The past few months that I’ve spent at Northeastern University have surpassed many of my expectations and have fostered plenty of my personal growth. I can easily say that the months I have spent in Boston have been some of the best moments I’ve ever had. At first, the adjustment to the bustling city life and the heavy workload was difficult, but within a few short weeks, I began to feel more comfortable in this new setting. Although COVID-19 was still a pressing issue this past semester, Northeastern tried its best to not make it the focus of our time on campus. The school made sure to promote a sense of community throughout the student body with many fun activities and events almost every day, while also prioritizing the health of their students. Additionally, Northeastern's curriculum had me taking classes that challenged me but that also piqued my curiosity. All six classes I took during these past four months were taught by fantastic and dedicated professors. By attending their office hours I was able to dive deeper into topics like Psychology and Macroeconomics, while also building a relationship with professors at the same time. My professors weren’t the only ones who inspired me, but my classmates did as well. As I stepped foot on campus, I knew I made the right choice to attend Northeastern because I was met immediately with academically-minded students who would motivate me to push myself further to new lengths and strive to be the best version of myself. I am incredibly grateful for the kindness and support that MVYouth has shown me this past year. Thanks to your kindness, I have found a new home here at Northeastern University. As a combined Psychology and Business major, I am very excited to continue exploring these two topics which I find work together hand in hand, and I cannot wait for what’s in store in the future.
Larissa De Oliveira - University of Massachusetts, Amherst
My first semester at UMass, Amherst started with a smooth transition into my dorm in Orchard Hill. Being able to stay in an all-freshman dorm building has allowed me to achieve my goal of extending my inner circle and I was able to create many new friendships. Although it is a hike, Orchard Hill provides me with the perfect environment to both be part of the UMass community, while having the calm and quiet to focus on my studies. This semester I enrolled in five courses that were mainly focused on meeting my gen-ed requirements as well as my English major requirements. I enrolled in an English lecture in which I was able to explore different forms of literature with a focus on gender and race. This class allowed me to look at short stories, essays, research papers, and films with a new lens and the class taught me how to connect my observations so that I was able to develop a thought-out analysis paper for the end of the course. Along with this class, I also enrolled in a gender and race seminar.
This seminar was helpful along with the class because we were introduced to all the resources available on campus to help us with research and writing. I spent a lot of my time outside of class in the Dubois Library which offers endless resources and helpful tools to help me write and study. I can’t quite describe the feeling that I had during my Psych 100 lectures. It was amazing to be able to sit in a class that I had always wanted to take and that I truly wanted to learn more about. During this semester, I attended events held by many different clubs on campus so that I would be able to choose the club that I thought would best fit in the upcoming semester. I plan on joining the University Programming Council which will allow me to help plan community events.
I am so grateful for the opportunity that MV Youth has given me. Attending college was a dream that MV Youth made my reality. Thank you for all the support!
Maddie Chronister - University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge
I spent much of my senior year of high school doing remote learning - I didn't leave my house very often and seldom had chances to meet up with my friends. But since moving to UMass Amherst this fall, that reality was turned upside down. Despite the inevitable adjustment period, I believe the drastic change has been for the good, academically and socially. Growing up on the Vineyard, whose year round population is less than the total enrollment at UMass, moving away for school was a big change. With that change comes a slew of new opportunities. I’ve been really enjoying my classes so far, and as a horticulture science major in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, getting to work in the greenhouses and doing hands-on labs has been great. Meeting people with the same interests in horticulture, botany, and agriculture, has been one of the benefits of attending a (comparatively) large school. I’ve also been able to expand my interests beyond what I’m used to. I’ve joined several clubs, from beekeeping to archery to film production. I’ve also been getting to meet tons of new people from all over the country and the around the world, and I’m grateful to be able to make so many friends from different backgrounds. Needless to say, the pandemic has certainly thrown a wrench in people’s daily lives, and has presented plenty of challenges for a fully in-person experience. Despite that, we’ve managed to stay healthy and have been able to have in-person classes for the fall semester. I’m excited to go back again for the spring, but being back on the Vineyard for winter break also reminds me of the values of our community and inspires me to use my education to better the place I call home. I’m very grateful to MVYouth for helping me get to experience all of this - only one semester in, but it’s truly been life changing! Thank you very much!
