Centenary Ladies Gym Talk: December 31 Edition
Hi, Ladies fans! Please enjoy this final edition of Gym Talk for the calendar year!
Hi, Ladies fans! I'm Mallory Stephens, and I want to share what I've learned during my first semester at Centenary, both in the classroom and in the gym. When I first arrived, I remember standing on campus and realizing that everything felt new, the place, the expectations, and the independence. I was no longer just a high school student or a recruit - I was fully stepping into college life.
Transition.
That's the word I would use to describe my first semester at Centenary. College feels very different from high school. There is more independence, more accountability, and more responsibility. No one is reminding you what to do or when to do it, and learning how to manage your time becomes essential. One of the biggest things I learned was how to advocate for myself. Office hours became my best friend. They allowed me to ask questions, communicate with professors, and build real relationships. I always left office hours with more clarity than when I arrived.
Academically, college surprised me in good ways. I had taken dual enrollment classes in high school, so I knew what to expect in terms of workload and expectations. What I didn't expect was how helpful it would be to have in-person professors pulling all the information together. All of my previous college classes were online, so having lectures and direct support this semester helped my comprehension so much. The workload is a lot, but it's manageable if you stay organized and ahead. I utilized team study halls and took advantage of tutors and resources in the Learning Commons. My professors were incredible; they responded quickly, got to know me as a person, and were always there to help or even just make me smile. By the last days of the semester, it was honestly hard to say goodbye.
Being a college gymnast added another layer to the transition. My days were busy, but they were balanced. I was given a clear schedule filled with both school and gymnastics, and my professors and coaches were always understanding when it came to balancing everything. College gymnastics is built different. It's not just about getting skills but about consistency, cleanliness, and presentation. That's still something I'm adjusting to. But being part of this team has made everything worth it. This team is like a family. Even something as innocent as mat volleyball somehow turns into the most intense competition imaginable, where everyone is fully locked in and absolutely convinced that winning really matters (BECAUSE IT DOES!!!). Those moments say a lot about how competitive, supportive, and close this team is. No matter what you're going through, someone is always there for you. After I started the year with an injury, surgery, and a long comeback, this team became my rock and taught me resilience in ways I'll carry forever.
What really makes Centenary special is the sense of community. No matter where you go on campus, there are people who care. Small class sizes mean professors truly know you by name, check in on you, and make class feel like a family. Everyone knows everyone, and there are so many ways to get involved and find where you belong.
Personally, this semester helped me grow in confidence and independence. I learned how to handle challenges on my own - making the phone calls, solving problems, and trusting myself. I also discovered my path. I took Foundations of Education as an elective and completely fell in love, which helped me realize what I want to do both in college and in life.
Looking ahead, I'm excited for season to start and to continue growing with this team. My advice to incoming students is simple: don't give up. College is new - the people, the responsibility, and the independence. But, if you stay resilient and ask for help, it is so worth it.
Thank you and Geaux Ladies!
