Connecticut were amazing. I ended my spring semester with a study abroad program in South Africa studying track and sign of the native species on the reserve. This was an amazing program and I made so many memories and learned so much! While I was in Africa we didn't have our phones, which allowed us to be fully in-tune with our studies and really take in the beauty that surrounded us. I made so many new friends through this program and it truly changed my life. Coming back to the states I landed a landscaping job on the Vineyard for the summer and worked very hard. I learned a lot of new skills and met so many new people. The summer was coming to an end and the fall semester was starting. I moved off campus this semester and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. Some of the roommates are from my study abroad program and we all get along so well! This past semester I took a lot of general education classes which are needed for my major to ensure that I graduate in the spring of this upcoming semester. Some memorable events that happened this fall semester were that I joined the University of Connecticut western team and competed all around New England, I’m also still in my outing club group in my school and we are planning a skiing trip up to smugglers notch in January, and I also met a lot of new friends through all these experiences and I’m so thankful for this opportunity that was given to me by MVYouth. This scholarship has really helped me in creating new connections with people and around the world. I am so excited to see what's to come in my last semester at University of Connecticut and my future after graduation!