Going into the fall semester, I was initially worried about how it would go. I was leaving a support system of friends, family, teachers, and peers that I had spent my entire life building for a town on the coast of Connecticut. However, having spent time in such a supportive community with outstanding professors and an enthusiastic administration, my early decision commitment to Connecticut College was the best choice I could have made. The classes brought forth a new challenge of independence compared to high school, and I am proud of what I have accomplished in the classroom. One class that I am particularly proud of is Foundations of Education. In this class, I learned about the different issues that happened in the past, some of which continue to arise today. Taking this class fortified my want to go into education in some capacity.

Along with academics, I have been able to be a member of the cross country and track teams. The team welcomed me immediately and helped me understand the hard-working and tight-knit community fostered at the institution. I became the only first-year in the top seven runners within the first few meets. Throughout the season, we worked together to qualify for the NCAA division three championship for the second time in school history. Based on results at the regional meet, I was also named All-Region (top 35) and have the potential to be an Academic All-American. Being able to compete at the highest level as a first year is an experience that I will never forget. The experiences I have had so far would not have been possible without the generosity of MVYouth, and I am grateful for the opportunity provided to continue these experiences while continuing my studies.