I’m officially entering my final semester in college! Time has gone by swiftly with ease, and I credit that to the support that MVYouth has given me. Within this past semester, I have completed a minor in community health, and I greatly look forward to spring where I will be finishing my additional minor in Spanish and my major in Psychology. Beyond academics, I've remained an active member of Howard University's Model United Nations club, proudly representing the only HBCU with such a club. Our preparation for a recent conference included an incredible experience meeting the staff of the Icelandic Embassy to the United States! I’m also learning a lot through my internship, and with our hard work, we’ve received approval from the institutional review board to begin our research working with participants. We’re currently preparing to begin gathering data as soon as the spring semester begins. MVYouth’s unwavering support has fostered within me a feeling of confidence in myself, my decisions, and my capabilities. I’ve matured a lot from the nervous freshman I used to be. A large part of this is due to MVYouth’s financial support. I’m immensely grateful that with this support, I’ve been given the opportunity to live independently in my own apartment, allowing me to cultivate a sense of responsibility and autonomy. Each day gets me closer and closer to completing my undergraduate studies, and I’m really looking forward to graduating! In the meantime, I’ll be making every moment count and cherishing this experience. Thank you MVYouth!
Jack Holmes - Brown University
This fall was a great beginning to my senior year! I was finally able to move off campus, so my friends and I got an apartment. Learning to share our home has been a both fun and fulfilling experience. We all learned from the challenges together, and I now feel more prepared for living with other people in the future. Academically it was also an exciting few months. With the classes I completed over the fall, I am finished with the requirements for my Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience. This opens up the possibilities for classes I can take in my final spring semester. Over the fall I had taken some history courses and really enjoyed them. I had forgotten how much I loved history and the humanities more broadly. I also got the chance to do some creative writing assignments which reignited my passion for storytelling, worldbuilding, and fiction writing. I am excited for the prospect of taking more humanities and perhaps even some creative writing courses in the spring. My peers and I are at a very exciting and scary part of our lives. In a few months, most of us will be done with college. For me, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future. Throughout high school I was focused on getting to college. Once in college, the goal became a lot more unclear. While I have still devoted myself to my academics and to getting the most out of my schooling, I am not certain what my next steps will be. This uncertainty is, as I said, both exciting and scary. The key for me has been getting over the fear and focusing on the excitement. Soon the whole world will be at our fingertips and, in part thanks to MVYouth, I believe we are all ready to grasp what comes next.
Imani Hall - Duke University
My last year at Duke University has arrived, and it’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed. After four years, I still pinch myself that I am so blessed to attend this institution. In May I will graduate with a degree in Neuroscience, a minor in Psychology, and a certificate in Child Policy Research. This fall, my primary focus was my senior thesis: "Generation of Nuclear-Localized Rabies Virus for Dissection of Adult Cortical Circuits.” This project reflects my passion for neuroscience and my dedication to learning the intricate neural circuits and will allow me to graduate with distinction. I am still actively involved in the ‘Sense to Know’ study at Duke's Center for Autism and Brain Development. This study works toward developing new ways to assess child development, using a screening app. I am proud to be part of this cutting-edge project, and my involvement has not only been a passion, but has also significantly influenced and clarified my career direction. College is not just about academics- I am still dancing as well. I am the Co-President of Duke’s premier multicultural dance group "Defining Movement.” Taking on this leadership role has been demanding, but is providing valuable opportunities for growth and enhancing my ability to navigate complex organizational responsibilities. On Fridays, I volunteer as a tutor for “America Reads, America Counts” which is always a highlight of my week. I have also always wanted to be a Duke tour guide, so this year I finally was able to add that to my list. I’m trying to squeeze in as much as I can in my last year at Duke, and I’m still incredibly grateful for the continuous support of MVYouth. While the prospect of graduating is a recognition I have always dreamed of, the true fulfillment is in the profound experiences and personal growth I have gained throughout this journey.