Brooke Crocker - Tufts University
My first semester at Tufts University was challenging, yet amazing. I am extremely grateful we were able to be on campus for my first semester, as it allowed me to fully enjoy both my classes and the new friendships I made. This semester I was able to take four classes, which allowed me to explore my interests, including Principles of Economics, Introduction to International Relations, Spanish 4, and Philosophy 2.
One of the main reasons I chose Tufts was because of its International Relations program, so I was very excited to be able to explore that field during my first semester. Intro to IR allowed me to learn about key international theories and the relations between several countries, such as the US and China. The dialogues between the students and professors which occurred fueled my love for International Relations, and I look forward to taking more classes in that field in the future. In terms of my other classes, I was able to learn so much pertinent information, which I feel can really be applied to so many aspects of life.
With regard to extracurriculars, this semester I was able to join both the Period Club and Women in IR. In the Period Club my fellow students and I worked to address issues, such as the Pink Tax, and helped to give greater access to menstrual products. Additionally, we attempted to educate the larger community about the menstrual cycle. Within Women in IR, I was able to connect with several upperclassmen who are just as passionate about International Relations as I am, and I even gained a mentor.
For next semester, I look forward to taking new classes, which will continue to explore my interests and make more connections with both students and faculty. I also hope to become more involved in the Period Club and Women in IR. Without MVYouth, this incredibly rewarding semester would not have occurred, and I am immensely grateful for the generosity and support of the donors and the organization.
Michaela Benefit - University of Connecticut
To say the least, my fall was one to remember. In the beginning, I had still been working my three summer jobs and pursuing my current hobby horseback riding. I was super excited to start my gap year and to travel in my car, until I broke my leg. I had to receive two major surgeries, 8 screws, and a plate to put my leg back in place. I tried not to look at this as a setback but as a time to think out what I wanted to do with my travels. So obviously I spontaneously booked a flight to the U.S. Virgin Islands for mid-March. Since I had so much spare time on my hands I also started to buy equipment to build out my car. In the meantime, I have been recovering over the past three months, and now I'm almost back to 100%! Since late November, I’ve been cleared to walk again, and ever since I've been outside as much as possible, going on hikes, driving down to the beach, and shooting some photography. I have gone on two trips up to Connecticut to visit family and help out at our garden center. It’s always so nice to see family. Since covid hit I had not gotten to see them that much, but I am very thankful that it isn't too long of a drive. I am excited to finally be able to start building out my car and exploring the U.S! I cannot even begin to say how extremely thankful I am for the opportunity that MVYouth has given me. It opened up new opportunities, memories, and so much more. I am so excited to finally get the chance to do some things that I am excited about. Thank you for all that you do. Until next time!
Liam Weiland - Berklee College of Music
This past semester was my final full-time semester at Berklee. I have spent the past four months finishing the last of my liberal arts courses and preparing my Capstone project. I had a remote internship with a sample production company based in Los Angeles this past summer and I have continued similar sample production work on my own time since that internship finished. I have recently confirmed a position as producer/engineer at a studio outside of Boston which I will begin working at as I finish my last few classes this spring. As isolating as this quarantine has been in my apartment in Boston, it was undoubtedly the catalyst for an onslaught of studying and creative work I have done since I began to be stuck in my apartment for weeks on end. The time I’ve spent at Berklee has been the source of much development and realization about what I hope to do with my life. I have built for myself an incredibly talented group of collaborators and have spent much of the past year making great music with them and realizing each artist's identifiable sound. I am still planning to relocate to Los Angeles come next September, circumstances regarding the pandemic willing. I am more confident than ever committing myself to the rocky, unsure world of life in the music industry. I have had a great experience in all job interviews I have landed in the past months and proven to myself my ability to earn a spot in rooms I hope to be in. I have a new found love for mixing other peoples’ music/ productions, which has also proven to be an area of strength for me. The process of taking another person's work and being trusted to bring it to the next level of professionalism is inspiring and gratifying.
