Alumna Profile: Sarah Freddino
In this alumni profile, we interview Sarah Freddino, a senior at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, a happy member of the Seton College Partner Program.
How long were you homeschooled through Seton, and what did you like about the experience?
I was homeschooled through Seton from 3rd – 12th grade. I went to a public highschool for 11th grade, but I felt like I was losing who I truly was while I was there, so I returned to Seton for my final year.
There were so many things I liked about the experience. My absolute favorite aspect of using Seton was that it truly was Catholic.
I learned so much about my faith using Seton, and not only did I learn about my faith, but I learned how to apply it to my life.
This was so important to me because after I graduated from Seton I was able to really take my faith and continue to grow in it, having that beautiful foundation laid in Seton.
Where did you go to college, and what is your degree?
I am currently a Senior at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio pursuing studies towards a B.A. in Theology and Catechetics.
How did your Seton education help you navigate the college experience?
Seton, first of all, gave me an incredible foundation in my Catholic faith. This was where I first encountered Christ, and things I learned about the faith years ago through Seton have stuck with me and influenced my life ever since.
Additionally, my experience in Theology with Seton is what really inspired me to major in Theology now in college. It is something I have grown intensely passionate about, and something I truly desire to continue to grow in and spread to the entire world.
Second of all, Seton helped me grow in self-discipline. Because it was up to me to finish all of my work on time and do it well when I was home schooled, that discipline has carried through to my time in college. I continue to set goals for myself in college and I am very disciplined with my work, thanks to what Seton has given me.
Finally, the writing skills… When I was using Seton, there were many times I would resent Seton for the insane amounts of writing and the extremely challenging writing assignments I was given. However, now all I can say to Seton is “thank you.” I don’t know how I would have survived writing college essays if I didn’t first have the challenging experience of writing with Seton.
What are you doing now?
I am in my last year at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH pursuing a degree in Theology and Catechetics. I also lead the Ministry to the Mentally Challenged on campus, and am involved in many different activities and ministries on campus.
I have grown so much since my time with Seton, and am continuing to grow, but I am forever grateful for all of the skills Seton has given me, for I am truly putting them to use today.
What gives you passion or motivation in your current occupation?
As a student, what gives me passion and motivation is my love for the Lord, and my desire to spread His love to everyone I encounter. Sometimes I can get so discouraged, and there are definitely moments where I feel inadequate, or I feel as if I am not worthy to teach the Catholic faith; however, I know that God has called me to this specific mission, and knowing this gives me hope and determination to continue on and fight the good fight!
Any advice for current Seton High-Schoolers?
I know that Seton is challenging, and I know you may feel like giving up, but I promise that you will never regret sticking to this program. I can honestly tell you that I don’t know what kind of person I would be today if I had not studied with Seton, but I can tell you that I am happy with the person I am now, and I owe part of who I am to Seton.
This program has given me so many gifts and skills, and they continue to help me today, nearly 4 years after my graduation.
So I promise you, if you stick with Seton and keep on pushing on, even in the most difficult moments, so much goodness and beauty will come from it!
