Since my last report I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many new people and learning so many new things that it’d be impossible to write them all down here. The last two semesters have been a positive experience overall, both in and outside the lecture halls. I have taken quite a few pre-med classes (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.) as well as my first ever Portuguese course this spring. This past semester I was intrigued by a course that evaluated the United States’ health care system and the clash of ideas it entailed. Its title - “Health Care for All”- left no doubt about the course’s motives; its this ingrained bias that drove me to leave my comfort zone of presupposed beliefs and seek different, challenging opinions. It is this exposure that has led me to re-examine my beliefs and opinions; to make them more consistent with and anchored by my values.

Over the past year I have also gotten the chance to volunteer at a local homeless shelter, Craig’s Doors, which is right under the church I go to on Sundays. Both upstairs and downstairs, I was lucky enough to meet people invested in improving the community. From classes to clubs to service organizations, this past year I have grown as a person and am truly grateful for the opportunity to have done so.

On a closing note, I’d like to thank all those who have contributed to MVYouth and supported me. I couldn’t be more proud to represent the Vineyard and MVYouth here at Amherst.