Zephyrine Thompson - George Washington University
My first semester at the George Washington University was very different from how I always imagined it would be. Because of the pandemic we were unable to move to campus, instead completing the entire semester online. Although it would have been fun to move to DC, I found that having online classes actually presented me with opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have had: I spent the semester with an awesome family on the Vineyard, living and taking classes in their guest house and nannying for them outside of class time. In addition to this, I quickly discovered that the online aspect of my classes didn’t diminish how interesting they were! As an international relations major, my classes encompassed international and comparative politics, mathematics and politics, and a wildly challenging (but super cool!) Arabic language class. I was able to meet and talk with several of my professors during their office hours, and made some great friends in my smaller classes as well. One of my favorite things about this semester was the amazing line-up of virtual speakers presented by George Washington University. At the beginning of the semester, I had the opportunity to attend a webinar with Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer- everyone was asked to submit a question before the event, and mine was one of the questions chosen! Listening to a Supreme Court justice answer my question was one of the most surreal things that has ever happened to me, and it made me so grateful to be at George Washington University. Thank you from the bottom of my heart MVYouth, for supporting me in my academic career and opening the door to all these incredible experiences. Thank you for all that you do, and I can’t wait for next semester!
Stephany Ribeiro - Western New England University
My first semester at Western New England University was challenging yet worth every day I spent there. The pandemic made life at college a little surreal. I don’t think I have ever spent so much time doing homework. I was actually glad to be away from home so I could really focus on doing my best work and getting the most out of my classes. I did make friends and get to meet other students who were in the same major as me. My favorite class was Intro to Criminal Justice. We spent all class learning about the different parts of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts and corrections. There’s so much more to criminal justice than just the police. It opened my eyes to all the career possibilities that are out there in the field. It made me fall in love with criminal justice all over again. In addition to classes, I also joined the U & Me club. It is part of the bigger Diversity Club. It is open to everyone who considers themselves a member of a minority group. The club provides students with mentors who help them feel a part of the University. My mentor was Nashali. She’s from Puerto Rico. I feel like this club is so important to help students who are diverse feel like they belong. I want to be a mentor someday. Even though I spent most of my weekends traveling back to the island as I tried to complete the Police Academy training that had been interrupted by the pandemic, my first semester was definitely worth all the hard work because I feel like I am more mature, more open to new things. It showed me the path to my future. It kept my focus on why I was going to school -- to eventually become a criminal justice professional who has the knowledge and skills to make my community a better place. I am grateful every day for this scholarship, because without it, I would not be able to concentrate so much on my studies or I might not have been able to attend Western New England University at all. Thank you.
Alex Rego - Dartmouth College
I am super grateful to have spent my first term at Dartmouth College on-campus in Hanover, New Hampshire. The transition was admittedly a bit jarring as administrators, professors, and students alike struggled to adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19. The theme that surfaced from this struggle, however, was what attracted me to Dartmouth in the first place: community. I felt fully the support network which spans Dartmouth’s many endeavors, the Upper Valley, and the Ivy League. With the easing of COVID restrictions (as well as its hopefully imminent end), I endeavor to further connect myself to these many different communities. This past term, despite not operating at 100%, was one rife with growth and excitement. My classes––a writing course, a Spanish course, and an international relations course––were very engaging, and I am proud of my academic performance given this term’s online format. I also met many incredible people with equally incredible stories, and I spent a great deal of time exploring the beautiful natural environment of the Upper Valley. I know with full confidence that I made the right decision in choosing Dartmouth, and I cannot wait to return to campus in March. In the interim beforehand, I will be taking remote classes from Colorado and then from Puerto Rico, again speaking to the flexibility of Dartmouth’s current academic programming. I am very excited to literally and metaphorically expand my horizons. I would like to extend my gratitude to MVYouth for all your help, especially given the turbulence of this past year. I felt my island’s love more than ever before in this very challenging year, and your compassion not only makes a long-lived dream a reality, but also inspires me a tremendous deal. Thank you and thank you again!
Spencer Pogue - Columbia University
My first semester at Columbia University was exciting and provided me with lots of personal and academic growth. Despite the University’s shift to an online educational modality, I still chose to move to New York City for the semester and lived in an apartment near campus so that I would still be able to transition away from living at home. As for my classes, I enjoyed being able to take a combination of Columbia’s Core classes and prerequisite courses for my major and for medical school. In my required University Writing course, I enrolled in a section that focused on readings in Medical Humanities and gained experience writing research papers about essays and artwork by authors and artists like Johanna Hedva, Susan Sontag, and Frida Kahlo. This class ultimately reshaped how I view medicine and illness, and solidified my desire to pursue a career in healthcare. In addition, I also began my STEM education at Columbia with General Chemistry, which challenged me to adapt to learning difficult content in an online environment while maintaining proper study habits and time for self-care. Outside of academics, I have also become involved in a few organizations and activities on campus. I joined the Operations Committee for Columbia Synapse, an neuroscience education organization that focuses on community involvement and advocacy for people suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries. I also continued to pursue my interests in medicine and literature by becoming an Associate Editor for Columbia’s Journal of Global Health, a publication that features public health research from student scientists from all over the United States. Lastly, I have also been taking advantage of free student access to New York City museums, and have already explored the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA with my roommates and friends. Overall, this semester I have pushed myself to appreciate my new surroundings and to seek out many of the new opportunities that are available to me. My unique education at Columbia would not have been possible without MVYouth, so I am grateful that this organization has allowed me to follow such an enriching educational journey.