Peter Burke - Middlebury College
Beginning this academic year, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I am already a senior. It feels as though my time at Middlebury College has flown by. This fall, I continued my coursework in Mathematics and Computer Science, taking courses covering a range of topics such as Bayesian statistics, quantum computing, and linear algebra for computer graphics. I found this semester extremely rewarding as I enjoyed my coursework across each of these topics. Additionally, this fall semester I finished the requirements for my Computer Science major, and only await completion of my senior thesis to finish my Mathematics major. Reaching the end of each of my majors, I have reflected on how lucky I have felt for the academic experience Middlebury College has provided me. I feel as though I am graduating having forged deeper and more meaningful connections with both my professors and classmates than I ever imagined. Further, this fall I had the opportunity to serve as a captain of the Cross Country team here at Middlebury College. While competing in my senior season felt a bit bittersweet, I was very satisfied with this season. Competing at nationals was an awesome way to end cross country, and both my teammates and the sport itself continued to play a major role in my enjoyment of my college experience. As I reach the end of college, I could not be more happy with the past four years! Middlebury College has provided me with amazing friendships, as well as great experiences in academics and athletics. I feel that I have taken advantage of the opportunities both the school and its location have provided me, and I am beyond grateful to MVYouth for helping to make this all possible!
Willa Welch - Northeastern University
This year, my most exciting opportunity began in late May when I accepted a co-op position at Draper Laboratory in Cambridge. After a long, hard search for my first co-op and a successful semester of classes including one notoriously difficult class called “Algorithms and Data Structures,” I was beyond excited to get started at Draper. At this point, all I knew about Draper was that it’s a defense and space manufacturing non-profit. On my first day I walked around the office wide-eyed, amazed by the spiel of inventions, the giant moon hanging in the lobby, and more than anything the fact that I was actually employed by this place! My team at Draper tasked me with all sorts of things including modeling, code refactoring and testing, participating in team meetings, and even hosting my own meetings. Draper and I greeted each other with the answer “yes” in every way we could: I took on any challenge they threw at me and they assisted me through any project I wanted to take on. The skills I gained and the people I met during co-op exceeded my expectations. Compared to how I felt before starting at Draper, I’m reassured by the idea that my resume isn’t everything. What’s important is the way that I take on challenges, pick up new skills, and ask for help when needed. Although I’m sad my time at Draper has come to an end, I’m excited to start classes again. Thank you so much to MVYouth for all of your support the past three years. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to pursue my education in school and in the workplace throughout my time at Northeastern.
Ellie Thomas - Wheaton College
During my fall semester, I participated in a program called Semester in the City. Semester in the City is a fully-credited fellowship program, allowing undergraduate students to immerse themselves in a semester-long experience in Boston. This program offers hands-on learning through meticulously supported internships within the dynamic landscape of the social sector. I had the amazing opportunity to intern at Harmony Capital Advisors. They are a boutique investment management firm that focuses on sustainability. I was assigned a great mentor who walked me through everything and taught me new skills. At HCA, I was assigned a special project where I was given the chance to enhance their portfolio by identifying two new investment opportunities. By the end of the semester, I had to pitch my presentation to the investment team and defend the companies that I think they should buy. This past semester was eye-opening and important for me because I am majoring in business finance and for the first time, I can say that I had an opportunity to immerse myself in the finance world. My Semester in the City and internship at Harmony Capital Advisors not only bolstered my professional competence but also instilled a sense of confidence and adaptability. I emerged from this experience with a well-rounded understanding of the financial sector, grew my professional network, and a renewed enthusiasm for contributing meaningfully to the ever-evolving world of finance in a unique way.
Kaya Seimann - Bridgewater State University
During this past year, I have been very focused on school. I am majoring in Business Administration and Management with a concentration in Human Resources at Bridgewater State University. I have enjoyed many of my professors and the content in general. I am particularly enjoying accounting and human resource classes. I always loved math but I find great satisfaction in accounting. I love when there are definitive answers, applying the rules and balancing the books. I always love my vocal lesson with Professor Maryte Bizinkauskas. Last week, I performed my last college recital singing All The Things You Are from the musical Very Warm for May. It was a challenge to move from an alto to a soprano and the growth over this last year was tremendous, albeit frustrating at times. I appreciate my Professor’s high expectations and taking me out of my comfort zone. This last recital was by far my best and growth was evident. With the support of the Assistant Dean and many professors, as well as their confidence (and approval), I successfully completed a 19 credit semester and plan to take additional winter and summer classes. I am excited to graduate in August, a year early. I am working at We Clean Dirty CarZ, assisting in the office and applying my human resource skills to their hiring process. It is exciting to use knowledge learned in the real world and it helps me realize possible employment opportunities post graduation. In my free time, I enjoy going into Boston to enjoy a Celtics game or dinner in the North End. I also love traveling north to ski, hike and relax. Of course, I love returning home to Martha’s Vineyard to visit my family and friends, and my dogs: Pika and Roo. Being active and healthy is also an integral part of my wellbeing. Between school, work and play, I feel fulfilled and am enjoying my atypical college experience.
