RPCS Welcomes Back Young Alums in Annual REDS Return Event

The RPCS college counseling department welcomed back a panel of young alumnae to campus in January 2026 to talk to the current senior class about their college experience. This annual event offers our seniors insights into the academic, social, and emotional changes they can expect over the next few years from their fellow REDS and current college students. This year, we welcomed back Clare Bachman, 2025 (Davidson College), Ryan Greenlee, 2023 (Colgate University), Eva Killingstad, 2025 (College of William and Mary), Simone LeGette, 2025 (University of Maryland), Kalli Marinopolis, 2024 (University of Maryland) and Sasha Susel, 2025 (Southern Methodist University).

 The event began with a Q&A session led by Mrs. Diehl and Ms. Vidmer from the college counseling office. They asked the girls to discuss how RPCS prepared them for the academic load in college, what resources they’ve used outside of the classroom, and what stood out about their first semester.

Ryan spoke about how RPCS prepared her well for writing papers and conducting critical analyses that almost all of her classes have required of her. Sasha and Simone discussed the best ways of managing challenging professors, while Claire recommended getting a head start with using resources such as the career center, which she said helped her secure a spring internship her freshman year. Each panelist also shared their current workload, which ranged from 13 to 19 credits, and provided insights into figuring out the best way to make class schedules. 

Afterward, the senior class was encouraged to ask their own questions to individuals or the entire group. Questions included how to manage homesickness, the best way to find a roommate, essentials for a dorm room, and tips for keeping in touch with friends back home.

Clare shared ways of coping with homesickness while all of the girls provided insights into finding a friend group and to not put too much pressure on yourself to find your “forever friends” at orientation - as Kalli said, “it will happen when it happens, but it will happen.” The dorm room essentials included a heating pad, mini stapler, shower shoes, and dish soap.

We are very grateful for our REDS for returning to campus and sharing their insights and experiences with our seniors, as well as to our college counseling department, who made this event possible. Learn more about our college counseling program here.