Evelyn Medeiros - MA College of Pharmacy and Health Services

My first semester of the Nursing Program at MCPHS University has been challenging and exciting. I have learned so much in the past four months. My classes have been incredible and inspiring. My favorite course was my Anatomy and Physiology Lab because it was absolutely fascinating, but also my most challenging. I remember on the first day of lab, my instructor went over all of the things that we were going to learn during the semester: the different types of tissues, along with their structure and function, every bone in the body as well as every bump and dent on each and why it’s there, and finally, the entire muscle system. I thought it would be impossible. However, somehow I made it through the semester and learned an extraordinary amount of knowledge about the human body. When I finished that course, I was sad that it was over, but proud that I completed it.

With all the stress of those tough classes, the city has been such an amazing environment for me to have fun and relax when the academics have gotten a little too taxing. Living in the heart of Boston has been an incredible adventure. There is just so much to see and do to get the full Boston experience. Over the past semester I was lucky enough to do so many unique activities such as taking a short walk down to Fenway Park and taking part in the Red Sox parade, and taking a train ride to watch the Christmas Tree Lighting. I’ve been immersed in the vibrant culture of Boston and loved every second of it. The city has an unbelievable atmosphere and I am so thankful that I get to be a part of it.

Paulo Pereira Filho - University of Massachusetts, Amherst

My time at UMass Amherst got off to a quick start as I was busily engaged in my studies as well as in my extracurriculars. I took on six courses, ranging from Organic Chemistry to Accounting to Portuguese, in order to satisfy my Business Management/Pre-Med major requirements. I am also considering adding a language as a minor to my current major. UMass has continued to present me with new opportunities to stay involved on campus. These opportunities have been filled with many experiences, some of the same ones as last year and some new ones. There is not a moment in the day where I feel that I can’t get work done or be involved in some way as there are numerous student organizations, clubs, study groups, and activities taking place on a constant basis.

I continue to stay involved in the Isenberg Real Estate Association, the Isenberg Management Association, and the UMass Pre-Medical Society. I joined the Social-Entrepreneurship Club as well because their ideas and mindset of creating sustainable businesses beneficial to the environment while making the most out of clean energy piqued my interest. I took part in Intramural Soccer and plan on doing it again next semester as well as joining Intramural Volleyball. I have had various volunteering opportunities through clubs such as the Rotaract Club. I continue to grow as a person and continue to learn new things every day. I am looking forward to next semester and will, no doubt find something new to take part in.

I cannot thank MVYouth enough for this opportunity that has been presented to me. I am forever grateful for the generosity and support. Thank you MVYouth for another awe-inspiring year!

Marlla Lemos - UMASS, Boston

This past semester at UMass Boston I had the opportunity to work with amazing professors from all over the world. The amount of diversity on campus is something that I will always cherish. I began my days this passed semester trying to learn a fourth language, which went amazingly well, until I started my Italian final exam presentation in Spanish! After Italian, I learned about Moral Issues in Medicine with the most brilliant professor who also grew up in a tiny island, but her little island was off the coast of England. Later, I learned about fascinating Social and Political Thinkers with a professor from Israel, who knew way too much information about the Peloponnesian war. My favorite class this semester was Immigration Politics, which was taught by an incredible professor who was born and raised in Mexico. Lastly, I ended my days in a cultural food studies class that specialized in Indian cuisine due to the fact that my professor was an Indian chef!

This semester I also had the opportunity to spent time in New York city visiting the United Nations Headquarters learning about public policy. All of these opportunities would not have been possible without the amazing support I have from MVYouth. Thank you to MVYouth for the continued support, I cannot wait for all the opportunities the next three semesters have to offer.

Kaela Vecchia-Zeitz - New York University

In the past year at NYU, I have gone to school both in Buenos Aires, Argentina and New York City. Living in Buenos Aires for the Spring semester of my sophomore year was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. Along with working on my Spanish fluency, I learned the rich and complex history of Argentina through my NYU courses, befriending locals, and traveling to surrounding provinces. I was especially enthralled by a class taught by an Argentine local, called Queer Cultures and Democracy. It was in that class where I learned about the 1980s and 1990s AIDS/HIV crises that happened simultaneously in Argentina and the United States, and the incredible activism that took place to fight for the rights and lives of LGBTQ people.

Once back in New York City for the Fall semester of my junior year, I was immersed in my social work curriculum, taking classes such as “Human Behavior in the Social Environment,” “Homelessness in Perspective,” and “Diversity, Racism, Oppression, and Privilege.” In these past few months, I have learned an immense amount about the social work profession and my place and responsibility within it. I feel humbled and empowered to continue on this path to help as many people as I can. All of this would not be possible without the generosity of MVYouth. Thank you so very much.

