Navigating College: Young Alumnae Share Advice, Perspective, and the Power of the Holton Network

On the first day back from winter break, Holton-Arms welcomed 30 of its recent graduates to campus for lunch and networking. Upper School students were treated to firsthand accounts of what life after Holton looks like during a panel featuring graduates from the Classes of 2022-2025. The conversation highlighted not only the realities of transitioning to college, but also the enduring strength of the Holton network.

Panelists Maya Abiy ’22 (University of Notre Dame), Soa Andriamananjara ’25 (Princeton University), Madeline Feldner ’23 (Columbia University), and Martha Lauren Nichols ’25 (Villanova University) shared candid reflections on academics, time management, identity, and self-care during their first years away from Holton.

On the shift from a highly structured environment to the independence of college life, Maya described college as a "blank slate," noting that while she had been deeply involved at Holton, college allowed her to slowly choose what truly interested her. Martha framed the transition as a lesson in time management, emphasizing that the study habits she developed at Holton were an essential foundation.

An unexpected challenge, Soa explained, was learning when to say yes to a new experience and when to decline. "I went in with the idea of saying yes to everything, I even tried breakdancing." The key, she continued, is finding a balance between the spontaneous yes and planning where you're going to spend your time and energy.

The panelists reassured students that uncertainty—both academic and personal—is not only normal but valuable. While some knew their academic paths early, others described the freedom of exploring multiple interests. "Don't stress about your path forward," Martha advised. "Exploring various interests is part of the process."

Upper School Head Brooke Depelteau challenged the panel with a lighthearted but revealing question about adjusting to academic life without a school uniform. The alumnae reflected on how clothing became part of self-expression and confidence-building, while also acknowledging the social dynamics of college campuses. The unanimous bit of advice: "Jeans are your friend."

Across their reflections, the alumnae emphasized how Holton prepared them to advocate for themselves, speak confidently, and remain grounded during moments of uncertainty. "Coming from Holton, I'm not scared to be who I am," Martha shared. Madeline echoed that sentiment, noting that the confidence she gained at Holton "translated seamlessly" to college.

The panel also underscored the importance of self-care. Soa stressed the need for downtime to recharge your social battery, while Martha encouraged the seniors to try new foods and new routines. For Maya, the single-sex dorm is her quiet, familiar space.

The alumnae closed by offering advice they wished they had been given as Holton seniors: stop comparing yourself to others, be authentically yourself, trust your study habits, and be open to change. An underlying theme throughout the panel discussion: Holton is not something students leave behind, but a community that continues to support you long after graduation.