The University of Olivet tends to be pretty quiet in the summer, but senior Sarah Lafoe, hailing from Southern California, is one student who enjoys the peace and calm. With the current prices of travel, Sarah thought it best to stay close to campus. The decision to stay was made easier by her many friends who are also staying on or live close to campus.
This summer isn’t her first on campus. She stayed last year and worked in Laimbeer Fitness Center. She would often go to Grand Haven with other students and soak up the sun when she wasn’t working.
Campus in the summer has all the summer camp vibes. There are fewer students here, so those who stay can hang out with and get to know each other really well. The often mentioned close-knit-community is even closer in the summer. The days are relaxed. There is ample time to get out in the sun and just enjoy the beautiful Michigan weather.
Many of Sarah’s closest friends are on the swim team. After first hearing about The University of Olivet through Swim Coach Rob Brownell, Sarah was intrigued. She said, “I got recruited by the swim coach and decided I wanted something different. I wanted to go somewhere with seasons, and I wanted to get out of my comfort zone.”
With three years of school and sports under her belt, Sarah reflected, “I think swim was a big part of my experience. It was nice to come in and already have a little family.” One of her favorite memories of her time at Olivet was a training trip to San Diego the swim team went on in December of 2021. Twice a day they had practice, and the rest of the time was filled with hanging out and goofing around. It was a great time of making memories.
As Sarah looks to the future, she plans to stay in Michigan after she graduates. She said, “I knew I probably wouldn’t stay in California because I felt that I needed something new and different than where I grew up.” However, she was not always sure where home would be for her. She committed to Olivet College and was excited and nervous about the move. “It’s a little scary because you don’t know what’s going to happen when you move across the country, but definitely after my first year out here I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to move out here.’”
She has always felt welcomed in Michigan and having all four seasons was a big desire of hers. The weather in Southern California is pretty much the same year-round, so it was exciting for her to experience the diversity of Michigan’s weather. In her three years of being here, Michigan has become her home.
Sarah is studying math with a minor in coaching, and she said, “After I graduate, I hope to get my master’s degree in communications, and with that, I hope to become a sports statistician or a sports information director.”
Her professors have encouraged her to do what she wants and have helped her figure out what that might be. She had an internship with Geoff Henson, The University of Olivet’s sports information director, and she said this experience helped her decide what she wanted to do.
Sarah’s experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Through all the twists and turns college life brings, she is thankful for her time here and knows it has helped shape her into who she is today.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at 269-749-7635 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
This feature was written by Savannah Baker, a senior studying English and business. The former editor of Olivet’s literary journal, Garfield Lake Review, Savannah now pursues her interest in writing and editing as a marketing intern with The University of Olivet.