Real World Opportunities Through Involvement and Experience

“Spring hill has prepared me for the real world by teaching me the importance of being my own advocate and showing me how to build relationships between faculty, administration, and students.”

Senior Mary Grace Sullivan is from St. Louis, Mo. She is Student Government Association president, majoring in biology-pre-health with minors in biochemistry and Spanish. After graduation, Sullivan will continue her education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She plans to become an orthodontist.

Q: What influenced your decision to come to Spring Hill College?

My decision to come to Spring Hill stemmed from its Jesuit values coupled with my opportunity to continue my tennis career. My tennis play on The Hill has earned me two athletic letters in two seasons at Spring Hill. I’m also a member of SIAC All-Conference Singles and Doubles Teams; a two-time member of both SIAC Women’s Tennis All-Academic Team and the Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. It’s been very rewarding for me.

Q: What other campus activities support your decision?

As an honors biology student, I knew I would have the option of gaining clinical experience through their Pre-Health Shadowing Program which I have participated in for two semesters. In addition, I have had a unique opportunity to conduct an honors thesis research project related to my field of postgraduate study. Both of these experiences have helped me meet a couple of my mentors who have supported me during my time at Spring Hill.

Q: How has the College prepared you for your career? How has Spring Hill College prepared you for the real world?

Spring hill has prepared me for the real world by teaching me the importance of being my own advocate and showing me how to build relationships between faculty, administration, and students.

Q: Advice for new students on how to get the most out of their Spring Hill education experience?

Become involved. Do not be afraid of getting your feet wet with new extracurricular activities that Spring Hill has to offer. Take advantage of opportunities presented within your major from professors or even join organizations that you feel passionate about.

Q: One of the Jesuit values we are committed to is “cura personalis,” that is, a care for the spiritual, social and intellectual growth of each person. How has this impacted you and why?

This Jesuit value has enhanced my experience at Spring Hill by helping me to learn about myself in a deeper way during my classes and allowed me to learn the importance of balance between these three facets of a person.