Marina Pessoni - Cape Cod Community College

My fall semester has been very interesting. I took a total of 5 courses fully online, with no zoom, just due dates. It has been very challenging. This fall semester was my first semester of college ever, and though it didn't follow my plans, I am very happy with my achievements. I am almost done with my prerequisite courses before I get into the Nursing program! I only need three more and then hopefully I will be able to apply and get into the program.

The most hands-on class that I took was Survey of Biology. I don't know how I've done it, but I've managed to run labs at my own house with materials provided by my college. I would've never imagined that that was possible. I've made friends to the point where I've done study sessions online, which I thought would be impractical.

My main goal now is to move off island for next semester, to be able to attend classes in-person during the spring semester. I need the in-person interactions! Taking five courses fully online was the most demanding time of my life so far, but with the support of my family and my professors, I made it! I've had unexpected connections with my professors - they have been so understanding and actively present. Cape Cod Community College was able to make me feel welcomed with their student engagement even though I am an at-home student.

I can't express how grateful I am for MVYouth and the help they have provided me to start this new phase in my life. It was a bummer not having the MVYouth summer party because I was so looking forward to meeting everyone. Hopefully we will all see each other soon! I am so excited for the future steps I will be taking as a nursing student, which are only possible because of MVYouth. I'm ready to keep going!

Lucas da Silva - Upper Cape Tech

Hello, my name is Lucas Eduardo da Silva, I'm Brazilian and I'm 19 years old. I graduated from high school and today thanks to this program, and thanks to God, I have a great opportunity to be studying electricity. I am also working in the same area where I study. During the fall I was studying in the course, run by excellent professionals, who take us to live the experience and demonstrate importance and concern for our learning, and the respect that exists within the field. This course is very applauded because we are like brothers and sisters sharing the same desire and intensity to learn. It is important to remember that yes, studies are tiring, but I speak with authority that it is the tiring studies that will take you to more challenging levels and with bigger rewards, and nowadays I can see how beneficial studying and mainly doing what I love has been for me. So thank you very much for believing in my path and thank you very much MVYouth for all your support in this important moment for my future, and that you continue to help other people like me so that they don't give up on their future.

Jonathan Norton - Connecticut College

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

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

Crystal Zheng - University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

I can't believe the fall semester is over already! Time does go by very fast! The first semester at UMASS Dartmouth has been exciting for me. It was the first time I had been away from home alone for a long time. However, I can’t wait for the opportunity and experience that awaited me. I started off my school year volunteering at Mass Audubon's Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary with some friends. It feels nice to explore outside the campus and they taught us all the animals and birds that live around here. It was challenging to adapt to college life but I have learned how to manage my time according to and complete assignments on time. There are some exciting courses I truly enjoy. For instance the Anatomy and Physiology course! Even though that class is tough but I have tried my best and used all the resources the campus provides to help me to study. I was fascinated by all the structures of the body and their function. So far in that class, we have learned about the nervous system, skeleton, types of tissues, and many more! This semester I also took Psychology, Math, English, and Nursing classes!

Lucas Goncalves - Gordon College

My first semester at Gordon college started right off the bat with a challenge: pre-season soccer tryouts. I was one of three walk-on players that were fighting for a spot on the Gordon men’s soccer team; we hungrily desired to be a fighting scott. I didn’t come in the best shape so every day of pre-season was a physical and mental battle. My legs ached, my shins bruised, and my calves cramped, but I persisted onward attacking every practice with all my might. In the end I was the only walk-on player that was gifted the opportunity to join the team, my efforts were rewarded. As the season progressed I gained confidence and ended up starting in our quarter final playoff game. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to put one in the net this season, however next season will be a different story.

One thing I love about the Gordon soccer team is that we are truly brothers. A family of 20+ people. Having my teammates has made it easier to make friends and I know that if I ever need anything they have my back. One thing I look forward to next semester is meeting new people and joining the school chapel choir where I can develop my guitar playing. I’m also considering taking some classes in business and music.

I am currently studying kinesiology - the study of human movement and it has been a challenging and very interesting course. Next semester I will be taking anatomy and physiology and I will start to examine the body at a closer level, looking at bones, and muscles. I am forever grateful for MVYouth and this one of a kind opportunity, I can’t wait for the second semester!

