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Herald Juniors Celebrate Onyx Season


The five Ring Week rings and the onyx in a row on the edge of the fountain
Photo by Rachel Van Horne

On Oct. 22, the Class of 2023 will officially be joining the Meredith College community. The Meredith Herald staff receiving their onyx this year shared their thoughts and excitement for this event.


Rachel Van Horne, Associate Editor

What are you most excited for in regards to receiving your onyx?

I first heard of the onyx while touring Meredith during my junior year of high school, and since then I have dreamed of having one of my own. With the onyx being a great symbol of sisterhood and the time and dedication I’ve put into my education, my mom and I joke that the onyx is Meredith's ring of power.

What is one obstacle or challenge you faced to get here?

Like many others, I came to college with the expectation that everything was going to be perfect. When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, I had to learn how to do college from my bedroom. I was uprooted from the clubs and organizations I had come to love. That year of distanced learning often left me feeling lonely and vulnerable.

What is your favorite memory at Meredith thus far?

My favorite memory at Meredith was receiving The Meredith Herald’s press pass for the Ruth Bader Ginsburg lecture event in September 2019. It was the first time I felt in my element at Meredith.


Aminah Jenkins, Associate Editor

What are you most excited for in regards to receiving your onyx?

Getting my onyx is one of the small reminders that what I’ve achieved is deserved. Receiving recognition for the work that I've done is small, but it's worth it.

What is one obstacle or challenge you faced to get here?

My biggest challenge thus far has been overcoming my imposter syndrome. Most of my experience at Meredith has involved questioning whether or not I deserve to be where I am. As a Black person, I often feel that my accomplishments aren’t truly earned or that I have to push myself even harder for them to be merited. But I’ve been able to realize that I’ve gotten to where I am because of who I am.

What is your favorite memory at Meredith thus far?

My favorite memory at Meredith was meeting all of my friends at the Multicultural Symposium. Mikayla, Zoie, Amanda, Charlie and Rayna, as well as Consepcion and Sonia (who I met later on), have been an amazing support system from the day I met them. Without them, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today.


Rylee Petty, Staff Writer

What are you most excited for in regards to receiving your onyx?

I’m excited to get my onyx because it represents all that I’ve accomplished at Meredith—and connects me with some of my closest friends.

What is one obstacle or challenge you faced to get here?

My biggest challenge has been finding where I belong on campus. I initially struggled with finding friendships that would foster my growth and people that would support me when things weren’t going to plan. But I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the most incredible people that have helped me not to question my place at Meredith and truly fall in love with this college.

What is your favorite memory at Meredith thus far?

My favorite memory at Meredith so far has been meeting my best friend, Elena. Not only has she helped me to grow as a person, but she truly makes me love life. She is my rock at Meredith and her endless support can never go unrecognized. I’m so thankful that we had the opportunity to meet freshman year. There is truly nothing that beats the feeling of hearing her ask if I want to binge-watch Gilmore Girls after a long day.


Jayce Perry, Staff Writer

What are you most excited for in regards to receiving your onyx?

I’m excited to finally participate in a Meredith tradition, to feel like a part of my class and to be able to celebrate with everyone.

What is one obstacle or challenge you faced to get here?

One obstacle that I faced to get here is that I’ve had to struggle with my severe depression in order to continue to participate and excel in classes. I’ve had to face the struggle of just getting out of bed, of realizing that attending and doing the work in classes is worth it and can be done. Sometimes I just needed some help from professors who were willing to help me and make sure I could make it to my junior year.

What is your favorite memory at Meredith thus far?

My favorite memory at Meredith thus far is going to Charming Evening and meeting up with one of my best friends, Rachel Van Horne. We had a fun time talking for hours and it was the first time I really felt like I fit in at Meredith, that someone had seen me.


Angelina Morin, Contributing Writer

What are you most excited for in regards to receiving your onyx?

I am most excited to celebrate my accomplishments at Meredith thus far. After a few semesters away from Meredith traditions, I am so excited to be able to join in this especially sacred one (and in Italy of all places!).

What is one obstacle or challenge you faced to get here?

One obstacle I have faced is financial stability. I have committed myself to my studies and began working on campus as a freshman in order to afford the college lifestyle. Through my commitment and work ethic, I have received scholarships and promotions that have helped make college a reality for me, and I have my professors, the STAT Team and friends to thank for their help and encouragement along the way.

What is your favorite memory at Meredith thus far?

My favorite memory at Meredith was being reunited with my roommates and moving into the Oaks. After being away from my closest friends during COVID-19, it was a relief to be in their company and around their laughter again. Though my experience abroad has brought many adventures and beautiful memories, I am anticipating the moment I am back on-campus and sharing in the Meredith sisterhood with my friends.


Congratulations to the Class of 2023 on this momentous achievement!


By Rachel Van Horne, Associate Editor

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