Galya Walt - Tufts University

This past semester has been one of the best yet. I started the year going to school early to lead a five day backpacking pre-orientation trip in the White Mountains for eight first-years. It was such an honor for me and my co-leader to be the first to welcome them to college and to watch them grow throughout their first semester. I ended up returning to the White Mountains frequently on weekends this semester as I am hoping to hike all 48 4,000 footers before I graduate. I feel really lucky that Tufts has a lodge in the Whites which makes that area much more accessible.

Academically I loved taking “Medical Anthropology” which further cemented my interest in studying medicine and disease from either a sociological or anthropological perspective. My professor became a mentor to me this semester and I spent many office hours chatting in her office. I feel so grateful for her support and guidance as I begin to contemplate what it is I want to do after Tufts. It is very exciting to have a space on campus to discuss books, questions and class topics on a subject I have found much joy in!

Outside of class much of my semester was preparing for my semester abroad in Cape Town, South Africa in the spring! I am beyond excited to be there and to have the opportunity to explore a new city, study South African history and to travel around the country. I will be studying at the University of Cape Town which I hope will help me meet African students and get a better sense of Cape Town’s culture and society. I am so grateful to MVYouth’s support both at Tufts and abroad. Thank you!

Charles Parkhurst - UCLA

I’m not even two months into my senior year, yet college feels like it’s already reached its conclusion. But despite how this may read, I say it with no sadness at all. Scouring for jobs, filling out applications, and getting interviews lined up is certainly a bit of work, but it makes me tremendously excited for my future and the possibilities that could lie ahead. I am an exceptionally fortunate individual that’s determined to make proud the people that brought me to this point and be able to one day give back myself.

I decided to pursue a major in political science at the beginning of my freshman year with the intent of going to law school. However, after spending the last few years developing a passion for trading the markets and holding a wonderful internship at Merrill Lynch, a career in finance is what I know I’ll thrive in. As I love research and problem solving, I believe I would do very well in a financial analyst or research position.

Because of the wonderful friendships I’ve made and excellent medical care I’ve received, finding work in Los Angeles would be ideal. But I’ve actually applied to firms across many areas, such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and even in other countries. To make myself as qualified a candidate as possible, I’ve also signed up for the Chartered Financial Analyst program and will be studying to pass the level one exam this upcoming June. It will certainly be a large undertaking on top of managing classes and a spring internship, but it will build a vital knowledge base that complements the unique skills I developed from my liberal arts education that will allow me to excel in the financial world.

Anne Ollen - Barnard College

It is hard to believe that my college experience is almost over. My senior year is off to a fantastic start. I have been taking interesting classes, working at my internship, and enjoying all the great things New York City has to offer. I also was recently invited to join Phi Beta Kappa as a fall inductee, which is reserved for the top 2 percent of the senior class. This is an incredible honor, and I want to thank the donors of MVYouth again for their continued support.

After four years, I have learned a lot about myself and my future ambitions, but I am still unsure about exactly how I see myself as a professional. The past two semesters I have had political internships with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and now New York Assembly Member and DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake. These experiences have taught me a great deal about the copious issues facing New Yorkers including safety concerns in public housing, disagreements over the closing of Rikers Prison, and problems with the public transportation system. Additionally, these internships have allowed me to meet constituents, politicians, and activists from all over the city, which provided me a more holistic understanding of the City which I have come to call home.



While I am still uncertain about a future career in politics, I certainly recognize the power that it has to make a difference in people’s lives if used correctly, as there is no aspect of society that is not affected by government policies or practices. In the next year, I hope to get a job as a political staffer in New York or Washington D.C.. By doing this I hope to have a better understanding of whether a career politics is something that I can see myself doing in the future, and perhaps go back to school to get a Master’s in Public Administration. I am excited to see what these next years have in store for me!

Madeleine Moore - University of Chicago

Four years ago, I received a call from University of Chicago admissions office informing me that I had been accepted off the waitlist to the class of 2019. I accepted the offer immediately despite never having visited the campus or the city of Chicago. My first year in Chicago was tough. The academics were unlike anything that I ever experienced and I had not yet learned how to work efficiently and professionally. However, with each quarter I learned more about the world, about good study habits, and about the amazing opportunities University of Chicago offered.

I never would have known to expect my four years would be filled with so many exciting travel opportunities. I've been to Cuba, China (twice), India, the UAE, and throughout Europe. I've had amazing educational experiences through travel that have given me a better understanding of our place in the world and the fragility of prosperity. I also never would have expected I'd major in Economics.