Alison Custer - Connecticut College

My first semester at Connecticut College has been an incredible experience. These first few months came with many exciting opportunities and moments. I remember Connecticut College truly starting to feel like home after taking my first class in the Dance Department and being introduced to students and professors. Welcome Weekend was busy and exhausting, but I felt inspired again after taking this class and meeting people at the senior/first year dance major brunch. These were some of the moments when I felt things beginning to click. I felt embraced by the community, and it meant so much. In our first two auditions (for Dance Club pieces and the Department Concert), I was nervous, but reminded myself how grateful I was to be there, and to simply give it my all. The audition for guest artist Jennifer Archibald’s piece was intense, but I was lucky enough to be cast in her piece along with other students who I am so inspired by. Getting to work with Archibald (learning and growing in those rehearsals) was an unforgettable experience I do not take for granted. I already have immense love for the dance program and the people in it.

My courses this semester were titled “Thriving in the Anthropocene” (my first year seminar), Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics, Movement Techniques II, and Elementary Spanish. I joined the Dance Club, Students Demand Action Conn Coll, and Amnesty International. I’ve also spent time in Sprout (our campus garden), and volunteered with friends at a local food pantry in New London. I’ve met so many wonderful people, some of my closest friends, and have already learned so much. I cannot thank MVYouth enough for the opportunity that they have given me to grow and thrive, and one day give back to the island community. I am incredibly grateful.

Zach Utz - Middlebury College

As my first semester at Middlebury comes to a close, I now reflect back on it as an amazing one full of connection and discovery. I chose Middlebury because its broad range of liberal arts studies, a benefit that I certainly took advantage of in my first three and a half months. I was introduced to the world of comparative literature through the study of folk and fairy tales in my first-year seminar, learned about the Ottoman Empire and the modern Middle East in my history class, analyzed and discussed theories of good in my philosophy class, and continued my studies in French. Each class challenged my understanding of the world and broadened my knowledge across their topics all while acclimating me to the increased workload of college courses.

In addition to my studies, I am on the cross country and track teams here at Midd. I arrived at school early this semester to practice with the team before our first meet and spent time with them outside of practice exploring the areas around campus. It was truly special showing up to campus and immediately having forty friends, all extremely driven and passionate individuals. They’ve all had such an impact on me already and I cannot wait to spend the next four years with them.

Another benefit of being in Vermont is its captivating nature with lush mountains, waterfalls, swimming holes, and trails. One of my favorite trips was when we hiked up to see the sunset at one of the waterfalls, equipped with a beautiful vista of the Adirondacks. Although all the foliage is gone and there’s snow on the ground now, I’m looking forward to ski season during the second semester! The opportunities that attending college has already granted me are boundless. I am incredibly grateful for the support MVYouth has given me this past semester!

Ruairi Mullin - Brown University

My first semester at Brown exceeded all of my expectations. I have found my time there to be incredibly enjoyable so far. My college workload was a serious step up from that of MVRHS. Courses in international relations, economics, business, and a seminar in philosophy challenged me to think and work in new ways. I found myself doing much more reading and writing than I ever had before and was forced to hone these skills. The classes I selected for my first semester kept me on track to major in political science. I am glad I do not have to declare a major until later in my college career and hope to continue exploring different courses and fields. The school work has sometimes been difficult to get through, but it is made much easier by the supportive and motivated community of students that surround me. Everyone I have met has been incredibly kind and academically driven. Brown has so far felt pretty small, making the transition from the Vineyard to college much easier. It has been easy to find people I enjoy being around and communities that I can be a part of. Providence is also perfect for me in where I want to be at school. Brown is separated from the city with its distinct campus, but with downtown just a ten minute walk away. The city is awesome and I have enjoyed exploring areas like Federal Hill and Fox Point. Providence is close enough to home that I have been able to come back on a long weekend when I’ve wanted to. I cannot wait to continue my education next semester and to continue exploring everything my school has to offer. I am incredibly grateful for the continued support of MVYouth in helping me advance my education and I am excited for the future and making the most of this opportunity.


Graham Stearns - Colgate University

My first semester at Colgate University has been challenging but academically and socially rewarding. I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime, and it is easy to say that the past four months have been some of the best of my life. At first, adjusting to the workload and new environment was difficult, but after the first few weeks, it was easy to balance a successful academic and social life. The community at Colgate creates a contagious, hardworking environment and a unique bond between the student body.

