Balancing a rigorous double major, leadership roles and collegiate athletics is no easy task, but for sophomore Abigail (Abby) Chapman, it’s the natural blend of passion, perseverance and purpose. As a chemistry and biology pre-med student at The University of Olivet, Abby thrives in the lab, on the volleyball court and within her campus community.
Hailing from Grand Rapids, Abby chose UOlivet due to the small size and close location to home. “Being at UOlivet allows me to stay involved and has brought me so many wonderful people to lean on in hard times. I get to be close to my home, my parents and my two little brothers. My family is my rock and their support in all my endeavors at UOlivet means everything to me,” she said.
That strong foundation has empowered Abby to fully immerse herself in campus life. She’s a setter and two-year reserve team captain for the women’s volleyball team, a Resident Advisor in Shipherd Hall, secretary of the Gruen Chemistry Society and a member of the Global Citizens Honor Program. She also works as the Burrage Library front desk coordinator and participates in the President’s Leadership Institute, gaining leadership experience across campus.
All of these experiences have helped her become the person she is today. “I am comfortable in my own skin. I am surrounded by amazing people on my residence life team and in my classes who make me feel loved and seen. The community at UOlivet has pushed me and supported me through everything, and it gives me a sense of purpose. I have every opportunity to learn and explore topics that interest me. The involvement opportunities I have been given at UOlivet have truly been a blessing to me, and I am forever grateful for the experiences I have had here,” Abby said.
One example of the support Abby has found on campus is her academic advisor, Dr. Susanne Lewis. Abby said, “Dr. Lewis has significantly impacted my overall experience at UOlivet because she truly cares not just for my education and my career goals, but also for my personal aspirations and me as a person.”
With Dr. Lewis’s and the UOlivet community’s guidance and support, Abby has been able to thrive academically while pursuing her passion for science. “After I graduate from UOlivet, I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in biochemistry, and I hope to ultimately be doing independent research. I love that there are so many unanswered questions in the natural sciences. I love to learn and in independent biochemistry research, I will always be learning. My curiosity will never be satisfied,” Abby expressed.
For the sophomore who does it all, her biggest advice is to learn when there is too much on your plate. “My number one piece of college advice for high school students is to learn how to say no. Involvement on UOlivet’s campus is incredibly fulfilling, but never sacrifice your mental and physical health because you are high-achieving like me and hate saying no. Get involved and set healthy boundaries to avoid burnout.”
As Abby Chapman navigates her UOlivet journey, she embodies the perfect synthesis she studies in her labs – combining academic passion, athletic discipline and community engagement into a formula for success that will serve her well beyond graduation.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at 269-200-4060 or admissions@uolivet.edu.