By Alora Peters, Editor-in-Chief
I entered Saint Leo University as a freshman with a plan: attend class, study hard, pass my exams, and graduate. As an incoming college student, it seemed like a straightforward path to success.
However, as I began to progress along my collegiate journey, I realized that college – and life in general – wasn’t just about checking assignments off my to-do list. By focusing only on the end goal, I was passing by so many of the incredible detours, sights, people, and road stops that I now realize are what made my Saint Leo journey so meaningful.
Looking back, the most important thing I’ve learned here at Saint Leo wasn’t something that is being tested on any final exam: the most important lesson I’ve learned – and am still learning – from my collegiate experience is to be open to unexpected possibilities.
In my first year, I took two Honors program courses in classical Western philosophy and theology. I enjoyed the classes so much that I added a minor in religion; my studies in theology have been one of the highlights of my academic journey at Saint Leo, but the Honors class that prompted me to begin this journey almost didn’t happen.
As a newly enrolled freshman, I was initially skeptical about joining the Honors program, and struggled with those classic doubts that every incoming student faces. Would I be able to handle taking additional, more difficult classes? Would I fit in with my classmates? However, I decided to be open to the opportunity, and I am so grateful that I did — not only did I love the classes and the content, but I ended up meeting some of my now-closest friends.
The same is true of my experience with The Lions’ Pride Media Group. My advisor invited me to write for the student newspaper, but I was again hesitant. Would I get along with my co-workers? Would I be able to balance a job with my studies? Would I enjoy journalistic writing?
Now, three years later, I absolutely love my job. I’ve learned as much – and probably more – from working on the newspaper staff than I have from my classes. The Lions’ Pride has been one of my most meaningful experiences at Saint Leo, and it’s something I would have missed entirely if I hadn’t been open to possibilities.
Looking back, so many of the most significant and impactful parts of my collegiate experience are things I never would have dreamed of considering before I started at Saint Leo. So many of the beautiful relationships and connections I have forged during the past four years never would have come to be if I had remained focused only on the end goal and closed off to the unexpected opportunities that awaited me.
It might sound cheesy, but, if I can pass along any advice to other students, it’s this: try new things, adventure outside of your comfort zone, and be open to possibilities and happiness where you are least expecting it. The future really can be and will be better than you can imagine.
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By Ryn Williams, Layout Editor
When I came to Saint Leo University, I wasn’t entirely sure who I would be.
In the admissions office, I chose the closest equivalent to journalism – English with a concentration in professional writing – before I even knew there was a newspaper on campus.
On the first day of classes, I sat in a Zoom classroom by myself. The first student who joined immediately introduced herself and asked if I was interested in joining the newspaper that I had now seen around on campus.
Since then, I’ve become layout editor – that other student’s previous position – and her future bridesmaid.
At The Lions’ Pride Media Group, I’ve become familiar with the development of an article. It starts as an idea thrown around a meeting room and then blossoms into a piece after editors have had their eyes on it. I find that cycle beautiful.
After all, what can be more amazing than a piece multiple writers have poured their hearts into?
Since joining, I’ve written 22 articles on a variety of topics, from politics to a celebration of life to covering the race for the vaccine of 2021. I’ve developed my skills and broadened my horizons. I’ve made lifelong friends and learned how to work collaboratively in a group.
My background in The Lions’ Pride Media Group has strengthened my confidence as a writer and employee. I’ve even written for outside publications, such as The Dade City Wire.
What I mean to say is this: the newspaper will give you a chance.
I came to Saint Leo as a nervous teenager who had no idea how to edit journalistic articles, how to use Adobe InDesign to layout the paper, or even how to make friends.
My time at The Lions’ Pride has taught me more lessons than I can put into words. I’m truly thankful for my experience.
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By Arthur Cosson, Social Media Manager
During my two years at Saint Leo University, I gained a lot of experience. Indeed, coming from France, I had to adapt to a new language and a new culture in addition to a new field of study, as I pursued my Master of Business Administration while, for my bachelor’s, I had studied exercise science.
The advantage of Saint Leo is that many students on campus come from all over the world. So, on this small and nice campus of Saint Leo university, you can learn and discover many things from people from all over the world.
Moreover, The Lions’ Pride Media Group has been a great opportunity for me to discover myself and develop new skills, thanks to the editors surrounding me.
Furthermore, being promoted to Social Media Manager gave me a chance to have responsibilities that allowed me to expand my resume. I’ve loved working here and doing projects with Pia Perthen, the Sports Editor, that have helped The Lions Pride grow its visibility on social media.
Also, as a student-athlete on Saint Leo’s cross-country and track teams, it has allowed me to grow in a completely different field and, therefore, to think about other things and have other goals. My job was to develop The Lions’ Pride’s presence on the Internet to give it more exposure. Like everything else I do in life – such as studies or sports – it allowed me to have a concrete objective and to give value to my work.
However, my best memory as a student-athlete was the trip to Seattle, Wash., with my coaches and teammates for the Dec. 2022 National NCAA DII Festival. It was an incredible experience as an athlete, where I felt like I was in a sort of mini Olympic Games and where everything was set up for the athletes’ well-being. But it was also, in general, an example of all the opportunities sports can give by traveling, succeeding, and meeting new friends.
So, I can say that my Saint Leo experience is what allowed me to grow as a person because of study, work, sports, and all the people I met here. It is unfortunate to leave Saint Leo following the cut of the cross-country and track program for the next semester. I feel bad for all my teammates, friends, and coaches who need to find a new school or job. I hope Saint Leo has a better future and will continue to grow.
Nevertheless, Saint Leo is the best choice I have made in my life by leaving my home country. Here I was able to find a family, and this part of my life will forever be remembered as a successful and rewarding experience.
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By Jacob Onken, Contributing Writer
My four years at Saint Leo University have gone by in a flash. It felt like a year ago I was living in the tiny dorm rooms in Marmion.
The spring semester of 2020, when COVID-19 hit, was during my freshman year. My first semester was the only normal one that I ever had in college.
I was starting to find my own friend group before we were forced to self-isolate. At first, while being locked indoors, my friends from Saint Leo and I stayed connected. We would have group calls until 3a.m. or 4a.m. Then I started to become addicted to being alone in my room. I didn’t know at the time, but this would be the start of my anxiety disorder hitting its peak.
When I returned to campus in Fall 2020, my friends and I were neighbors. About a week into the semester, I began to have 11 or 12 panic attacks a day. I tried to keep this secret from my friends. I thought that they would make fun of me or think that I was over-exaggerating for attention. That was a mistake.
There was only one person that I really trusted to talk to during this time, and it was my now-girlfriend, Megan. I already had a crush on her from my freshman year, but my feelings continued to grow in our first semester back. I didn’t realize that I was starting to fall in love with her, and I didn’t realize that holding back my feelings towards her was adding to my anxiety.
I remember the day that I realized I needed to start seeing someone for my anxiety. It was during the last game of the 2020 World Series. I didn’t even get to see the final plays of the game, as I had a major panic attack that caused me to have to return home.
Once I got back, I took advantage of Saint Leo’s Counseling Services. I learned different ways to cope: one of the major ones was to actually go out and see my friends.
I should have been more trusting of them. They never judged me; they were more concerned. Back at home in Tampa, I never really opened up to people. The community that I met at Saint Leo was more understanding than any I have met before.