Eric Reubens - Tufts University
As my fall semester comes to a close at Tufts University as a Junior, I look back at all of the activities and commitments that made this past semester so eventful inside and outside of the classroom. I spent this past fall studying viruses as well as embryonic development in the classroom which helped me gain a new perspective on human biology and therapeutics as I inch closer to preparing for medical schools. To wrap up the semester, I made and presented a presentation about the Zika Virus Epidemic in 2016, outlining past and current viral research as well as the epidemiological perspective of the Zika Virus outbreak. Outside of the classroom, I helped found a club at Tufts called Doctors Without Borders and took up an E-Board position as Secretary. The purpose of the club is to spread awareness of the activities of the actual Doctors Without Borders organization, hold educational events with guest speakers and hold demonstrations of certain basic medical skills. As the club grows, we plan to expand its goals. I was also involved in a club with similar goals called Global Medical Brigades where I helped fundraise money for medical supplies in under-resourced communities in countries such as Honduras, Panama, Ghana, etc. The last club I became a part of was the Best Buddies Club at Tufts, attending events with other Tufts students and individuals with disabilities who currently attend Medford and Somerville High School. I continued other activities from previous semesters such as playing the violin and squash while also making preparations for applying to Medical Schools for the 2025 cycle.
Ruby Reimann - Bates College
As I reflect on my fall semester at Bates College, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that MVYouth has made possible for me. After working in the Early Childhood Program this past summer at MVCS, I started my third pre-season with the Bates Women’s Soccer Team. I had worked hard over the summer to stay fit and was selected as the starting goalkeeper. While we did not have enough wins to make it to post-season play, I had a wonderful surprise from the MVRHS girls’s soccer team to see our game against Tufts in early October. I was also named to the NESCAC 2023 Fall All-Academic Team. Despite an unfortunate concussion that sidelined me for the last two games, I am grateful for the experiences and growth with my teammates this season. I declared a major in Psychology last year and engaged in challenging coursework this semester with a standout experience in Research Methods. I conducted a randomized survey studying Jewish and Protestant Americans. This hands-on research presented a positive and challenging opportunity to refine my skills in research, data collection, and analysis. The mass-shooting incident at the end of October was extremely scary and, while no one from Bates was directly affected, the Lewiston community continues to recover. I am looking forward to my spring semester abroad in Granada, Spain. I have enrolled in courses that will enrich my Hispanic Studies minor. I will be taking classes in Cross-Cultural Psychology, The Arab World and The West, and Flamenco dancing. The IES program also includes trips to Córdoba, Sevilla, and Morocco! Looking forward, I am hoping to secure an internship in Boston next summer and just learned that I was accepted to a Job Shadow program that will help to refine my internship goals. I am also excited about the opportunity to reside off-campus next fall and planning for my Psychology thesis course.
Maria Clara Lacerda - Northeastern University
Boston, a city pulsating with innovation and cultural vibrancy, has become the canvas for a transformative chapter in my life this past semester. Amidst historic streets and modern skyscrapers, I've discovered not just an academic haven but a thriving community that consistently exposes me to new perspectives and opportunities. This past semester I delved into a diverse array of classes, shaping my current academic and personal landscape. In the financial realm, engaging in a financial management class gave me valuable insights into managing monetary resources and making informed decisions. Simultaneously, a quantitative analysis class equipped me with analytical tools, enhancing my ability to interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions. On the psychology side, taking a personality class added a unique dimension, fostering self-discovery and enhancing my understanding of human behavior in various contexts, enriching not only personal relationships but also broadening my perspective on other relationships. By immersing myself in a blend of data science and business classes, my professional trajectory now points towards a career in the biotech industry. The prospect of applying my skills at the intersection of business and technology is thrilling, and I'm particularly excited about contributing to the dynamic landscape of the biopharmaceutical sector. With these aspirations in mind, I embarked on a search for a co-op that encapsulates these facets. Fortunately, I secured the opportunity to co-op this semester at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, a groundbreaking biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of RNA interference therapeutics for genetically defined diseases. I'm immensely thankful for the opportunity to attend Northeastern University in Boston, a journey made possible with the support of MVYouth. I plan to seize every opportunity and eagerly anticipate the promising future that lies ahead.
