This past semester at UMass, Amherst got off to a quick start and was fast-paced through its entirety. At the beginning of the semester, I had to fill out a credit-overload form so I could enroll in 8 courses (21 credits) consisting of subjects such as Finance, Real Estate, Biochemistry, and Physics. Also, I switched my major from Business Management to Finance and remained on a Pre-Medical track. I established that a major in Finance encompassed more of my interests than Business Management since I want to pursue a career that combines my passion for financial markets, current events, and how current events can influence investment strategies within the financial markets. UMass continues to present new opportunities for me to stay involved on and off-campus. When I don’t have classes, I’m either at the library being productive or attending various club meetings. I’m still participating in many clubs, including the UMass Pre-Medical Society and Isenberg Real Estate Association. This semester, I joined the Isenberg Finance Society and the Isenberg Investment Club. Through the Investment Club, I was a finalist in a stock pitch competition where I pitched an investment strategy on a company's stock to a panel of judges from the finance-related Funds at Isenberg—I placed in the top 5. On top of coursework and extracurriculars, I’ll begin volunteering at BayState Hospital in Springfield this coming semester for me to increase my exposure in the medical field. Most recently, I've been applying to numerous summer internship positions in Massachusetts and New York that would allow me to gain first-hand experience and expand my knowledge of finance/financial markets. I continue to grow and keep learning new things every day. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity MVYouth has given to me and extremely thankful for all the generosity and support!
Charles Parkhurst - UCLA
It blows my mind to say that I’ve made it through my college years and am now a graduate, working in San Francisco. However, I couldn’t be more happy and grateful to be in the position that I’m in today. After making it through a scary period of time before heading into my final school year, I set my sights on making the most of my good fortune, working throughout the year on job applications and interviews. I’m extremely happy to say that I’ve ended up in a tremendous situation, taking a job for Walmart eCommerce this past spring. Working as a Category Specialist, I’ve been given the chance to manage a multi-million dollar business, being put in charge of selling wheels and rims on Walmart.com. Having aspects of finance, marketing, management, and more, this entrepreneurial job has given me the chance to garner experience in a diverse array of areas. Not only is my role an excellent learning experience, but it’s one that I genuinely enjoy. Working with a group of recent college graduates like myself, the office environment is fun and engaging, and one that I look forward to each day. I’m unbelievably excited for where my career will take me in the future, and I couldn’t be more happy with the start that it’s already gotten off to. It’s quite an objective statement to say that without MVYouth’s support I would not be in the wonderful situation I’m in today. Thank you so much for giving me the greatest opportunity of my entire life. I truly hope one day to be able to have such an impact on another kid’s future!
Evelyn Medeiros - MA College of Pharmacy and Health Services
These past summer and fall semesters have been challenging, as well as rewarding. While I knew that the price of getting my degree in three years was taking summer classes, I must admit that I was a little worried about how difficult it would be to keep up with the accelerated pace of the short summer terms. However, I am happy to say that after those grueling weeks I have more confidence in my ability to manage my time and prioritize when necessary, as well as having built stronger friendships with those that helped me through it. After a short break, it was back to school for my fall semester where I finished up the last of my prerequisite courses, allowing me to start official nursing classes in the spring. During my fall semester I really enjoyed many of my courses, such as medical microbiology. It may have given me a horrible fear of superbugs, but nevertheless, it was fascinating to learn what is going on in this world at the microscopic level. However, I was not completely torn up about finishing all of my classes. I am proud to say that my Math for Nurses course was officially the last math class I will have to take in my undergraduate career and it feels amazing. I am very much looking forward to next semester, as I will begin my nursing courses and clinical experiences at incredible hospitals in and around Boston. Although, this means that I am halfway done with my degree, which is bittersweet. I am eager to get out into the world and start my career, but I have also loved my college experience so far and don’t want it to end.
