Reminiscing on my first day at St. Thomas in August 2026
A short reflection on my first day of college almost 5 years ago.
08. September 2021 xx
It was no typical Wednesday, and that is because it was my first day of college at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. ‘When I Was Younger’ by Liz Lawrence played throughout my mind as I remembered how it felt, just a week before, when my mom and dad dropped me off there.
I remember my first college class that was at 8 am in the John Roach Center (JRC)—Theology 100, taught by one of the smartest men I would come to know, Fr. Brian John Zuelke. At the time, I was not religious, but when I ultimately wrestled with agnosticism, only to come into the faith a little less than a year later, he became a significant part of my life and spiritual formation as a young Catholic. And he is, to this day.
Aside from Fr. Brian, I remember all of the feelings that came with my first day. I was so incredibly nervous, and I remember experiencing such an intense feeling of overwhelm. But with that, there was excitement. There was deep joy. And there was hope that I could not simply explain away.
Now, with it being the start of my final semester of my Master’s program, reminiscing on this memory, in its totality, has been so bittersweet. Back then, I was so worried that I would not succeed, that I would not make something of myself, that I might fail in some way, or that things would get too hard for me.
Oh, how little did I know, at the time.
I’ve said this before, but when I finally completed my final year at St. Thomas, I came to the realization that I received so much more than a degree. I can’t even begin to fit it all in an Instagram caption, so I won’t. To put it as simply as I can, upon walking across the stage in May 2024, I was a woman transformed. While in college, I found God. I loved to the very end of myself, and I lost. I transcended myself. I developed meaningful friendships with many. And I came to know the edges of my immortal soul.
All of this being said, it’s safe to say that I am so excited to be visiting St. Thomas again this upcoming October.
I have tears in my eyes as I write this, but I can’t wait to walk around campus and relive all of the emotions and memories I experienced while there—emotions and memories that range all the way from the devastating to the blissfully sublime. I will probably go sit somewhere outside of Murray Hall, the place that was my home for the three years I was there. Then, I will probably wander around the entirety of campus, exploring the beautiful sights and scenes of students going to and from their classes.
And at the end of my visit, I will probably make my way down to the Monument, offering all of my gratitude to God that He allowed me to be so changed under those dazzling, hauntingly beautiful St. Paul city lights.
🌌✨🤍💜✨🌌
Written by Samantha Arden Lockheart
Date // 30. August 2026
@LockheartArdenPublishing
