By It was spring break 2023. Ariana Collins and her closest friends were embarking on a road trip to explore the wonders of Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.
The journey was alive with the rhythm of their favorite tunes. They were reminiscing on shared memories.
Then, suddenly, they’re driving in a white-out blizzard.
Ariana Collins remembers that night vividly. What should have been a peaceful drive through the desert of Utah became one of the most exhilarating, and terrifying, experiences of her life.
Ari and her friends had left Helena at 8 a.m., eager to get on with their trip.
They knew bad weather was on the way, but they trusted that their prayers would get them down to the Grand Canyon state on time. They tried to beat the storm, but after a few hours, the storm hit. Hard.
No amount of positive thinking was going to keep this drive alive. The interstate was blocked, closed to traffic.
The group decided to attempt to spend the night in Salt Lake City, which was only a couple of hours away, so they diverted their route. But they weren’t out of the storm yet, and as they kept driving the blizzard got worse, and worse. The only lights visible were the vague flashing lights of police cars in the distance.
After driving for almost 12 hours, most of the time at about 10 miles per hour, they made it to their hotel in Salt Lake around 10 p.m.
Ariana says even though it was not an easy ride, the journey had a silver lining- the adventure made for an amazing story, plus the ordeal just drew her close friends closer.
In many ways, Ariana’s life has been a journey through a blizzard. A challenging yet transformative experience that ultimately strengthened her bonds with, and love for, those around her.
Born in Meridian, Idaho, Ariana attended Bishop Kelly High School in Boise. In that small, nurturing community, Ariana found her love for Catholicism and discovered her calling.
The warmth of close-knit communities and the guiding light of faith led her to Carroll, where she pursued a degree in philosophy and Catholic studies.
“I wanted a college where my whole person would be tended to, especially in faith and reason. I found that at Carroll,” she said.
Mentored by Professor Hannah Hemphill, she found her voice and confidence. She’s eager to make a difference in the world.
“Ariana’s blend of humor and depth is truly remarkable,” said Eric Hall, professor of philosophy. “She approaches every challenge with a mixture of lightheartedness and profound insight.”
As she prepares to graduate, Ariana dreams of taking time off to teach English in Spain, combining her love for travel with her desire to serve others. Her older sister, Tiara, is confident that Ariana will thrive and inspire those around her, a sentiment echoed by her peers and mentors alike.
Grace Cunningham, Ariana’s lifelong friend, paints a vivid portrait of her infectious energy and genuine kindness.
“Ariana has this incredible ability to light up a room with her presence,” said Cunningham. “Her humor and warmth draw people to her like moths to a flame.”
Grace reflects, reminiscing on their shared adventures and misadventures.
Reflecting on her time at Carroll, Ariana cherishes the moments of adventure and growth. From campus ministry retreats to road trips with friends, each experience has shaped her into the person she is today.
“Carroll allowed me to find adventures in the little things and to accept the joyful corrections of life,” said Collins.
Life at Carroll during the COVID-19 pandemic presented its own set of challenges and opportunities. Every moment with friends became more intentional, reminding her of the preciousness of human connection.
Whether attending socially distanced dance parties or immersing herself in Spanish culture through online classes with Ryan Hallows, associate professor of Spanish, she found joy in unexpected places.
The pandemic brought its its own storms and dark moments. Alone in her dorm, she faced her fair share of challenges, grappling with the loneliness of quarantine and the weight of uncertainty. But within those moments of solitude, she found a hidden strength, a resilience that pushed her forward. Despite the storm clouds of the pandemic, she continually sought of out moments of joy
Her resilience and zest for life shone brightly, illuminating those darkest of days.
She’s never forgotten the infamous blizzard adventure, of course. That harrowing journey through snow-covered roads tested her resolve but ultimately strengthened the bonds of friendship, and the confidence she has in herself.
With laughter and prayers, she has navigated through the storm of college and COVID and emerged stronger and shining brighter than ever before.
“I think a lot of people come in and struggle to know who they are, and feel like they have to be someone that they are not,” Collins said. “But I’ve found people who remain true to who they are. They are the most happy and the most free.”
As she leaves, she has advice for the high school seniors who are about to take the leap to college, and come to Carroll.
“Be who you are and do not be afraid of the challenges, of the newness of college, but embrace it and enjoy it,” she said. “It is a very beautiful time.”