Casey McAndrews - Hamilton College
It is incredibly bittersweet to think that I am wrapping up my four years here at Hamilton. Last spring, I spent four months studying in Madrid on the Hamilton in Spain program. The program had a language pledge, so I was only allowed to speak Spanish for the entirety of my time there. I traveled all over Spain and different parts of Europe, had authentic Spanish cuisine cooked by my incredible host mother every day, and even took a flamenco dance class. I was so lucky to become integrated in the Spanish culture, and I hope to be able to return in the future. Back at Hamilton this year, I’ve been working on my senior thesis projects. The first is for my biology major, where I am looking at the negative effects of inbreeding on immunity-related gene diversity in the American crow. I’m super excited about this, since I am going to be using a relatively new DNA-sequencing technique with the help of the Cornell University Biotechnology Resource Center and biology labs. The second is for my major in Hispanic studies, where I will be studying gender in Latin America. After graduation, I am hoping to find experiences that will help me determine if I want to pursue a career in either medicine or biology research (or maybe even the two together). These past four years have introduced me to so many new ideas and opportunities. I cannot express my gratitude enough to those involved in MVYouth, you have all helped to make my time here so invaluable. Thank you!
Shannon Levesque - Massachusetts Maritime Academy
To start I would like to thank MVYouth for your contribution which has made my journey at Massachusetts Maritime Academy possible. This semester was a lot more eye opening for me and what I want to do with my future. This summer I worked with the Oak Bluffs Police Department hand-in-hand with the full time officers and decided to focus my studies on the law enforcement side of my major in Emergency Management. I was able to take a class called Consequence Management and learn all about response and recovery in a highly tense situation. Along with that on February 1st, 2020 I will be flying down to Eustis, FL with other Emergency Management Majors to work this Habitat Humanity again. This year we are focusing more on the cosmetics of Habitat built homes in areas where crime tends to be higher. In recent years other classes have done this and it actually helped drop the crime rates in their community. Last year I unfortunately broke my ankle and had to be sent home, so I am beyond excited to travel with new people, create new connections and help families that need a little extra assistance. As a sophomore at Maritime you gain a lot more privileges than in freshman year. This semester, we were allowed to decorate our rooms that way we wanted and live more like a college student would at any other school. We still have to attend Morning Formation where we salute the flag and make sure everyone is accounted for, as well as an inspection of our uniform on Wednesday nights. As you move farther into your journey at Maritime you gain privileges that make life more laid back but still regimented. I have also created the best friendships this semester which is more like gaining family members. We all push each other to do our best and stay on track. Once again I would like to thank MVYouth for giving my the opportunity to attend such an amazing college.
Marlla Lemos - UMASS, Boston
This fall semester classmates became close friends, and an internship became a job. Adulthood crept in more than ever and with it came anxiety but also excitement. Although this semester was by far the most difficult, the light at the end of the tunnel for me was the three elective classes that stand in the way of me and my diploma. This semester I had the privilege to work with an amazing professor named Ester Shapiro on a project close to my heart. This project then allowed me and my classmates to start an initiative program called the Special Immigrant Awareness Initiative. The goal of our project was to help immigrant children become aware of their rights. With the main goal to showcase possible paths to citizenship some children are eligible for but they may not be aware of for many different factors. Our hard work and passion for this project granted us the opportunity to present our work at the undergraduate research conference held at UMASS Amherst.Words can not describe how ecstatic I am for the upcoming semester. Thanks to all the support from MVYouth, in May I will be the first in my entire family to obtain a higher education diploma. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. Thank you so much.
Olivia Jacobs - Hamilton College
My final fall semester at Hamilton was a whirlwind of classes, campus activism, and post-grad planning. I took five courses and buckled down for my most rigorous and academically fulfilling semester yet. My courses included Feminist Research Methodologies, Black Feminist Thought, Queer Literature, Sociology of the Family, and an independent study titled “Exploring Restorative Justice for Sexual Harm on College Campuses.” The independent study, which will evolve into my senior thesis in Women’s and Gender Studies next semester, continuously inspired me as I dove deep into restorative justice theory and practice, received funding to attend two trainings on the topic, and interviewed practitioners all over the country. At the end of the semester, I submitted a 40-page document outlining my findings and felt energized by all I had learned. When I wasn’t head down in my books, I served as co-president of Survivors Making Activism and Radical Transformation (SMART), a grassroots student organization combatting rape culture on campus. In October, my SMART co-leaders and I installed a surprise art display on a major campus walkway depicting the number of reported rapes at Hamilton the prior year. Through SMART, I also used my new understandings of restorative justice to facilitate a community-building circle with a campus fraternity on the topic of toxic masculinity. In between my classes and on-campus involvement, I somehow managed to find time to apply to four graduate programs for macro-level social work with a plan to begin next fall, should I be admitted (fingers crossed!). I could not have received this transformative education at Hamilton College for the last four years without the significant financial support of MVYouth. Thank you for seeing my potential and putting me on the path to pursue a fulfilling career in social service.
