Each student's journey at Holy Cross is unique. After arriving on campus, emotions can range from the excitement of starting something new to the sadness of leaving something familiar behind and everything in between. It may take time to feel like they belong. So we’ve asked our students: when was the moment you fell in love with Holy Cross?
Karen Phan ’25 and her roommate share more than just their dorm room – they also share a hometown, a high school and a passion and belief in the arts. Phan reflects on how the arts bonded the two of them together:
"Belonging at Holy Cross begins at the Prior Performing Arts Center — the intersection where all the arts on campus converge. It’s not just a building, but a place that holds the echo of countless rehearsals, late-night conversations and the stories of friendships that have quietly shaped my time here. It’s where I often find myself reflecting on the people who’ve made this journey meaningful — especially my roommate, Bridget Campbell ’25.
Bridget and I both went to Plymouth North High School. We were always nearby, familiar faces in the same hallways. I remember sitting in the audience during her a cappella performances, cheering her on from afar, never quite imagining how close we’d become. When we graduated, we found out we were both heading to Holy Cross. Despite both signing up for random roommate assignments, the universe had other plans: we learned mid-summer that we’d been paired together. She was attending the pre-choir orientation; I was preparing for the Odyssey program. Somehow, we were already stepping into harmony.
As freshmen, we were both unsure about choosing a major — navigating that question, 'What are you going to do with your life?' felt daunting. But we shared something grounding: a belief in the power and value of the arts. Bridget chose to major in theatre and minor in French. I found myself drawn to visual art history and international studies. Though our mediums differ, our passion for expression and storytelling brought us even closer.
Over the years, we’ve built not just a friendship, but a foundation of mutual encouragement and support. We learned together that fulfillment doesn’t always follow a straight path, and that having someone to remind you of your worth makes all the difference. Bridget’s creativity, conviction, and grace have been a constant source of inspiration to me.
Now, as we prepare to graduate, I’ll be heading to Yale Divinity School, and Bridget to George Washington University to continue her studies in theatre. Our journeys will take us in different directions, but they began — almost serendipitously — side by side. And no matter where we go, the memory of discovering ourselves, together, in the heart of the arts at Holy Cross, will always stay with me."