I have taken the opportunity to expand my ideas and activities through clubs and events hosted by Colgate. Club hockey at Colgate has been a great athletic and social experience. It has introduced me to new people and allowed me to continue playing hockey at a competitive level. Guest speakers and alumni networks have also guided some of my current focus, connecting me with groups and organizations that include me in projects such as protecting the endangered Right Whale through policy and political efforts.

So far, I have found the liberal arts experience rewarding with exposure to diverse classes. It has allowed me to take courses that would typically be outside my comfort zone of natural sciences. Colgate University has also introduced me to new ideas through subject studies such as modernity, politics, philosophy, and other sciences. I plan to declare as an environmental studies major but will continue to explore new courses and disciplines before making my final decision. I am so grateful for the opportunity that MVYouth has given me, for supporting me through my college experience, and for the people that make this program possible.

Sam Fetters - Amherst College

If there’s one word I could use to describe my first semester, it would be adventure. And from classes, to community, to commuting, I’ve been exposed to new experiences, new people, and new perspectives. Students and faculty hail from across the globe, and I’ve met people from South Korea, Spain, Bangladesh, Ukraine, and even mainland China. In fact, Amherst boasts students from over fifty-eight countries!

My first year seminar, Democratic Backsliding, was my favorite class, but I also enjoyed in-depth classes on contemporary Russia and China, opening up my perspective to each nation’s strengths and weaknesses. This fall, Amherst hosted a forum with January 6 committee member Jamie Raskin, while a month later, I witnessed a student government impeachment! It made me feel fortunate to hear from someone involved in government and watch civic procedures up close. And on top of that, I took a computer science class, which jump started a new love for programming, as I delved into coding puzzle games, rudimentary artificial intelligence, and a Super Mario Bros. clone.

But ultimately, I was drawn to Amherst because of its community, and that made my experience special. The college is simultaneously insular and all-encompassing, with a club for every interest. I was involved with Quiz Bowl, Model UN, our outing club, and helped get our running club active. I’ve met several like-minded friends and some of my favorite times have been exploring the many roads and trails in western Massachusetts. I bike every weekend, and discovered the mysterious night-time run! Next semester I am taking: Data Structures, Computer Systems, Religion and Violence in the Roman Empire, and Empires in Global History, and I’m training for a marathon in May. I’m extraordinarily grateful for MVYouth’s support, and I can’t wait for my next semester at Amherst.

Jessie Dlabaj - Clemson University

My first semester at Clemson went by in a blur. It was challenging and rewarding, yet it exceeded all of my expectations. This summer, my family and I moved from Martha’s Vineyard to Charleston, South Carolina a week after high school graduation. Shortly after, I moved into college a week earlier than most since I was going through the sorority recruitment process. I was able to meet many new people, including several from my dorm. I opted to live in a STEM community living center, which means everyone in my building is a STEM major. This has allowed me to meet new friends who share my same interest and work ethic. Immersing myself in this population has also broadened my knowledge of STEM majors and professions. There are many that have piqued my interest and I look forward to learning more about a variety of fields, including the medical and engineering field. Currently, my major is Biological Sciences. My workload this past semester was moderately heavy and challenging. The most challenging aspect was taking Chemistry and Biology simultaneously. From this experience, I have learned the importance of time management and strong study habits. While it was quite difficult, it was also extremely rewarding. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Clemson this fall, including being part of such a large and diverse community. Despite the large size of the campus and number of students, I have truly been able to feel at home at Clemson. I am looking forward to next semester, where I hope to get more involved in the community and explore more career paths and majors. All of these experiences would not be possible without the MVYouth Scholarship. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and the many things I have learned along the way. Thank you for the support and investment in my future.

Isabella Clarke - Brown University

My first semester at Brown University has been amazing! The environment here is academically demanding yet very supportive as well. The professors are extremely dedicated to their field of study and genuinely want to see you succeed. In addition, the students are equally supportive. I've formed a great group of friends that I look forward to seeing next semester!

The open curriculum has allowed me to explore many topics outside my major. For example, I enrolled in Introduction to American Politics, Ethnic Studies, the History of Monuments, and Introduction to Social Forces. My Ethnic Studies course focused on Indigenous history and was taught by a member of the Cherokee tribe. The diversity at Brown has always appealed to me, and this course allowed me to connect to my identity as an Indigenous woman.