Danielle Hopkins - Barnard College
During this past semester at Barnard College, I have continued to explore my passion for History as well as exploring new interests outside of the classroom. I became the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the CU Women of Color Pre-Law Society. We have done a lot of important work as a club including activism projects regarding mass incarceration in New York City and the country. I now have a lot more clarity on my desires post-graduation which includes attending law school. I also took a GIS course this semester to fulfill my thinking technologically and digitally requirement. In the course, we used ArcGIS which is computer software for map-making. We did tutorials every week for homework and had weekly labs in which we mapped out different phenomenons and parts of the city. I participated in a Kings Crown Shakespeare's Troupe's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.I played Titania and really enjoyed my experience even though I found sleeping on stage for three scenes much harder than I thought it would be. I also work as a Speaking Fellow, I helped to mentor my peers and discussion and presentation skills once a week. I also was a Community Assistant in the Barnard Student Life. Lastly, I worked in the Admissions Office where I have worked since my first year, giving tours and taking phone calls at the front desk. This past semester has been pretty amazing. However, I am even more excited for next semester when I will continue working on my Spanish minor as I study abroad in Seville, Spain. I am so grateful for the generosity and support I have received from MVYouth. With this support, I am able to take my studies across the globe to continue to grow as a student and an individual. I am so appreciative of everything you do for the island community.
Emily Hewson - Bennington College
The beginning of my sophomore year was exciting with a sense of the possibilities yet to be realized. As much as I love my home on MV, I was ecstatic to reunite with my friends. All my trepidations evaporated. I looked forward to my audition for advanced voice. This class only accepts four students that apply. After my audition I was granted the opportunity to work one on one with my instructors in a class that usually has two or three students. This individualized attention and care offered by the unbelievably knowledgeable Bennington staff is what made a difference. I was gladly challenged by the level of difficulty involved in the Italian opera and 1920s French pop songs I was assigned. I cultivated relationships with both students and staff that have opened my eyes to new possibilities. Later this past semester I engaged in what’s called the plan process, starting to solidify the next few years of my college career. The plan process allows students to submit a free form idea for a course of study to a small group of relevant teachers instead of a traditional major system. In addition to meeting with their advisors, each student explains in an essay how they want to pursue their interests as well as how they will contribute to the institution. Unfortunately my struggles with epilepsy have persisted, to the extent that I felt it was necessary and unavoidable for me to pause and re-calibrate my next steps. During my plan meeting, I explained to my advisers that it is difficult to continue the courses I have set out for myself while having tonic clonic seizures almost daily. My time at Bennington is too valuable for me not to be at my best. Through self care and medication I will get my condition under control within my hiatus. I’m looking forward to rejoining the classmates and staff for the second half of my sophomore year in February 2021. With my deepest gratitude, please wish me luck.
Samantha Hargy - George Washington University
Only one semester left until graduation and it is sure to be an exciting one! I spent last Spring at Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Quito, Ecuador where I took all of my classes in Spanish and explored all that Ecuador has to offer. I hiked four active volcanoes, spent time living with an indigenous Quechua family, and had an amazing week in the Galápagos Islands snorkeling with sharks and seals! This fall I returned back to D.C. for my first semester back at the George Washington University since Fall 2017. The transition was difficult at first as I readjusted to taking classes in english and caught up with friends I hadn’t seen in almost two years. I took an interesting classes, including Human Rights Successes where we studied successful human rights campaigns both big and small, and read 12 different books throughout the course of the semester. The end of my travels was bittersweet, but returning to D.C. has been refreshing for my final year. As a senior, it seems everyone is interested in my plans following graduation. For now I am focusing on the semester ahead, for which I only need two more classes before my degree requirements are met. Most of my time will be spent at my full-time internship with the Organization of American States in the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission. I will be working with the Institutional Strengthening Unit to review and revise drug policies for different Latin American countries. It is a Spanish speaking position and I look forward to using my Spanish skills in a professional setting. This is an amazing opportunity to work for the largest international Latin American organization in the world, and I am excited to begin this position in early January! Thank you so much to MVYouth and all of the Donors for their support during these four years! These opportunities are only possible because of your help!
