Marian recently welcomed Savannah Manjo ’23 and Kathryn Linnen ’17 for an engaging panel discussion, offering the Class of 2025 a glimpse into life beyond high school. From navigating college life to reflecting on their time at Marian, the alumnae shared personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical tips for success.
Savannah, a biology major with a pre-med focus at Oakland University, brought a wealth of experience to the conversation. During her time at Marian, Savannah juggled involvement in LIFE Club, MSTEM, Project Care, and the tennis team all while completing over 500 hours of community service outside of school. Her advice? “Take your AP tests seriously. I wish I had performed better and used those credits for my college courses.”
Kathryn shared her journey from DePaul University, where she earned her undergraduate degree, to the University of Michigan, where she completed a Master of Social Work. Now a therapist at Bloomfield Child and Family Counseling, Kathryn reassured students facing the stress of college decisions: “It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get into your first-choice school. There are so many great colleges where you can gain valuable experiences.”
The discussion didn’t shy away from the challenges of transitioning to college. Both alumnae offered honest insights on leaving home, managing time, and balancing academic and personal demands. They also encouraged the Class of 2025 to savor their final months at Marian while embracing the excitement of what’s ahead.
With humor, honesty, and heartfelt advice, Savannah and Kathryn encouraged the Class of 2025 to step into their future with confidence, resilience, and the enduring Marian spirit that will guide them through the challenges and triumphs ahead.
- Alumnae