2024 Lilly Scholar Hailey Schafer

“My first semester at the University of Evansville was an amazing experience filled with many blessings, opportunities, and valuable lessons! I had a challenging course load that could be tedious but taught me useful lessons for future classes. For instance, in my molecular biology class, I didn’t perform as well as I had hoped, but I am grateful for the lesson of resilience it taught me. I gained great knowledge on understanding that progress is more important than perfection, and I have learned how to give myself more grace. Looking back, I am very content with how my first semester of classes went and am excited to apply my current knowledge to new ones!

Outside the classroom, I had wonderful opportunities to connect with others and step out of my comfort zone. I tried new things, such as joining a sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, which allowed me to gain great friendships and role models. Although I did not intend to do Greek life in college, I am happy that I did as it made me more comfortable at UE.

Beyond Greek life, another organization that I have joined is Delight Ministries. Delight is an incredible group that strives to bring college women together to share the unity that Jesus provides. We meet weekly for worship, fellowship, and bible study! This organization holds such a special place in my heart as it has helped me grow my relationship with Christ and form meaningful relationships. I am so excited for next semester as we will begin a new bible study, and continue to deepen our faith and friendships.

Reflecting on my first semester, I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences and growth I have faced, and I am eager to see what the second semester holds! For the second semester, one of my current goals is to seek an internship or shadowing opportunity at a local hospital in Evansville to gain more hands-on experience in the medical field. I am eager to see how this goal plays out and I look forward to the opportunity ahead!”