While Brown does not offer a pre-law major, my extracurriculars have assisted me with my goal of attending law school after undergrad. I joined the Black Pre-Law Association, which helps support African American students with the law school admission process by connecting them to alumni and providing them with LSAT study resources. I am the Freshman Year Liaison in this club, which has allowed me to expand our reach and host bonding events. I also joined the Brown Pre-Law Women's Association, which connected me to a tight-knit group of female students considering a career in law. We regularly hold study sessions for the LSAT, which has allowed me to become familiar with the test format.

I look forward to next semester to continue to expand my interest in psychology and create more memorable experiences. The first semester exceeded my expectations and was equally challenging and rewarding. I want to thank MVYouth for their commitment to my education and their support in making my dream of attending Brown University come true!

Ella Buchert - University of Massachusetts, Amherst

My first semester at college flew by. UMass Amherst was exactly what I needed in a school. UMass is full of pride, opportunities, great people, dedicated professors, and #1 dining. UMass has the most welcoming people I’ve ever met, and everyone is willing to lend a helping hand. Coming from an island, transitioning to one of the largest universities wasn’t easy, but the professors and people have made me feel like I can do anything. I feel myself becoming more independent every day that I spend there. I know the friends I have met this semester will be in my life for a long time, and I’m so grateful to have the environment UMass, Amherst provides.

I was overwhelmed at first by the opportunities that were everywhere, but I went to club fairs in the first weeks and joined the Outing Club and MASSPIRG. MASSPIRG is an awesome student advocacy group that supports climate action and voting rights. I got involved on my way to class when their tabling crew helped me sign up to vote on the spot. Their members seemed like great people dedicated to the climate crisis. The Outing Club strives to get people in nature by hosting trips like cave diving and climbing local mountains. I’m excited to attend another spring club fair and join more groups.

These months at UMass have been fantastic, and I look forward to many more. My classes and professors have made me want to explore what I can do as an environmental science major. I’m thinking of double majoring or minoring in Natural Resource Conservation or Geoscience. There are endless opportunities college has provided me, and I’m so thankful to have the support of MVYouth. I would have had a much more stressful college life without MVYouth behind me. I’m very grateful to come from such a beautiful island with such generous people.

Gino Chick - New England Institute of Technology

I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation towards the MVYouth scholarship program for funding my studies at New England Institute of Technology. My two and a half years there flew by so quickly, and came to an end last May when I graduated. I graduated with an Associate's Degree in Renewable Energies. Since then I have been working full time here on the island for Robert Young Jr. Electrical Contractor as an electricians apprentice. I really enjoy doing electrical and I’m looking forward to see what the future holds for me.

Liam Weiland - Berklee College of Music

This is my first post-graduate MVYouth update. I graduated from Berklee in May with a degree in Electronic Production and Design. My past four years of education were incredibly rewarding and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity the MVYouth founders and donors gave me in awarding me the scholarship in 2017. The biggest life change for me since graduating is that I now live on the west coast. I decided to move to Los Angeles this past June and have been there the last 7 months. Having gone to Berklee gave me a strong base of classmates and alumni to help me acclimate to the new city.

In early October, I accepted a position as a General Assistant at Larrabee Studios in North Hollywood. Larrabee is a world class recording studio that is a favorite of many A-list musicians and artists. It is exactly the institution I was dreaming to work at when I moved to Los Angeles and I could not be more grateful to have been offered the position. I’ll be learning the operations of a studio of the highest caliber, where the training involved to eventually become a full-time engineer will be a massive learning experience.

The great education I was afforded the opportunity to receive at Berklee is what prepared me to land this position at Larrabee Studios. With this new job I am now looking forward to work every day, and get to spend my time working in a music studio- which has always been my dream. I have the opportunity to bring the education I received at Berklee to the next level- working in a professional facility filled with staff that have decades of experience in the music industry. I could not be more excited for what this next year will bring as I keep working to become a full-time recording engineer.

