Seniors Connect with Young Alumnae

On Thursday, April 2, the Office of Alumnae Relations invited seniors to a virtual young alumnae panel where they had the opportunity to learn about life after Meredith. Alumnae offered tips and advice on their job search, setting up an apartment, first jobs, and staying connected to Meredith.

“Our office had originally planned to host this event in person and on campus, but that was no longer possible because of COVID-19, so we held the virtual panel via Zoom. Our hope is that it offered support and encouragement for our seniors, whose final semester at Meredith is certainly very different from the one they envisioned, said Hilary Allen, ʼ01, director of alumnae relations. “More than ever, it’s important for our students, especially our graduating seniors, to know that their Meredith network of alumnae around the globe is here to support them.”

Young alumnae panelists included Hannah Kicklighter, ʼ19, Maggie McCreery, ʼ18, Meg Sink, ʼ18, and Molly Wilson, ʼ18. Allen kicked off the Zoom event by asking the panel to give words of advice to the seniors. They each said it was important to stay connected with friends and with the College.

“You have to be intentional about it. As a student, you have friends around all the time, but when you leave Meredith you have to make it more of a habit,” said Wilson. “A great way to stay connected with what is happening at Meredith is through the Young Alumnae Board and attend chapter events wherever you live.”

Alumnae Relations has 35 chapters across the country.

The panelists discussed their first job and how the transition went for each of them. Hilary Allen told the group, “I hope you find coming out of Meredith under this environment you have been in for four years, that Meredith cares and will work hard for you. Our Career Services is wonderful and you can use it the rest of your life and Meredith Mentors is a network you can join that will be an asset in your life after Meredith.”

Each alumna told the seniors, one class they took, and now realize why it was so important. Sink and Wilson both said English has helped in everything including their communication skills, writing proposals and papers for work, and communicating via email. McCreery, a teacher at Broughton High, took Spanish and now has several Spanish speaking students.

“I had a student not coming to class and had to contact his mother. I was able to communicate with her and had I not taken those Spanish classes, I would not have been able to help that student.”

The panel also talked about their jobs and gave words of advice about how to work as a team, dealing with tasks that they never thought they would have on the job, and learning from others that they work with. They ended the meeting with final thoughts.

“It is like a switch when you come back on campus. All the feelings of coming down the drive and seeing Johnson Hall. You feel so proud of your education,” said Kicklighter.

Sink added, “I am so excited for you to start this part of your life. You have a lot to look forward to. And just think you will not have to take exams anymore!”