A story of growing up, by Saverina Chicka

Sophomore Saverina Chicka has a maturity that's rare in a college student.  But just a year ago that wasn't necessarily the case.

As a freshman she had to spend a significant amount of time finding her way, but once she did change happened rapidly.

Sav tells of her first two years as a college student/athlete, the path she took, and some advice for this year's incoming freshman class.


You've grown up a lot in the last two years. You weren't the most responsible person when you first came to Fredonia, but you're now one of the most prominent leaders on the team, and it's newest captain. Take us through the last two years from when you first left home, to now.

Chicka: I still remember my last day on Shelter Island before heading to Fredonia. I feel like your last day home as a "still kind of high school senior / guess I'm a college freshman" is a day that most people don't forget. I spent the day with friends, swapping stories and shedding tears... However, what I remember most was being freaking terrified. 

From left: Kristen Stanek, Jane Garrity,
Lauren Hokaj, and Saverina Chicka

Little did I know, the real shocker was still to come. I hadn't realized that I never had to face something solely on my own. I always had my family and friends behind me. But the second my mom closed the door and I was left standing alone in my dorm room, reality set in... hard. 

So, fast forward to the next big mile marker in your college career... the end of the first year and packing up the life you just began to settle into. I remember the first few weeks being back home and realizing that somewhere in the course of that year, I grew up. 

Maybe not fully, but I knew I was certainly not the deranged high schooler I'd once been. There was no obvious turning point, but a gradual realization that this was an opportunity to proudly fill the shoes of who I wanted to be. With a fresh start, I was no longer barred to the restrictions that a small town prescribes. 

I kept that mindset and ran with it my sophomore year. And sure enough, in time I found my niche... one that just a few short years ago, I never thought possible. I became someone you can rely on. That, in my opinion, was the most rewarding. 

My sophomore year was my best year developmentally. Not necessarily because of how I felt, but because I started to see how other people felt around me. I knew in order to keep that, I had to continue to grow and mature. I appreciated learning to advance as an individual because it allowed me to further integrate others into my life. I surrounded myself with the people I love, support, and challenge; Who in return love, support, and challenge me. 

Although my initial goal of independence was mainly self-driven, I walk away from my sophomore year understanding that true independence isn't barred to just myself. In fact, I need the people around me to continue to make progress... just not in the way I once did. 

A few years ago, I may have relied on people to carry me along. Now, I rely on people because of what they mean to me. I rely on the friendships and relationships I have because of all the wonderful things they provide me that serve as my motivation. Reaching that independence is being able to provide the people in my life that same valuable relationship. 

You didn't have a typical upbringing. Can you tell me about it and how it's shaped you as a person and student?

Chicka: Shelter Island may be small, but it's filled with great memories and even better people. This place is structured like no other. I keep trying to think of ways or words to describe it, and the one word that repeatedly comes to mind is "loyal."

It's almost as if there is an unspoken bond that locals share with this place. We respect the land and the life it provides us, and in turn we respect each other. That loyalty and respect is something that without Shelter Island, I'm not sure I'd ever fully understand, in regards to my life entirely. 

Sav with her mother, Anna

As for my family... well, I'm sure most of you have met my mom. If not, you've certainly heard of her... (cue infamous Beevah story.) Without sounding too cliche, my mother, Anna, is my rock, my wings, and my sanity. People used to tell me, "One day your mom becomes your best friend." Which I couldn't fathom a few years ago... but every day, her and I get closer and closer. She's become my best friend already and I love to think of the future together. If I needed a word to describe my mom, it'd be strength. 

One day Sara and I sat in he locker room for probably three hours just talking about our moms. It's scary to think how strong our moms really are. She has shaped my life immensely and I can only hope that one day I be even half as strong as she is. She's simply amazing. 

What advice would you give to this year's incoming freshman?

Chicka: I have two pieces of advice, besides the usual study hard, make good choices, etc. 

Firstly, let go of the past. 

High school may have been the best four years of your life or the worst. Regardless, those years no longer apply to the life you're now beginning. This is an opportunity to be whoever and whatever you want to be. No one cares what kind of shoes you wear or how much they cost, no one cares about what he said or she said... you're in the process of becoming an adult now. One that makes her own decisions and is responsible for her own actions. 

Be proud of who you are and what you do, because it's only you writing your story. No one wants to read a story written because they have to, people want to read a story because it's interesting or inspiring... be that kind of story! 

Secondly, this team is more than a team.

From left: Rachel Poirier, Sav, Sara Madison,
and Courtney Poirier

I am SO incredibly thankful for this team. However, you do have to work hard to be apart of it. I know you're all capable of doing so, because trust me...If freshman Sav can do it, you can too. 

This team became my family, and I can't wait for it to become yours! That loyalty and respect I was talking about earlier, couldn't apply any better. I thought Shelter Island was one of few things that brought that out in me, until I met these girls. 

Respect them and stay loyal to them and what Fredonia volleyball stands for. It's a unique program with so much love and strength. It's not just a four year program, it's a life long commitment... just ask the alumni! I wanted to stress the importance it holds for each of us, so that you all understand what we want you to be apart of. 

So, good luck...We'll be right there with you!