Angela Addante ’22

What drew you to Lake Forest College?
Thinking back to my senior year of high school, I remember frantically applying to 15 universities and all the endless college trips that left me with uncertainties. I had always been told you’ll know it when you’re there, but I hadn’t felt this feeling out of all the schools I’d applied to. Come February, I felt like I was never going to find a place where I felt like I belonged. Yet, coming to campus for Future Forester day completely changed my mind. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I fell in love with the atmosphere and the student body. I did not want the day to end and I remember how sad I was when we all said farewell. Even so, as my parents and I drove home that day, all I could talk about was this feeling I had. I was overwhelmed with happiness and passion for this place I’d only been for a few hours. I had never felt it before, and I knew one thing, I had to come back. For weeks I continued to talk about how I loved our school. I remember making a list of over fifty things I loved about Lake Forest in comparison to two for my competitive school, Valparaiso. When I was able to come on campus again my heart fluttered. I was overjoyed to be at this place once more that I couldn’t stop thinking about.

I chose to attend Lake Forest College because of this feeling. I knew it was home and I fell in love with it even on its ugliest day full of rain, gray skies, muddy fields, and coldness. I also saw the opportunities it had and I loved the diverse environment it provided. Coming from a town that values diversity, I knew that this was something I needed in college. The idea of being able to immerse myself in classrooms with so many individuals from around the world spoke volumes to me, as I wanted to enrich myself by learning about others, their cultures, customs, and homes. Additionally, I came to Lake Forest because of the ambassadors I met and the vibe our campus had. The ambassadors were some of the nicest,most genuine people I’ve ever encountered and they were real. They made me feel as if I was already a student, being honest of the pros and cons of campus, instead of trying to sell me everything they had to offer.

Have you had experiences here—besides your classes—that have helped prepare you for your future?
My interactions with my professors, connection building in the community, being able to network with so many different people also has just helped me build my communications skills.

How are you handling the sudden change and transition to online learning?
I am hanging in there! It is definitely different, but my professors have been helpful. It is just really hard to stay motivated on school work when you’re at home.

What do you do in your free time (before the COVID-19 pandemic)?
work out, hang out with friends, go for walks, go to Starbucks, journal

What are your plans after graduation?
Graduating in 4 years with my master’s degree (woohoo!). I will then teach for 5 years as part of the Golden Apple program, and hope to go to Harvard for a PhD in Education.

Any advice for new Foresters?
Run with opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to try something even if you find out later it isn’t for you.
Discover who you are (I did a lot of soul searching my freshman year and I am so happy and grateful that I did).
Don’t feel the need to go home all the time for the weekends if you’re local (I know how hard it is to be away from home, but I did this and I wish I didn’t. I would have preferred to hang out with friends, go downtown, and just become more independent).
Talk to upperclassmen! I promise they don’t bite and they actually have a lot of wisdom Join clubs Talk to people! Everyone is trying to make new friends freshman year! All of you are in the same boat haha don’t feel awkward. It’s okay to break your comfort zone.
Thank your parents… you don’t realize what adulting is truly like until you live away from home.
Sometimes you will grow away from people back home. That’s okay. You’re all changing.

What has been your favorite memory at Lake Forest College?
Homecoming 2019. I loved the energy, dancing in the streets, screaming songs with my sorority sisters, and then watching the football games.

Parting words?
Lake Forest is the kind of place with millions of opportunities, you have to take them and run!