My first semester at Connecticut College has been an incredible experience. These first few months came with many exciting opportunities and moments. I remember Connecticut College truly starting to feel like home after taking my first class in the Dance Department and being introduced to students and professors. Welcome Weekend was busy and exhausting, but I felt inspired again after taking this class and meeting people at the senior/first year dance major brunch. These were some of the moments when I felt things beginning to click. I felt embraced by the community, and it meant so much. In our first two auditions (for Dance Club pieces and the Department Concert), I was nervous, but reminded myself how grateful I was to be there, and to simply give it my all. The audition for guest artist Jennifer Archibald’s piece was intense, but I was lucky enough to be cast in her piece along with other students who I am so inspired by. Getting to work with Archibald (learning and growing in those rehearsals) was an unforgettable experience I do not take for granted. I already have immense love for the dance program and the people in it.

My courses this semester were titled “Thriving in the Anthropocene” (my first year seminar), Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics, Movement Techniques II, and Elementary Spanish. I joined the Dance Club, Students Demand Action Conn Coll, and Amnesty International. I’ve also spent time in Sprout (our campus garden), and volunteered with friends at a local food pantry in New London. I’ve met so many wonderful people, some of my closest friends, and have already learned so much. I cannot thank MVYouth enough for the opportunity that they have given me to grow and thrive, and one day give back to the island community. I am incredibly grateful.