Galya Walt - Tufts University

Over the past year, I have been lucky to be working as a research assistant and now project coordinator for the HEALing Communities Study through Boston Medical Center. The study is an NIH-funded grant aiming to reduce opioid overdose deaths by 40% in four states: Kentucky, New York, Ohio and Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, we are working with 16 communities to implement opioid overdose prevention and medication services by working with local community coalitions. My day to day involves attending community coalition meetings, conducting interviews with local community stakeholders and analyzing qualitative data. Through this experience, I learned I want to work in harm reduction services with people who use drugs in the future. I just finished applying to dual Masters in Social Work and Masters in Public Health programs to pursue my goal of providing both clinical services and continuing to use research to advocate for safe injection sites in the U.S.

Outside of work, I have loved living in Boston with close access to both hiking in the mountains in New Hampshire and visiting my family on the island. I am very lucky to have a close community where I live in Boston, and have enjoyed getting to know the area as vaccines became more available over the spring and summer. I am so grateful for MVYouth’s generosity, and I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful and supportive island community.

Kaela Vecchia-Zeitz - New York University

As our world has continued to change in the last year, so have I. 2021 was a year of immense personal growth for me, as I decided to take the year off from school and social work. I spent the winter, spring, and summer bopping from one Martha’s Vineyard rental to another, all while working at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Chicken Alley Thrift Shop. It was while working at Chicken Alley that I connected with a new community of islanders, as most of my close friends from high school were not home for the pandemic. Not only did I score some incredible vintage clothes, but I also learned so much about our electic, loving, complex island community. I became quite close with my coworkers, volunteers, and regular shoppers during a time where closeness was fraught. This deepened my gratitude for the special place we all call home. Since September of 2021 though, I have been off the island. My first stop was Brooklyn to visit college friends, and give New York the proper goodbye I was never able to give when I graduated from NYU back home in May of 2020. I loved being back in Brooklyn so much I decided to spend an additional month there. During that time I began volunteering at a community garden which distributes food and supplies to houseless people in Bushwick. I also spent a lot of time biking around the different boroughs, exploring new neighborhoods, and reminiscing in old ones. As 2022 rolls around, I am excited for the year to come. I just accepted my offer of enrollment to University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice where I will be getting my Master’s in Social Work. I plan to move to Chicago in June of 2022.

Charles Parkhurst - UCLA

I’ve had a lot of exciting times in the last year! My work is totally remote so I moved to NYC mainly for the adventure. I’ve been meeting lots of new people and having a ton of fun. Work has been going great! Our hedge fund (Stoic Strategies LLC) has been making great strides and I just finished up my first year. I’ve stayed working developing trading algorithms, but my job is very dynamic. I just got promoted to DeFi Fund Manager (decentralized finance) which I’m super happy about and is something I’ve been working on for many months. Basically blockchain technology is allowing us to create high yield savings accounts for our clients and I’m developing/operating the portfolio. I love it so much I’m hoping this is the last job I ever have! I’ve also been waking up really early each morning to take blockchain/finance classes and improve my trading. I’ve also been having a great time in the city, so not just work:) So a lot of positivity and productivity in the last year. Very happy and doing very well! Thank you so much for making this all possible! My picture is from the Bitcoin Miami conference that my boss sent me on which was a ton of fun.

Anne Ollen - Barnard College

This past year was a time of many challenges and changes, but also a time of reflection and renewal. This September, I left my previous job in digital marketing and started a new position at the West Tisbury School as an Educational Support Professional (ESP). As an ESP in the middle school, I assist classroom teachers and provide one-on-one support for students throughout the day. Having gone to the West Tisbury School as a child, it has been great to return as a teacher and carry forward the same positive educational experience that I received years before. It certainly hasn’t been an easy start to the year with continued complications from the pandemic, but I have immensely enjoyed this new chapter in my life and look forward to an ongoing career in education.

Outside of working in the school, I have appreciated spending as much time outside as possible either walking my dog, going to the beach, or exploring the different trails across the island. I also have spent more time in the kitchen than ever before, trying out new recipes and cooking techniques. While we continue to adapt to the challenges caused by COVID, I am grateful for the increased time that I have been able to spend with friends and family.

As I begin this new chapter in my career, I am forever thankful for the support of MVYouth and its donors. To be able to look forward to applying to graduate school without the worry of undergraduate debt opens so many doors. Thank you again for all that you have done and continue to do for the students of Martha’s Vineyard!