In Mary Ashburn Mann's address to the Class of 2017 during commencement last May, the 2017 senior class speaker said, "I hope that I can speak on behalf of everyone when I say that, in one way or another, Saint Mary's has provided us with the confidence to step out of our comfort zone and truly be the best version of ourselves. I am an illustration of this point – when I came to Saint Mary's you never would have caught me on stage, speaking in public but now, here I am, sharing our story in front of strangers and best friends, alike." We caught up with Mary Ashburn, now in her second semester at North Carolina State University's College of Textiles, to ask her a few questions about her Saint Mary's experience for our sms.edu blog.
In what ways did Saint Mary's School best prepare you for college?
Because of Saint Mary's I have felt very prepared for college and in some instances, I have felt ahead of my peers, socially and academically. Boarding life allowed me to transition easily in a college dorm. In terms of academics, Saint Mary's provided me with a strong structure of how to study and when to start studying. Saint Mary's also provided me with positive student-teacher relationships and I feel it is important to have such relationships with my professors.
What do you think was the most valuable part of your Saint Mary's experience?
While I value my academic success at Saint Mary's, I think the most valuable part of my time at Saint Mary's was the friendships I made. I keep up with my best friends every day whether we are right down the road or states away. We have all made so many connections, whether it be setting each other up to room with a friend from home, or meeting friends of friends in college.
What advice would you give to girls currently attending Saint Mary's?
For the current girls at Saint Mary's, I would encourage them to savor their remaining time at Saint Mary's. You are surrounded by your best friends, the most caring teachers and staff, and the best all-girls education. In a blink of an eye, you will be walking through the Grove on graduation day, wishing for one more year at Saint Mary's.
What would you tell girls thinking about attending Saint Mary's?
It is such a great place. Saint Mary's is not only a school, but a community. It is a place where you can try new things, where you will meet your lifelong best friends, and make so many valuable connections. Saint Mary's is the best thing I ever could have asked for and I want other girls to experience the joy Saint Mary's has given me.
Did Saint Mary's influence your choice of majors? If so, how?
I have wanted to go into fashion since I was about eight. However, through the art program and with the loads of help from Ms. Assenzo, I was well prepared to create my portfolio for my application. I also had to interview to get into my specific major – I am majoring in fashion and textiles design with a concentration in textiles design. With all the interviews I went through at Saint Mary's, I felt extremely prepared for my interview.