Interning as a researcher at an executive search firm this past summer introduced me to the world of business. It was an invaluable experience which led me to learn a lot about myself. I've learned that University of Chicago has instilled in me a strong work ethic. I've learned the importance of concentration and caffeine. And I've learned to seize opportunities when they arise.

Come June, I hope to be gainfully employed in a job that will catapult me to the Booth School for Business in a few years time. I expect I'll find this job either working in management and search consulting or possibly in politics.

Lee Faraca - Cal Poly

As my graduation date rapidly approaches, I can’t believe how fast college has gone by. Senior project is in full swing and companies are having workplace showcases almost weekly. Friends and colleagues have already begun signing letters of intent for various companies. As I look back on my college experiences and how much I’ve learned, I realize that I’d like to continue my education. I hope to study for and take my Professional Engineers (PE) Exam next year as well as enroll in a Master program.

Cal Poly offers a 4+1 “Blended” program I can apply to. I’d like to concentrate on Water Resources and Hydraulics Engineering. Growing up on the Vineyard has fostered a strong connection to nature, specifically water. I’ve found fluid mechanics and water management to be my favorite classes. Part of the “Blended” program is completing a Master’s thesis, which I would do on water conservation.

Another option is to enroll in an MBA program. My dream is to own or run a firm, and a MBA would be a good catalyst. Coming to Cal Poly it became quite apparent to me how intelligent and high achieving engineering students are. Between internships and classes I learned that I’m not nearly the smartest or best engineer, but that my strengths lie in project management, leadership, and client service/interaction. Coupling my degree with an MBA will, I think, open many employment opportunities for me.

Samantha Hargy - George Washington University

My last two semesters have been a whirlwind of once in a lifetime adventures! As a part of the Global Bachelor’s International Degree Program, I spent last spring studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, China and immersing myself in a culture completely different from my own. While in China, I traveled extensively, visiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, hiking Mount Hua, one of China’s sacred mountains, and walking the Great Wall in Beijing! I took classes outside of my major to explore new topics and most enjoyed International Political Economics, where we discussed the future of Asian economies and the influence of Asia on the world market. Although all of my classes were in English, I dabbled in Mandarin and could successfully order myself food in a restaurant!

This semester I have been studying in Santiago, Chile at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, taking classes focused on my Latin American Studies major and Spanish minor. My favorite class here has been Historical Memories, where we discuss Augusto Pinochet’s rise to power and what happened in Chile during his dictatorship. I also completed an internship with TECHO, an NGO that works to build affordable housing in Chile and many other countries. Chile is a beautiful country, and I recently returned from hiking the week long W trek in Torres del Paine National Park, one of the top ten hikes in the world. Next semester I will continue on this incredible study abroad experience in Quito, Ecuador at Universidad San Francisco de Quito.

I could not be more excited for the adventures ahead! All of these experiences are only possible thanks to MVYouth and all of your help and I am endlessly grateful! Here’s to another year of adventures for all!

Olivia Jacobs - Hamilton College

My Fall 2018 semester has been nothing short of awesome. As a junior at Hamilton College, I elected to take my coursework in the beautiful city of Amsterdam, Netherlands this semester through a study abroad program called IES. I took a course called Conflict Studies at the University of Amsterdam, which gave me an introductory glimpse into world politics, a topic I previously had little knowledge of. My other three classes, Gender Studies, Dialogues on Difference, and Dutch Language and Culture, were situated in the Dutch context, allowing me to analyze racism, homonationalism, and Islamophobia outside of the United States. My identity as an activist and white ally only grew as I attended protests and shattered preconceptions I had of the Netherlands being a liberal utopia.

Outside of my studies, I cared for three French-Dutch sisters aged 4, 8, and 11 twice a week. I rode the ‘bakfiets’ while taking care of them, which is essentially a bicycle with a huge basket in front to transport the littlest one. Cycling is the main form of transportation in Amsterdam and I quickly learned there is a real skill to biking home in heavy rain while carrying grocery bags and maneuvering past mopeds and oblivious pedestrians! Some weekends I spent traveling to nearby countries, but many times I stayed in Amsterdam exploring all the city had to offer while developing lasting friendships with other students in my program. This semester would not have been possible without the financial support of MVYouth, as it is a real privilege to experience life in another country while continuing my studies. I feel full of gratitude for MVYouth as I reflect on this adventurous and eye-opening semester. I will be in Copenhagen, Denmark next semester for the second half of my study abroad year. Stay tuned!