Jackson Pizzano - UMASS, Stockbridge
This past semester at UMass Amherst, Stockbridge was very different than I expected my first semester of college to go. I stayed in an off-campus house and attended one in-person class a week. Other than my one in-person class the rest were online. This made for a very challenging semester as I prefer to be in a classroom. My in-person class was one of the best parts of this semester, it was an arboriculture tech class where we climbed trees. Every Friday I would meet my class somewhere on campus and we would pick out trees to climb up. Since UMass did not offer any intermediate spots this semester I found a hockey league to play for in a rink near my house. We played every Sunday and it was a great thing to look forward to every week. Living in a house off-campus was definitely a learning experience. Making good meals for myself everyday and budgeting my time effectively took some time to figure out but I have slowly been able to get better at both. I have reached out to a couple arborists hoping to get an internship over the summer. I have found the field I chose to be more interesting than I thought and I am very excited to get back to classes. I'm very grateful for the opportunity MVYouth has given me and am very thankful for all the support.
Danielle Middleton - Howard University
Following a quiet summer of staying at home and spending my time rotating between hobbies or connecting with friends online, my first semester of college at Howard University couldn’t come soon enough! Though it wasn’t the typical learning experience, my professors were all adept with the transition to online learning, and I had a positive experience. It wasn’t the same as being on campus, but through programs like Zoom, I was able to see everyone at the same time, and communication was easily facilitated through virtual hand-raising or chat messaging. My English class was especially good at this, and I’ve had many thought-provoking conversations in the class as thoughts were spurred on by another's commentary; definitely one of my favorite classes. It was cool to see my classmates and professors in their natural home environments. Whether it be their study, backyard, or living room, it was a fun way of seeing a glimpse into someone else’s life. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate to be an Assistant-Director on a committee for the 2021 National High School Model United Nations conference. This has been a dream come true since I’ve been participating in Model UN since my sophomore year of high school. Through this experience, I’ve been able to become a published author through collaboration with talented college-aged individuals from all over the world. It’s been a healthy balance of work and fun in between deadlines before the conference, and I’ve even gotten the chance to use my foreign language skills. I look forward to the conference in March. A lot has happened this past year, but it's amazing to see people’s resiliency. It has been a blessing to know that with all the uncertainty this year has brought, MVYouth has always been there to offer support towards me and my education.
Jack Holmes - Brown University
This year has brought about unprecedented change in every aspect of our lives. My first semester of college proved no different. Brown switched to a trimester schedule this year in the hopes of diminishing the density of students on campus, and as a Freshman, I was not given the option for a full set of classes in the fall. Instead, I was able to take one class remotely. I took this opportunity to explore my interest in medical studies by taking the course Biotechnology in Medicine. This class showed me the many routes a medical career could take and introduced me to the different fields of medical technology. During this time, I also prepared for my spring semester by meeting with advisors and planning for my first full schedule of classes. Another one of the changes that came with Brown’s move to a trimester was the creation of a summer semester that is to be attended by all freshmen. This posed a problem as anyone who knows the island understands the summer is the season for making money. To make up for this summer I am set to miss, I worked with my father this fall doing property management. The work, while helping me afford college, also introduced to me a wide variety of practical new skills such as painting, shingling, carpentry, power washing, landscaping, and nearly every other type of job that can be done on a house. While I was disappointed not getting the chance to begin my college experience this semester, I knew the adjustments were necessary to keep students and faculty safe, and I enjoyed the precious time I was given with my family. Even with all these new challenges, I will be lucky enough to attend college in the spring and for that I have MVYouth to thank. This scholarship is an invaluable tool that is giving me the flexibility to attend school in a year that is, to say the least, been difficult and tumultuous for us all.