Lena Hanschka - Colby College
In 2019 I had the opportunity to travel to several different countries for specialized study. I spent January in Paris, France, for a small-group language intensive course. During the week, I studied French, and outside of class I was able to explore the city, visiting museums and practicing my French conversational skills. I returned to the Colby College campus in Maine for spring semester, dividing my studies between anthropology and geology. I became more interested in Earth’s climate and how its changes are recorded in geologic history. This led to a summer research position with Dr. Bess Koffman, an assistant professor of geology at Colby College. I spent three weeks in June on the Kahiltna Glacier in Denali National Park, Alaska, doing field research and preparing to collect ice and snow samples from the saddle of Mount Hunter. Then I returned to Colby to work in Dr. Koffman’s geo-chemistry lab. We analyzed the isotopic “fingerprint” of the glacial samples to determine the origins of dust stored within the snow to track how winds have changed over the past several thousand years and how this corresponds to other changes in Earth’s climate. In August I traveled to Dakar, Senegal, for a four-month program focused on language and culture. My host family immersed me in the Senegalese way of life, speaking French and Wolof, with communal meals and family events. I traveled to rural regions of the country and The Gambia, analyzing neocolonialism and processes of development confronting many African countries. I also visited the African Aquatics Conservation Fund, a nonprofit research, conservation and education organization. The semester in general greatly increased my interest in sustainable international development, especially the vulnerability of certain populations in relation to climate change.
Lee Faraca - Cal Poly
Last year I enrolled in California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s Civil Engineering Master’s program. I wanted to continue my education to gain research experience and to learn more about my specific concentration within civil engineering. My concentration is water resources, with a specialty in groundwater recharge through stormwater capture and low impact development.I’m hoping to graduate this summer, contingent upon a successful thesis defense. My thesis is to create a model of the stormwater that contributes to Lopez Lake Reservoir in Arroyo Grande, C.A. This model can be used as a predictive tool for modeling different scenarios to help manage reservoir levels.School has been busy as always. I’ve found that I work better with pressure than without. I’d rather have too much to do than too little. I’m sitting for my water resources Principles and Practice of Engineering licensing exam this April. This will get me one step closer to being a practicing engineer. Besides that, I’ve been continuing my work with Engineers Without Borders (EWB), designing a water distribution system for a community in Nicaragua. My hope is to travel to Nicaragua this summer and help finishing the project, and closing out the design phase.My goal is to gain enough experience and open a design firm in conjunction with two engineering friends. We would like to focus the company around energy auditing, sustainable design systems, and low impact development. It’s an idea we came up sitting around in a brewery. However, the more we think about it, the more promise it has. Water and energy are going to be two of the most regulated resources in California. Our company will be tailored around the conservation of both for commercial and residential use.
Rose Engler - Brown University
A year and a half into my medical education, I can now see that patients are more than protons and neutrons; they are thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams chipped and painted by their surrounding cultures and circumstances. My goal is to interweave aspects of various religions, cultures, and values to create a multifaceted medical education that celebrates individualism. Brown has given me the tools to pursue this goal, pushing me out of my campus comfort zone and into the world. I was lucky enough to travel to Taiwan to take a class on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Comparative Bioethics at the National Cheng Kung University School of Medicine. I spent my summer days shadowing doctors of another culture to gain a deeper understanding of my own. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, doctors do not treat an illness, but rather a person with an illness. Participating in this program helped me understand TCM so that when I become an expert in western medicine, I can combine these two traditions in the creation of a holistic medical practice. In a few days, I will be traveling to Israel to study HIV/AIDS. I view this class, not as a subject to be mastered, but as an opportunity to be experienced. An opportunity for me and my classmates to dig in and gain a deeper appreciation for the way people and their communities face healthcare challenges in the context of their values, cultures, and respective societies. While I don’t know exactly what I will get out of this experience, I know it will be far beyond my wildest imagination. In addition, Brown’s Program in Liberal Medical Education has taught me that a medical education has no bounds; therefore, over the past year and a half, I have taken classes on poetry, engineering, and computer science in addition to physiology and chemistry. I can not wait to see what comes next. I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the support and generosity of MVYouth. Thanks to your kindness, Brown University has become my incredible beginning, and the world has become my classroom.
