It’s an exciting time at LFHS! Seniors are committing to college, and the rest of the town eagerly awaits as we share the news through Instagram stories.
Although exciting, leaving for college can be equally as scary — especially since most of us have no idea what to expect. We’ve waved goodbye to hundreds of LFHS alumni, and now it’s time to check back in, see what they’re up to, and hopefully get some advice on the college life!
Up first, we have 2023 graduate, Lainey O’Neil.
After graduating, O’Neil was off to the University of Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia. Once on campus, O’Neil immediately immersed herself into all the activities Richmond has to offer. While studying business administration and marketing, she plays Division 1 tennis and is a member of Greek life.
For the very first time, O’Neil has been able to experience life on her own. She’s learned to follow her own path and find a routine that works best for her.
“I love the independence college brings. I have learned so much about responsibility, time management, planning, and about myself from living on my own. I love being able to plan my days around my class and practice schedules in a way that I enjoy and that allows me to be most productive,” O’Neil said.
Independence is a huge aspect of college life — one that many people can struggle with. Getting to class on time, finishing your work, and overall, taking care of yourself. It may have been an adjustment, but O’Neil has learned what to prioritize in order to lead a successful college experience.
“I would say the workload in college, at least here at Richmond, is hard compared to high school,” O’Neil said. “Richmond is pretty rigorous when it comes to academics, so I’ve definitely had my fair share of late night studying! I will say, the class sizes are pretty small, so students are able to build strong relationships with professors like in high school which I really enjoy.”
While academics play a big role in her life, O’Neil has also found time to create a social presence and build relationships with her peers.
“It’s definitely a weird experience because, at least for me, I had basically all of the same friends throughout middle school and high school,” O’Neil said. “It’s important to remember that there is no shame in stepping out of your comfort zone and being the first person to reach out, and eventually, you will find your people.”
O’Neil seems to have mastered the college life, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t faced challenges. One in particular is being far away from home, which is something many young adults struggle with during their first few months on their own. 
“I would say the biggest challenge is being away from family. I missed home a lot during my first semester of college, but as time passed and I became more comfortable at college, it has gotten much easier. College has taught me to really cherish the time I get to spend with them,” O’Neil said.
On top of friends and school work, O’Neil devotes a large portion of her life to tennis, which is what brought her to Richmond in the first place. While only being a sophomore, she has experienced lots of success on the team, including being an A-10 conference finalist in 2024.
“When looking at colleges, I wanted a school that allowed me to play the sport I love at a high level, receive a quality education, and be in a sorority. It all keeps me very busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” O’Neil said.
As she wraps up her sophomore year, O’Neil looks forward to the 2025 A-10 conference championship and hopes her team will take home a win this year. She will then head back to Lake Forest for the summer and spend some much deserved time with friends and family.