Imani Hall - Duke University →
As for virtually everyone this year, the theme of my 2020 has been all about readjusting my expectations and rolling with the punches. I was initially very disappointed that my first semester at college would be Zoom classes from my dorm room, but once I learned that many of my friends were not able to go to their campus at all, I completely shifted my perspective. Moving to Durham, North Carolina during COVID-19 has been one big adventure, and although it was nothing like what I expected, I had an incredible time. Despite the pandemic, I was able to experience plenty of “first college moments.” Almost all of my classes were on Zoom, but they were still interesting, challenging, and rewarding. Meeting people is harder without activities and with masks on, but I still made the most inspiring and amazing friends. I even auditioned for two dance clubs and was thrilled to get accepted into both! One of my dance groups’ mission is to explore and celebrate multi-cultures and I absolutely love meeting students from all over the world and learning about their culture through our shared love for dance. Clubs and volunteering opportunities were also moved online for the semester, but I was still able to make connections virtually. I joined Duke Synapse, an organization that works to bring students and faculty together to appreciate neuroscience, Dance Expressions, a club where in a normal year students volunteer and teach dance classes to the local community, and Duke’s chapter of the Rotaract club. I really look forward to getting more involved in the Durham community, where my school is located. It is easy to feel bummed about what we’re missing as freshmen, but what I learned the most this year is that you have to look at your blessings instead! I already feel extremely grateful for making it into Duke and for MVYouth making it possible, but during this year of hardship, I appreciate all the opportunities even more!
Julia Gomes - New England Hair Academy
Covid took a toll on many plans I had this past year, but I thankfully made the most out of this past fall. During my time at New England Hair Academy barbering program, I have mastered several cutting techniques, as well as learned how to use a straight edge razor for shaves and line ups. Working with the public can seem intimidating at this time, however the school has taken immense caution to make sure both the barbers and clients feel safe. Because of this, I have been awarded this past semester with an outstanding freshman, perfect attendance, and most clients serviced certificates. I have made new friends at school, but also at my salon job on Newbury St, in the heart of Boston, where I have met both donors to MVYouth as well as island residents! I also got a kitten that keeps me company in my apartment! This past semester has moved quickly, but it has also been refreshing, invigorating and busy. I have had a very smooth transition from the island to the Boston area, and I am adjusting happily to my new routines. I’m extremely grateful for MVYouth’s generosity towards so many young islanders, and I would not be where I am without your help. Thank you!
Emanuel DaSilva - Bristol Community College
This past fall and winter I have been working six days a week and planning for my future. I also have been thinking about when I will start college with all this pandemic going on. I will have to take some time off school as of right now because I will not be able to give my 100% to school. My main focus now is to think about my future and how I can manage to get there the way I picture it. I have been working with construction for a year now and I learn something new every day. I can help frame a whole house helping my dad and other workers that also work at the same company. I want to become successful around this area, and becoming an architect in the future can help me get me where I want to be. Covid has affected my life in a way that it made me think a lot of the things that I care about the most and that from now on I have to make the right choices for my life. But I’m grateful for all the things that I have accomplished so far and it's only the beginning of my journey.
Kelly Cleary - Cape Cod Community College
My first Semester at Cape Cod Community College has been a little tough. Attending the Aviation Maintenance Program is great and there is nothing to not like about this path. Due to COVID-19 I had to adapt to learning remotely. Luckily enough, we were able to get back into the hangars in August to continue working hands on. For starters, from the day I started and moving forward my classmates and I have considered ourselves a family. We continue to help each other in every and any way we can. Whether it’s help with a test, a car issue, and the list continues! The relationships we have made will last a life time. Spending time with my classmates, who also have the same passion, reminds me every day why I am here and will continue to move forward. I enjoy every second of it. Besides these moments I never lose interest in what is being taught. Whether it’s weighting and balancing an aircraft or aircraft drawings, it is always interesting and intriguing. It could never get old! Not only is the education wonderful, but our instructors find a way to make sure we are well educated and share with us their backgrounds and help us understand things we don’t because they have been there already. The instructors we have are very knowledgeable and continue to help us understand every detail every day. In conclusion, I cannot wait to continue to further my education. This has been the best experience I’ve had so far. I cannot wait to get into the field! It is hard to find the words to describe how wonderful this time has been. I’m beyond thankful for the MVYouth scholarship for accommodating my needs in such a short of amount of time! I would not have been here without all of you!