Marissa D'Antonio - Boston College
This past semester at Boston College has been the best semester yet. Looking back, I spent the majority of my freshman year working on building a new community and getting used to the rigor of college academics. Now that I am settled, I have taken so many more opportunities and risks that I would have never imagined myself taking. At the end of last year, I decided I wanted to try new classes in a variety of disciplines. My sophomore year fall was nothing but. I took accounting, programming, economics, geology, and calculus. Though this was a very challenging schedule, I was able to experience school in a way that I had never done before. Through going out on this limb and trying different major classes, I found my love for computer science and programming. These disciplines had never even been on my radar. I have decided to pursue a double major in Information Systems and Finance based on my love for the intermingling of both concentrations. Though this fall was full of academic growth, I was truly able to find a home at BC this semester. This fall, I joined the women’s club ultimate frisbee team. Since sports were a large part of my life on the Vineyard, I felt as if I was missing a part of myself last year. Joining the team was the best decision I could have made. Though I love the game itself, the people I have met while playing with the team and at tournaments have been some of the most genuine and kind people. I have also continued to volunteer in the Boston community for four hours a week, and am still working to build the non-profit, Element Hope. I cannot wait to see what my next five semesters have to offer!
Samuel Bresnick - Boston College
Fall semester Sophomore year has been nothing short of exciting, offering me new insight into topics that were new to me, giving me a more in depth look into potential career paths. For example, “Philosophy of the Person” exposed me to the teachings of Plato, St. Augustine, Socrates and many more. We had many class discussions tackling questions like “Is evil a necessity in the World?” I enjoyed debating topics in class and felt I gained a valuable skill in constructing arguments and finding supporting facts to help prove my point of view. My most challenging and rewarding class was “Thinking about Law and Economics,” it was conducted in a seminar style in which the students drove the discussions. We explored how economic theories apply to positive and normative analyses of laws, legal issues and legal systems. Introducing the idea of behavioral economics challenging the traditional neoclassical way of analyzing these issues. The class illustrated the use of behavioral economics in making decisions when it pertains to law and policy. This class was a great stepping stone in providing me some insight into the possibilities of what a major in economics can offer. This past semester, I joined BC Bigs, which is affiliated with Big Brother Big Sister. As a student mentor, I was paired up with a “Little,” and given the opportunity to develop a special bond and relationship. My Little’s name is Adrian, he is 7 years old and from Dorchester. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to meet his family and get the opportunity to spend time with him every weekend. He enjoys cheeseburgers and loves playing frisbee. I plan on continuing this experience during my time at Boston College. Overall, my experiences this year have allowed me to expand upon my passions as well as trying new things. I am very appreciative of all the support MVYouth has provided me. Thank you.
Nicolas Andre - College of Holy Cross
This past semester at Holy Cross was amazing from all perspectives. From academics to social life to soccer, I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my second semester on the hill. I had to report to campus on August 13th for soccer and within a week our team was on a plane to San Francisco to open up our regular season at Santa Clara University. Having the opportunity to partake in this trip was such a blessing and was an experience that I will never forget. After the game we returned to campus on a red eye and I headed straight into my first classes of the semester that very morning, a semester that proved to be enthralling from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed all of my courses, but one class in particular, Modern Physics, consumed a lot of my time this semester and proved to my most interesting class I’ve taken thus far. Whether we were discussing relativity or quantum mechanics, I left every class with a million questions which would consume my thoughts for the rest of the week. While being the most challenging course of my semester it was the course in which I learned the most and will look back on it as the highlight of my semester. I had the opportunity to engage in activities beyond both academics and soccer. I found myself attending a student led athletes bible study on a weekly basis. While I am not overtly religious, I am studying at a Catholic institution and I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to learn more about the faith, something that I have greatly enjoyed. I’m so grateful and blessed for all of the opportunities that have been granted as a result of MVYouth’s unbelievable generosity.