Larissa De Oliveira - University of Massachusetts, Amherst
The past two semesters at UMass Amherst have been motivating, exciting, and transformative. In the spring semester of my sophomore year, I enrolled in five courses, which ranged from classes pertaining to world religions and Native American literature to classes that focused on putting teaching English into practice. Languages, Literatures, and Cultures 115 is a requirement for getting my certificate to teach English as a second language, and it was one of my favorite courses from that semester. This class meant a lot to me, as I was once a part of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. I was assigned to tutor an international student, Tianyu Wang, who was from Beijing, China. During the course, I constructed my own lesson plans and lesson materials based on the skills that Tianyu wanted to improve while learning English. We met once a week for about an hour, during which I shared the lesson I had prepared, helped her with any assignments she had, and gave her the support she needed in her academic journey. Overall, I enjoyed the experience of being a teacher, and I am excited to apply the skills I learned to my career. This fall semester, I transitioned from living on campus in the dorms to living in an off-campus apartment, which was so exciting. I was enrolled in four English-focused courses this fall that introduced me to a variety of information and skills. My English 358: The Romantic Poets class was very interesting, as I got a formal introduction to poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This class also brought back memories, like, for example, while I was studying Coleridge’s Kubla Khan, I was brought back to having to memorize it in Mr. David Wilson’s class my freshman year at MVRHS. As I advance my academic career, I become even more grateful for the support that MVYouth has offered me. Thank you to everyone involved in this program and to those who are making my academic success possible!
Brooke Crocker - Tufts University
This past semester at Tufts University was filled with new experiences and opportunities. It was my first semester living in an off-campus apartment, in which I was met with both challenges and positives. I really enjoyed living in an apartment with nine of my closest friends from college, hosting parties, dinners, and more with our newfound independence. During the semester I had an opportunity to continue interning at the United Nations Association of Greater Boston as I did last Spring. My work consisted of creating speaker series events based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) . My supervisor and I were able to work together for a few months, culminating in an event regarding SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production. The internship was a great learning opportunity that allowed me to apply my International Relations knowledge. With respect to my classes this semester, I really enjoyed my International Economics course. I was eager to attend class every week and found the connection between macroeconomics and current events fascinating, learning about topics such as The Gold Standard, The Great Depression, and The Financial Crisis of 08-09. Furthermore, I was able to apply this information to another class titled “History of Consumption” that discussed a lot of modern day issues tied to consumerism and financial institutions. It was a great final semester at Tufts before I study abroad in Spain this upcoming semester. I am excited to learn more about Spanish history and culture and plan to take a few art classes, studying great Spanish artists to really envelop myself in everything the country has to offer. I am so thankful for MVYouth’s generosity, as they continue to help make my dreams come true. Thank you so much!
Chloe Combra - Trinity College, Dublin
My second fall semester at Trinity College of Dublin in Ireland was full of new opportunities and great experiences. I got a lot more involved in the student societies and clubs offered at Trinity and joined the tennis team, boxing club, debate society, philosophical society, and the dance team. The best part of these was how they expanded my social circle and I met loads more people and made more connections that I never would have otherwise. Although the second year workload was significantly bigger I was still able to get away and do some traveling. I made it to Germany for Oktoberfest and camped on a little island off the coast of Ireland. Both were such invaluable and memorable cultural experiences. For my Christmas break I found a short term job in a ski resort in the French Alps and spent 8 weeks working part time and got in all the skiing I could. One of the best parts of this was when my roommates and I woke up early one morning and toured up one of the pistes at sunrise and skied back down before the lifts were open, meaning we had the entire mountain to ourselves! As a second year I had a lot more choice over the modules I could take for my degree. For example, I was able to take a course in the histories and futures of climate change which compliments my degree of Geography & Politics very well. Also picking up a French elective, I was finally able to work on my French skills again which I hadn’t used much since spending my gap year in Paris. Overall the start to my second year at Trinity was great and I am so looking forward to my next few!
