Beacon’s Reflection | Abby Burton ’26

Who knew that Quantitative Chemical Analysis would bring me my best friends, role models, and mentors all in one?

I walked into [my] quant[itative class] one morning at 9:05 a.m., soaking wet from the snow. Abbie Valicevic ‘24, the angel she is, immediately offered me a ride for the next class. I took her up on this offer, even though I was a little scared of her because she was a senior and I was only a sophomore. The next class, she picked me up and we drove to class, instantly bonding over having the same name.

When I found out that there was yet another Abby in this same class, I instantly knew that we had to be friends. This is where Abby Boyle ‘25 enters and becomes my lab partner. The three of us all at the same table, definitely confused [Professor Iceman, Ph.D.], but the three of us connected and made [the class] so much fun.

The three of us grew closer and closer throughout the semester and the Ab^3 group chat was born. Even though our friendship started by just talking about [class] and helping each other with the homework, it quickly turned into inside jokes and advice.

Abbie Valicevic was a senior when I met her and she has always supported me and been there for me whenever I needed her, even since she has graduated. She has encouraged me throughout my college journey and gave me hope for my post-grad plans.

Abby Boyle was a junior when I met her. In a very similar way, she has pushed me to be the best I possibly can.

The Abby(ie)s have continued to talk (and still will) even though we don’t all have classes together. These girls have truly turned into my role models and I have determined that I want to be just like them when I grow up. I am forever grateful for the name Abby(ie) and for [Valpo] for bringing us together.