Chris Aring - Olin College
This past semester marked the beginning of my senior year at the Olin College of Engineering. With most of my major requirements completed, I was able to focus on more extracurricular activities. I took a few spontaneous trips around the country with friends, continued work on an entrepreneurial venture, and began work on a year-long senior capstone project. One main reason for my excitement when starting this final fall semester, was the opportunity to work on a project as a part of our school’s senior capstone program in engineering (SCOPE). The program allows seniors to work with a multidisciplinary team throughout both semesters of senior year to provide innovative solutions to a company’s real-world projects. I am working with a team of four with Toyota to redesign and improve the personal mobility experience for people with ambulatory disabilities. I was chosen by my team to be the product owner for the entire year, which makes me primarily responsible for keeping track of the big picture of the project and thinking ahead to where the team needs to get to. I also take point on interactions with the company liaison. This opportunity has allowed me to grow my management skills and engage with real world work in a hands-on way. During my upcoming, final undergrad semester, I will complete my Electrical and Computer Engineering degree, continue work as the product owner for my SCOPE team, and explore new opportunities–ones I could never have imagined myself having if I did not end up going to Olin College of Engineering through the support of my community, friends, family, and the generosity of MVYouth.
Gino Chick - New England Institute of Technology
This first quarter at New England Tech flew by extremely quickly due to the fact that I really enjoy all of my classes because most of what I am doing here is all hands on work in the electrical labs. I have been taught so many things while I was away at school that when I came home for winter break I could not wait to get back to work with Robert Young and put some of my knowledge and newfound skills to work. Math was always something that I struggled with all of my life but it wasn't until this past quarter that I really understood the math that I was doing. I could actually see how it was going to be used in real life rather than just on a test, because the class that I am in teaches math that is used everyday in the electrical industry not only that but in our electrical classes too. I look forward to the next quarter and what else there is for me to learn while here at New England Tech. Once again thank you all so very much for believing in me and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. Being here at school would not have been made possible without the help from you all at MVYouth. Thank you again for the incredible opportunity that has been given to me.
Anne Ollen - Barnard College
After spending the summer interning at Blue State, a digital strategy and marketing company, I received a full-time offer in September to join their team as an Account Coordinator in Washington DC. My team is responsible for helping progressive non-profits launch successful, national fundraising and advocacy campaigns. Our non-profit clients work to protect access to health care for all, preserve funding for scientific research, and provide safe and secure housing for those in need, in addition to other important causes. Being on the account management team, I have a unique position which allows me to collaborate with the entire office, including the communications, design, analytics, and strategy teams, to learn about the necessary components that help our digital campaigns succeed. For the past eight months, it has been great to work for a company that truly puts people first in every campaign or project in order to create real and meaningful change every day. Outside of work, moving and acclimating to a new city has been challenging at certain times, but it has also been exciting to discover all that DC has to offer. There are countless museums, historical sites, restaurants, and events to explore each weekend. I am thankful to be in this next chapter of my life equipped with all the knowledge and skills that I learned during my time at Barnard. I am excited to see what the future holds these next few years. As always, I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of MVYouth. To be able to enter my post-college life without the burden of student debt is a gift that I cannot put into words. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Madeleine Moore - University of Chicago
Two days after graduation, I drove out to Iowa to start a job as a field organizer for Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. For the past eight months, I've lived in Clinton, Iowa, located in northeastern Iowa along the Mississippi River, on a winery and worked to build a giant volunteer base to elect Elizabeth Warren president. While in Iowa, I knocked on over 5,000 doors, made over 17,000 phone calls, and was able to introduce Elizabeth to crowds and meet with her on several occasions. I’ve gotten to work with tons of passionate Iowans and learn about the skills needed to build an organization from the ground up. On caucus night, I was in a caucus room, helping with persuasion and was able to witness the historic, and quite frankly chaotic, nature of the Iowa caucuses. As of now, I am still working as an organizer for Elizabeth in Minneapolis, Minnesota who will be having their election on Super Tuesday (only about two week away)! UChicago was an amazing experience and I never thought I would be in a career that is nearly as stressful and intense as the university itself. However, after spending four years learning and growing at the University, I feel prepared to take on any task, no matter the size or difficulty, including electing the first woman president.