Garrett Broadley - New England Institute of Technology
To say the beginning of my 2020 year of school was a crazy ride would definitely be an understatement. With the pandemic happening right at the end of my third quarter it held me back from going back and swiftly completing my fourth quarter on time. My fourth quarter started at the beginning of summertime, and it was strictly online. The quarter I did fully online was my electrical course so not being hands-on and not being able to actually hold the tools in my hands didn’t make it easy. It caused a massive learning curve, but it was one that I needed to overcome. Then New England Institute of Technology made it possible for my lab classes to be in person, but my lectures were online, which was great at the time. I would have done anything to get back to start working with my hands again. But there was a catch - everyone needed to stay distanced, which made it hard to watch when my instructor would demonstrate how to do a task that was discussed in our online zoom lecture. The dorms were still closed so I had to commute from Martha’s Vineyard to East Greenwich which is in Rhode Island every Monday and would stay in Rhode Island in a hotel until Thursday when my lab classes ended. Now that the dorms have opened back up it has been much easier and less stressful because I don’t have to worry if the boats will be canceled or have to deal with the drive twice a week. Because the school closed the dorms for winter break when I go back to school on January 11th, I will need to quarantine for two weeks because Massachusetts is a hot spot, and because of that I will sadly have fully online classes for those two weeks again but it is a precaution that is needed to be done. I know that this has been a curved road to the completion of my classes at New England Institute of Technology but I am quite literally in the home stretch before I graduate and get into the field and start working and expanding my knowledge. And I couldn’t be more grateful for the scholarship that I received that has truly helped me overcome the long drives and the back and forth on the boat every week.
Peter Burke - Middlebury College
Despite all of the obstacles Coronavirus has brought, my first semester at Middlebury has provided assurance that my decision to commit early decision was unquestionably correct. In addition to excellent professors and compelling course options, the community I have found among the student body, town, and my cross country team has been optimal. The culture there encourages hard work and collaboration while also enjoying the attractions of Vermont. It felt ike I achieved a great balance between focusing on studies, running plenty, and enjoying my time there. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the professor's willingness to host office hours and provide advice or help. This helped me get the most out of all aspects of the beginning of my time at Middlebury. Coronavirus presented some challenges, as many classes were partially or totally online and interactions with peers were somewhat limited, but all things considered this semester went smoothly. Two of my four classes were completely in person, and I came away with all positive experiences, including online learning. Academically, it was definitely more challenging and independent than in high school, but I was proud of the work I did and how it paid off. Classes such as Linear Algebra and Macroeconomics presented some conceptually difficult topics with interesting connections to the real world. I really appreciated how the professors in all of my classes would highlight these connections to take learning beyond the classroom. On top of academics I was a member of both the men’s cross country and track teams. That has been a great experience as both teams have excellent team culture and the upperclassmen make everyone feel comfortable transitioning to college. Continuing to pursue academics and athletics at Middlebury has left me with all positive takeaways from my first semester. I am looking forward to going back in February to pick up where I left off.
Galya Walt - Tufts University
While this year has been nothing but unexpected, there have been many changes in my life that I am so grateful for. This past spring I finished up senior year and completed my thesis on involuntary commitment for people using substances in Massachusetts. I am so grateful for my time on Tufts campus, and I was able to commemorate my time there with friends and family over Zoom celebrations. Since graduation, I have been working at Boston Medical Center on a study that is using community engagement to reduce opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts. I love my work, and I am learning so much about working with communities, qualitative research, interviewing and the widespread need for respectful substance use care. I am deeply grateful for fulfilling remote work during this time. Looking ahead, I am hoping to return to school after two years at Boston Medical Center to get a Masters in Social Work and a Masters in Public Health. I believe my interest in focusing on mental health care from a public health perspective will be fully engaged by these programs, and I am excited to see where that goes! In the meantime, I am learning and listening to mentors at my work who have taught me so much about public health and community engaged work in just the past six months. Thank you so much to MVYouth who gave me such a meaningful four years at Tufts. I am so grateful for your support. I can feel the skills and friendships Tufts gave me continuing to support me during this challenging year. I am filled with gratitude for that experience.