Words of Wisdom from Our Alumni: Enjoy Your Time Now, Look Forward to the Future

Guest article by Molly Saum '17, Severn School Communications Office intern
I remember this time two years ago watching the College Counseling Alumni Panel in Roche Lecture Hall, nervous and anxious to start my college journey. Last week I watched the same event from a new perspective, now as an intern for the Severn Communications Office. This year’s panel shared meaningful advice with the class of 2019 to guide them into the future with reminders of everything Severn has given them. As I listened to the panelists, one quote in particular resonated with me, “The further away I get from Severn the more I appreciate it.”

What is the College Counseling Alumni Panel?

The Alumni Panel is an annual event put on by the College Counseling department where three to four recent alumni are invited to Severn to give advice to and answer questions from the graduating class. The panel gives our seniors a chance to hear about current college experiences from students many of them know and trust.
Severn School high school students sit at a panel in front of a group.

Voices of Varied Experience

This year we welcomed three accomplished alumnae from the class of 2017: Nina Page, Priya Lakhanpal, and Rachel Sindler. Each of the panelists brought different perspectives, experiences and knowledge. Nina studies English and public policy at the University of Maryland and is interested in exploring sociology. She also works as the VP of events for a fashion business club among other extracurricular interests. Priya is on the pre-dental track at the University of Richmond and volunteers with new student orientation. Rachel studies economics at Furman University and is on their Division 1 lacrosse team. Both Rachel and Priya also participate in Greek Life. Each offered a unique point of view on what to expect as our seniors move into their college careers.
Severn School high school students sit at a panel in front of a group.

Thoughtful Advice, Now and for the Future

The panelists each shared entertaining campus stories and practical advice. While they focused on what to expect, they also encouraged our seniors to enjoy their remaining months at Severn:
  • Everyone has their own journey — trust you will end up where you belong
  • Explore classes outside your major that you find enjoyable
  • Step out of your comfort zone
  • Be open to change
  • Know Severn has prepared you for what lies ahead
  • Enjoy the little time you have left with your peers

Severn School teachers and students stand together.
Mr. David Brunk, Ms. Bea Fuller, Rachel Sindler ‘17, Nina Page ‘17, Molly Saum ‘17, Carrie MacVean Grimes '91, Priya Lakhanpal ‘17, and Kimberly Coughlin
Author Molly Saum ‘17 is a sophomore at Elon University in North Carolina where she studies communications. She is working as an intern for the Severn Communications Office during her winter term and will return this summer.


College-bound and Need Help?

Check out the resources on our college counseling page and reach out to Mr. Brunk or Ms. Coughlin in the College Counseling Office. They advocate for our students, helping to highlight special strengths and support college applications with letters of recommendation. They can answer questions about admission testing and application procedures. They are here to help Severn students and families navigate the college decision-making process to find the right match — for the people our students are and the people they hope to be.

Want to Give Back and Get Involved?

The Alumni House is committed to providing opportunities for former Severn students to reconnect, network, enjoy memories and feel the special sense of pride that being an Admiral alumnus brings. Our alumni relations program seeks to build a mutually beneficial, lifelong connection amongst alumni and to Severn School, and to encourage alumni support and guidance in advancing Severn’s mission to “marshal the courage to lead, and to develop the lasting desire to serve and achieve.” If you are a Severn alum that would like to get involved, contact Alumni Director Ms. Carrie MacVean Grimes '91.
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