Maureen Stathopoulos ~ My Senior Story
Trinity is special to me because it allowed me to pursue many of the things I love, such as choir and theater. It also allowed me to discover new activities I never would’ve thought to do otherwise, specifically bowling. Through these activities, and just by going to Trinity, I have formed many close bonds with my fellow Blazers. Although a few of my friends have graduated already, we still keep in contact, and I always treasure the friendship we have. However, I can’t mention these special bonds without mentioning those I’ve formed with my teachers. They’ve kept me engaged in lessons; they’ve helped me in many ways–both inside and outside the classroom–and overall, they’re among the main reasons I consider Trinity a second home, and they’re why their classrooms are homes within a home for me. Over the past four years, they’ve done so much for me, whether they realize it or not. I hope they realize it, or I will keep saying it until they do.
Originally, I was completely opposed to the idea of going out of state for college. I used to be terrified of the idea of being too far away from home. So I started by "touring" (it was too cold) the University of Chicago and touring Northwestern. I even toured Benedictine University, and while I felt welcomed there--and even though I was excited about getting accepted in the middle of my fourth-period IB Art class--it didn't feel right despite being the closest to home. Then I toured Marquette, and I was shocked that it seemed to be my favorite college so far. But I think what sealed the deal at the time was running into a former Trinity student whom I had shadowed in 7th grade. I explored further over spring break last year when I went to Missouri to visit SLU and WashU. I loved both, but something drew me closer to WashU--namely, its recording studio and its freshman "intro to research" course. I then realized I was okay being a four-hour drive from home, so I did what I could to get into WashU. I did get rejected, though, and it was at that moment I realized my gut was telling me I didn't need to get into a highly selective school to prove myself. In fact, I had already proven myself by choosing to pursue the full IB Diploma and coming close to receiving it. I had my heart set on Marquette again because I desperately wanted to be in that friendly environment, close to home (though not just in my home’s backyard), like I had been at Trinity. On April 5, I toured Marquette again to make sure it was where I wanted to go, and after weeks of begging my parents to let me actually commit there instead of just mentally committing, I committed at that Admitted Student Day, and I couldn't be happier.
My advice to Future Blazers is make the most of your time in high school, because I swear it goes by so fast. Yes, it’s important to keep up with your studies and make sure you’re doing well in your classes, but also make sure you’re giving yourself a chance to be yourself. Join clubs (but not too many at once–it’s okay to pick like three), say “hi” to other students and teachers in the halls, and try some activities you normally would not have seen yourself doing. You’re entering a community full of strong, smart, kind, amazing young women who are willing to help make Trinity feel like your second home–the way it is for them. And one day, you’ll prove to future Blazers that they are strong, smart, kind, and overall amazing too.
Marquette University ~ Major: Biology, Tentative minors: Music and French, St. Luke Parish School, River Forest
Back
Originally, I was completely opposed to the idea of going out of state for college. I used to be terrified of the idea of being too far away from home. So I started by "touring" (it was too cold) the University of Chicago and touring Northwestern. I even toured Benedictine University, and while I felt welcomed there--and even though I was excited about getting accepted in the middle of my fourth-period IB Art class--it didn't feel right despite being the closest to home. Then I toured Marquette, and I was shocked that it seemed to be my favorite college so far. But I think what sealed the deal at the time was running into a former Trinity student whom I had shadowed in 7th grade. I explored further over spring break last year when I went to Missouri to visit SLU and WashU. I loved both, but something drew me closer to WashU--namely, its recording studio and its freshman "intro to research" course. I then realized I was okay being a four-hour drive from home, so I did what I could to get into WashU. I did get rejected, though, and it was at that moment I realized my gut was telling me I didn't need to get into a highly selective school to prove myself. In fact, I had already proven myself by choosing to pursue the full IB Diploma and coming close to receiving it. I had my heart set on Marquette again because I desperately wanted to be in that friendly environment, close to home (though not just in my home’s backyard), like I had been at Trinity. On April 5, I toured Marquette again to make sure it was where I wanted to go, and after weeks of begging my parents to let me actually commit there instead of just mentally committing, I committed at that Admitted Student Day, and I couldn't be happier.
My advice to Future Blazers is make the most of your time in high school, because I swear it goes by so fast. Yes, it’s important to keep up with your studies and make sure you’re doing well in your classes, but also make sure you’re giving yourself a chance to be yourself. Join clubs (but not too many at once–it’s okay to pick like three), say “hi” to other students and teachers in the halls, and try some activities you normally would not have seen yourself doing. You’re entering a community full of strong, smart, kind, amazing young women who are willing to help make Trinity feel like your second home–the way it is for them. And one day, you’ll prove to future Blazers that they are strong, smart, kind, and overall amazing too.
Marquette University ~ Major: Biology, Tentative minors: Music and French, St. Luke Parish School, River Forest
