Photo Credit: Makayla Palos Rodriguez

This amazing alumna spotlight features Class of 2022 grad: Keira Sarni!

Amidst the whirlwind of high school life and the incoming graduation season, many Royals might start to wonder where the road will take them in the future. With big changes and new experiences looming in the distance, it can be a daunting time for many.

But, for alumna Keria Sarni ’22, the journey post-Rosary has taken her beyond the familiar halls of our beloved school and into the exciting world of college life. As Keira’s Rosary “Little Sister,” I had the privilege of being able to catch up with her to hear all about her various adventures, challenges, and triumphs within this new chapter of her life. So, without further ado, here’s a closer look into how one of Rosary’s very own is shining bright during this college adventure!

Q: What inspired you to choose your current college/university?

A: While a deciding factor in choosing Chapman University was definitely the fact that my older sister (Jillian Sarni ‘19) was there, there are several other factors that came into play. One of the biggest benefits of Chapman was that I could play on the women’s volleyball team, which is something that I would not be able to do at my other top choices. Apart from that, the location was very ideal, and I loved the fact that I would be only 25 minutes away from my family, church, and of course, Rosary.

Q: How does your college experience compare to your expectations?

A: It DEFINITELY exceeds all my expectations! I was honestly a little bit scared to leave Rosary because I felt like I had become so comfortable with my friends, teachers, activities, and classes and did not want anything to change. After almost two years of college, I can say that college is way better than I was ever expecting, and I am in my feels about how I only have two years left (where did the time go for real!).

Q: What has been the most surprising aspect of college life so far?

A: The most surprising aspect of college life so far is how independent I have become. While I do live somewhat close to home and my family, I find that I don’t visit home quite as much as I’m sure my parents would like. I love being on and around campus, so this past year I find myself hanging out with friends, teaching or playing volleyball at my coaching job, or doing school work at my apartment during my free time on the weekends. While in my head I still picture myself as a 16-year-old girl in a plaid navy skirt arguing with Mr. Bevins about literature in room 204 or cracking jokes with Ms. Barclay ‘94, it’s crazy to think about how now in college I’m kind of a semi-adult who has semi-adult responsibilities. 

Q: Can you share a memorable experience or event from your time in college so far?

A: Picking just one memorable experience or event from the past two years is simply an impossible task. Some of my “highlights” so far have been my friend group’s spring break trip to Hawaii, participating in Greek Life’s “Skit” (think Red and Gold but sororities and fraternities competing with a seven minute lip sync and dance to a movie), playing on the volleyball team, and meeting some of the best friends in the world.

Q: Have you joined any clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities at your college? And if so what was that experience like?

A: In similar fashion to my life at Rosary, I definitely try to keep myself busy in college at Chapman and expose myself to a variety of groups. While a major draw to Chapman was the fact that I could compete on the women’s volleyball team, playing division three volleyball allows for me to participate in several other extracurricular activities, including the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Chapman Ambassadors (I’m on the Executive Board), Order of Omega (Greek Life Honors Society), and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. 

Q: What advice would you give to current Royals who are preparing for college?

A: If I were to give current Royals any piece of college advice, I would say, as most people would, to sign up for everything and spend as much time on campus as you can. Freshman year can feel isolating at first, even if you aren’t far from home, so campus and groups you’re involved in can really start to become a second home and family. In my experience, I have been able to find my best friends through my sorority, team, and clubs which would not have been possible had I stayed in my room or not gotten involved on campus.

It’s amazing to see one of Rosary’s own alumna (and my “Big Sister”) be so happy and absolutely thriving in her collegiate environment. This time can be stressful, but Keira’s experiences have proven that college and life after Rosary is as amazing as you make it.

Rosary is so proud of all that you have accomplished, Keira! Keep up the good work!