Golden Bear Reflections: Lydia Muldoon, UAHS Class of 2021

 

When Lydia Muldoon looks back on her time at Upper Arlington High School, she feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

“I feel very privileged to have gotten my education here at Upper Arlington,” she said. “I think that’s mainly because I was in the IB Diploma Programme. Nearly every class, even in math, involved writing papers. It gave me the freedom to explore topics I was passionate about.”

That experience not only sharpened her academic skills but also gave her the confidence to pursue ambitious goals in college and beyond.

In addition to academics, athletics played a significant role in shaping her journey. As a member of the Golden Bears swim team, Muldoon learned discipline, resilience, and the importance of setting — and achieving — goals.

“Both my athletics and academics at UA gave me so much opportunity and advantage going into college,” she said.

Muldoon’s hard work and preparation paid off. She graduated from The Ohio State University in just three years, bolstered by credits earned through the IB Programme and her willingness to take summer courses. From there, she immediately began graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling.

Now, Muldoon is working with clients facing a variety of mental health challenges, with plans to one day specialize in addiction counseling. She credits her Upper Arlington education, particularly the writing and critical thinking skills she developed, with giving her the foundation for success.

“Those IB classes and being able to write really set me up well for college and for grad school,” Muldoon said.

Through her academic achievements, athletic dedication, and commitment to helping others, Muldoon exemplifies what it means to be a Golden Bear — prepared to serve, lead, and succeed.