman at Baylor University, to get her thoughts on being home for the holidays and her first semester at college.

Hi Grace! How was your first semester of college?

My first semester of college was a huge adjustment but such a blessing! God has shown me that with all the uncertainty I had throughout the college process, Baylor was perfect for me in every aspect.

I have met the most incredible people, grown in my faith immensely and had a lot of fun.

What is your favorite part of college life so far?

My favorite part about college so far is definitely the independence. The feeling that the adventure is just starting and it’s all up to you to embark on that adventure and make it happen yourself is something I truly cannot put into words.

Being in college has given me the motivation to make something of myself and push past those who have doubted me in the past.

How did your education at O’Gorman help prepare you for your first year?

As a young girl who struggled with learning in public school elementary before switching to the Bishop O’Gorman school system, I can vouch for the incredible academic excellence and encouragement within the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools system.

After transferring to St. Mary Elementary within the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools system, for the first time, I had people who actually believed in me and my capabilities. Not only did my learning improve, but I enjoyed learning and being at school for the first time. I simply thrived.

In addition, after going through O’Gorman High School, I feel as if I have been prepared to study complex textbooks, take good notes and then recall the material, which has ultimately led to my success this first semester.

What is something that you miss about O’Gorman that is different from your college experience so far?

I definitely miss the passing periods in the hallways the most. Passing periods were the best for seeing all of my classmates — whether that be giving someone a hug, high-five, yelling down the hallway at your friends or having a conversation. I loved my classmates so much, and it gave me such joy to see everyone in the hallway.

You are home for the holidays, what are you looking forward to most?

While at home for the holidays, I am looking forward to stress-free sleep!

I do not think I have slept more than five hours in the past five months, so I am very much looking forward to it! Oh, and, of course, spending time with family.

What are you most looking forward to for the next semester?

Next semester, I plan on rushing a sorority as Baylor has Greek life recruitment in the spring. I am so excited to meet more people next semester and stay involved in student government.

I am also going on a few mission trips all over the country next semester, so I am so excited to see how God will use me.

We wish all students a happy holiday season and for some much-needed sleep in the new year!