Lena Hanschka - Colby College

Freshman year at Colby College was about observing and exploring academic life, new social dynamics, the Maine outdoors, and the incredible range of extra-curricular opportunities. Now in my second year, I’ve become fully engaged. As a leader in the Colby Outdoor Orientation Program this fall, I helped incoming first-years get acquainted with the school before the start of classes. My co-leader and I mentored eight freshmen in three days of wilderness hiking, a great start to the new year. Academically, I’m focusing on anthropology and environmental science. This semester I took two anthropology classes – one on research methods and the other combining economics with anthropology – with two focused independent research projects. Both turned out to relate pretty directly to experiences I’ve witnessed in my own life. In one final research paper, I explored the social and economic dynamics between Martha’s Vineyard tradesmen and their wealthy clients. In the other, I explored how socio-economic disparities can affect a person’s ability to participate in outdoor recreation. These projects gave me a better appreciation for my Vineyard upbringing. Looking ahead, language and foreign study are important components of my specialized anthropology program. In preparation for study abroad next year in Senegal, I’m developing my French language fluency with a fall semester French course taught by a Senegalese professor, followed by a one-month French immersion class in Paris in January. My environmental studies coursework has focused on geology this year, specifically climate change: the first course connected the Earth’s geological history to accelerating changes in the earth’s climate today; and the second will delve more deeply into the specifics of those changes. MVYouth and its generous donors have enabled me to take full advantage of the many academic and extra-curricular opportunities that Colby offers – thank you!

Emily Hewson - Bennington College

My experience at Bennington has been eccentric. From Experiential Anatomy to Concept Musical to Robert Frost and the Rural Authentic, my classes have been diverse and inventive. They really do let professors have autonomy over what they teach and how they teach it. I particularly enjoyed my experiential anatomy course where we learned about fascia. It's the connective tissue that encompasses everything in our bodies. If you were to take everything but the fascia out of a body, you would still be able to see where all of the bones, muscles, veins, and arteries would be. It is the definition of connective tissue. I appreciate the intimate student to teacher experience.

I love working with my voice teacher Thomas Bogdan and integrating into the music community at the Jennings house (the building The Haunting was based on). But I am especially psyched about my first fieldwork term where I’ll be working on Tauroa farm in New Zealand! A fieldwork term is part of our curriculum in which we have to complete 210 hours of work in a field connected to what we are studying. Because I’m a first term and don’t have a set field of work, I get to go anywhere! This school has opened doors I never knew existed. The academic system they have in place makes it so your experience here can be as fruitful or barren as you make it. It’s up to the student to take advantage of the opportunities laid in front of us. Bennington College truly is the place for me.

Chris Aring - Olin College

From working on a business idea with help from professors, student teaching at Newton North High School, and teaming up to create a budgeting app for young adults, this past semester at Olin College of Engineering has pushed me to expand my interests and broaden my knowledge into new fields.

In one of my favorite classes to date, “User Experience Design,” I worked with a team to design and build an app to help young adults establish positive budgeting habits. This class allowed me to design for complex engineering problems with a direct, people-oriented goal. My team had to find a group of individuals for whom we could design a product, track the product’s development, and collect data in real time to determine how well the product of our engineering research was working. The activity was an incredible opportunity - one of many I have received through Olin’s design-based courses.

In addition to various engineering projects, my student teaching experience through a class at Wellesley College has allowed me to work alongside a mentor teacher to observe classes, teach lessons and engage with students.

During my upcoming, final semester of junior year, I plan on finishing the requirements for my Electrical and Computer Engineering degree, refining my business plan, and continuing to explore new opportunities - ones I could never have imagined myself having if I did not end up being able to go to Olin College of Engineering through the support of my community, friends, family, and the generosity of MVYouth.

Liam Weiland - Berklee College of Music

My first semester at Berklee has been incredible. The level of musicianship surrounding me is simultaneously inspiring and daunting. I have never spent so many continuous hours practicing, writing, and listening to music. I was lucky enough to be granted a scholarship for the Berklee Five-Week Performance Program this summer by MVYouth and the Fialkows. My growth as a musician has been exponential from the beginning of that program to now. The staff here are world class musicians, but I’ve found myself more inspired and influenced by the students around me. I spend most of my free time writing and jamming with Saebin, another first semester freshman from Virginia, who has become my closest friend here. From the very first time we played together, it was clear that we had a connection through our mutual ambition to become successful artists. Since then, we have written an EP that we plan to record second semester. The community at Berklee is like no other. Berklee creates a highly motivating environment that keeps you in the mindset to work on your music 24/7. I’ve expanded from playing mainly finger-style acoustic guitar to exploring blues, rock, and jazz styles. Students are allowed to pick their classes starting in the second semester, and I am excited to start taking music business and production classes that will help me explore my possible career paths here at Berklee. I could not be more thankful for the opportunity MVYouth has given me to develop and refine my craft.

