Holy Cross College sophomore Lilian Holmer thought she was simply being called into an office for a routine conversation. 

Instead, she learned she had been selected as the College’s recipient of the Realizing the Dream scholarship, a statewide honor recognizing outstanding first-generation students from Indiana’s 28 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. Holmer, an elementary education major, received the award Feb. 28 during a ceremony in Indianapolis. 

“I was honestly shocked,” Holmer said. “I remember thinking, ‘Are you sure you have the right person?’” 

For Holmer, a South Bend native and graduate of John Adams High School, the recognition reflects a journey marked by resilience and steady growth during her first year at Holy Cross. 

Holmer admits her first semester of college was challenging. 

Like many first-generation students, she was adjusting to college academics while balancing work and campus life. 

“It was a culture shock,” she said. “I was trying to balance school, a job, and everything that comes with starting college.” 

By her second semester, she began to find her rhythm. 

“I really just hunkered down,” Holmer said. “I figured out what worked for me and what didn’t.” 

She also found support from faculty and staff who helped her navigate the transition to college. 

Professors in the College’s education program and staff members like Rebecca Nelson helped guide her as she balanced coursework, field placements, and work responsibilities. 

“They made it clear we weren’t doing this alone,” Holmer said. “We had people helping us figure things out.” 

That combination of determination and support helped her gain confidence as a student and ultimately led to her nomination for the statewide recognition. 

Discovering Holy Cross Close to Home 

Despite growing up in South Bend, Holmer had never heard of Holy Cross College until her cheer coach, Sierra Wilkinson, encouraged her to visit campus. 

Wilkinson, a Holy Cross alumna who completed the College’s education program and now teaches locally, suggested Holmer consider the school during her college search. 

“It was the coldest day of the year when we came for a tour,” Holmer said. “But my mom and I looked at each other and said, ‘This is where I’m going to go.’” 

Being close to home was part of the appeal, but the sense of community ultimately convinced her. 

“Holy Cross feels like a hidden gem,” Holmer said. “Everybody knows everybody, and people really support each other.” 

That support is especially strong within the education program, where students move through coursework together and build close relationships with faculty. 

“It’s such a small program that we all help each other,” she said. “You’re never really going through it alone.” 

First in Her Family 

Holmer will become the first person in her immediate family to earn a college degree. 

While her parents never attended college themselves, they have been constant sources of encouragement. 

“They always told us after high school we had three options: go to college, join the military, or get a job,” she said. “But we weren’t going to sit at home.” 

When moments of stress came, they reminded her to focus on effort rather than perfection. 

“One time I called my mom crying because I was anxious about an exam,” Holmer said. “She told me, ‘Just do your best. That’s all we ask.’” 

“There’s definitely some pressure being the first,” she said. “But it feels good knowing I’m working toward something meaningful.” 

Called to Teach 

Holmer has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember and found a home in the elementary education program at Holy Cross, with its caring staff. 

“I was always the kid saying, ‘I’m going to be a teacher,’” she said. 

Her experiences coaching seventh-grade volleyball and completing multiple classroom placements have only strengthened that calling. 

“Working with kids showed me this is what I’m meant to do,” she said. 

Her long-term goal is to become a behavioral specialist, helping students navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. 

She hopes to create a classroom where students feel safe and supported. 

“Every student deserves to be themselves,” Holmer said. “I want my classroom to be a place where they feel comfortable walking in every day.” 

Advice for Other First-Generation Students 

Holmer hopes her experience can encourage other students considering Holy Cross, especially those who may be the first in their families to take that step. 

“You’re going to get the education you deserve, and there will be so many people supporting you,” she said. 

Her advice is simple. 

“Stay on top of your work and keep pushing forward,” she said. “College is harder than high school, but you can do it.” 

For Holmer, the path ahead is clear. 

“I’m really happy with where my life is right now,” she said. “I’m doing what I love, and I’m surrounded by people who support me.”