Nayson Peres - UMASS

My first semester at UMass Amherst has been a great experience and in hindsight attending UMass Amherst was the right choice. I have met some fantastic people from all sorts of backgrounds that have really given me a perspective on the opportunity that I have here. Not only are the people great but the resources and opportunities to explore are exceptional as well. I’ve been able to make a lot of new friends and learn a little more about the majors I can declare after attending club meetings and Peer Advisory sessions. My classes have been going well. I have been thoroughly engaged and challenged, especially in our readings of Harriet Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. In such a big campus I have found many places and resources to help me with my classes and with settling in. I have had the pleasure of learning with some really interesting people. I am set on the Pre-Med track and that just leaves the question of what I’ll be doing for my major. I have been able to narrow my search but I still want to take the time and choose the area that speaks the most to who I am. The good news is the Pre-Med track allows for basically any major and that I have time to choose. My time at UMass Amherst has been really enjoyable and I cannot thank MV Youth enough for this amazing opportunity!

Isabella Morais - Wesleyan University

My first semester at Wesleyan has been fantastic. I have learned so much from all of my professors, but even more than that, I have learned a lot from myself. Being a Charter School graduate, I spent a lot of time my junior and senior year learning how to be an independent learner. When I first got to Wesleyan, I was scared to go work in the library or ask for help with the writing workshop, however, as the semester chugged along, and classes got more difficult, I learned that the stacks in Olin Library are the only place where I can work– and it improved my grades by tenfold. I am grateful to MVYouth for the generous scholarship because it means that I can really focus on my studies and being on my mock trial team, instead of having to work my way through college. I am the only freshman who is on the Mock Trial B team, and I get to further my passion for law as well as be on a diverse team of students who feel the same way. Being at Wesleyan this first semester has really solidified my love of learning and I can’t wait to continue with it all this upcoming semester.

Danielle Hopkins - Barnard College

During my first semester at Barnard College, I auditioned for and was part of Columbia University’s Black Theatre Ensemble’s fall production of Dreamgirls. In the musical, I played the role of CC, who is the main character, Effie’s brother and also a leading role in the show. Being part of this musical was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I entered college thinking I wanted to major in either Political Science or English and now after this first semester I have absolutely no idea what I want to major in. While I did take a political science class and a required English course I decided to also take Spanish and try Astronomy with the Astronomy lab to fulfill my science requirement and to experience something new. I ended up learning a lot in the lecture and lab. I got to do observations, calculations about celestial bodies, and learn about space exploration and climate change. However after taking this course, I don’t think I can see myself as an Astronomy major. While being unsure of my major is a little terrifying, in many ways I’m glad I don't know because it is forcing me to step out of my comfort zone. I am so grateful that MVYouth is supporting me in this endeavor. I wouldn’t be able to go on this journey in the best city in the world and discover what is right for me without the generous support MVYouth is giving me.

Lena Hanschka - Colby College

This past semester at Colby College has been really amazing. All of my classes were really interesting, especially my Introduction to Anthropology course. We covered a wide array of topics, but it was really fascinating to learn about the small aspects of different cultures. For example, we learned about how the definition of kinship can vary by culture, sometimes not defined by genetics at all, but rather by who you eat your meals with. I have also really enjoyed living in Maine. The Colby campus is surrounded by woods with many trails to walk or run through. It has been really nice to be able to take a break from studying or homework and enjoy nature. I am so excited for the winter weather and all of the winter sports. The Sugarloaf Ski Resort is only about an hour away and with a more relaxed winter schedule, I hope it make it up to the mountain at least once a week.

Paulo Pereira Filho - UMASS

Life at UMass Amherst this past semester has been filled with new experiences. UMass Amherst is similar to a small city, in itself, they have so much to offer on campus and there’s always something to do. During the week, I spend a lot of time in the tallest academic research library in the world, the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. This past semester I had many opportunities to become involved in the community of UMass. I joined the Isenberg Real Estate Association as well as the UMass Pre-Medical Society. I have had different volunteering opportunities through the Pre-Medical Society and have become CPR/AED certified through a Healthcare Professional (HCP) and Basic Life Support (BLS) class in order to reach my goal of becoming an EMT. The highlight of this past semester has been joining intramural soccer at the beginning of the semester and becoming captain of my team. I am looking forward to what next semester has in store for me. I have made myself at home here at UMass and none of it would’ve been possible without the immense generosity of MVYouth. I am forever grateful for the benevolence. Thank you MVYouth.