Madeleine Chronister - University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge
Every year is different - like a changing shoreline, the tides ebb and flow, and with every passing day the sands move. They say you never stand in the same river twice, but it’s these ever-shifting places that through millennia shape the land. And as they etch themselves windingly along the surface of the earth, every day carves into me. Spring meltwater and slow summers alike. I waded through the brooks and lake-shores of western Massachusetts this fall, where the rainbow trout and blacknose dace live, as the world spun hazardously around me, in and out of my head. A long summer seeded a long fall, and though the winters become warmer each year, the days are still short and blinding, and they remind me to look back (there is a species of herring that can only be distinguished from another by the color of its guts- some things you can only see after they are gone). I too am marked by this fall, by the things that hurt and the things that didn’t. Marked by mistakes- regret and guilt- but also by love. By the stars and the moon and by long walks to the convenience store. These beautiful things, however big or small, that lay beside me in the grass. We remind each other- there is a future, always. Sometimes, the river will be hard to navigate, cold and rocky. Sometimes your waders will have a hole in them. And you might not even catch any lamprey. But it will not be this way forever - you have to keep pushing, even as the waters move under you, because every direction you move in is forward. Thank you to MVYouth, and to all of those who helped me continue onward this fall - I will remember you.
Michaela Benefit - University of Connecticut
Connecticut were amazing. I ended my spring semester with a study abroad program in South Africa studying track and sign of the native species on the reserve. This was an amazing program and I made so many memories and learned so much! While I was in Africa we didn't have our phones, which allowed us to be fully in-tune with our studies and really take in the beauty that surrounded us. I made so many new friends through this program and it truly changed my life. Coming back to the states I landed a landscaping job on the Vineyard for the summer and worked very hard. I learned a lot of new skills and met so many new people. The summer was coming to an end and the fall semester was starting. I moved off campus this semester and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. Some of the roommates are from my study abroad program and we all get along so well! This past semester I took a lot of general education classes which are needed for my major to ensure that I graduate in the spring of this upcoming semester. Some memorable events that happened this fall semester were that I joined the University of Connecticut western team and competed all around New England, I’m also still in my outing club group in my school and we are planning a skiing trip up to smugglers notch in January, and I also met a lot of new friends through all these experiences and I’m so thankful for this opportunity that was given to me by MVYouth. This scholarship has really helped me in creating new connections with people and around the world. I am so excited to see what's to come in my last semester at University of Connecticut and my future after graduation!
Crystal Zheng - University of Massachusetts, Boston
Like most students, I was sad when summer was over but I couldn’t wait for the new semester to begin. I’ve continued my nursing studies this fall semester and it has been so much different from last year! I have gotten used to being a college student and am open to experiencing more challenging things. And of course, classes are still getting harder like Med. Microbiology and Pathophysiology & Pharmacology. Even though classes are tough I do enjoy the subjects and listen to the lectures! I would often ask the professor if I didn’t understand anything and they would always assist me. In Patho & Pharm class we learned a lot about medication and it was fascinating to learn all the big terminology words. Aside from my studies, in my free time, I ran around to participate in art, theater, and dance. This year one of my best accomplishments is forming a K-pop/hip-hop dance club (K.D.C) with some friends. The process of making this club was much longer than I thought it would be. As the vice president of the club I never knew beginning a club would be difficult. But I love the challenges and I was extremely eager to see how it would turn out. I can’t wait to see how this club grows in the future. Also, this fall I was so happy to be part of the play “Alice in Wonderland!” I still couldn’t believe I got the lead role of Alice in this production! Overall this fall was a rollercoaster ride full of challenges and rewarding experiences. I feel like I have gained more independence. I am forever grateful to MVYouth and this community for the support they provide me. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today!
Zach Utz - Middlebury College
Just as I anticipated, my sophomore fall at Middlebury was a blast! I was very happy to get to see my friends and teammates that I hadn’t seen all summer, and to continue my academic and athletic endeavors. As always, the fall foliage was a highlight of my past few months in Vermont, with the red, golden, and orange hues of the maple trees having painted campus in an autumnal hue. This fall was full of important growth, highlighted by both my major and minor declaration! I am now a joint major in Environmental Studies and Biology, and a minor in Anthropology. I am looking forward to growing my skills these subjects as I look towards a future career in the biological sciences and environmental policy. The liberal arts have given me an opportunity to grow my skills in science while considering the humanities, which has allowed me to improve both my analytical and critical thinking skills, helping me grow as a person. Outside of class and studying, most of my time is taken up by training for Cross Country and Track. Although I was injured the majority of the fall Cross Country season and unable to compete in any races, I was lucky enough to be able to join my teammates on some runs and bike rides during which I was able to enjoy Middlebury’s beautiful surroundings. Now that I’m no longer injured, I’m looking forward to competing during my indoor track season in the 800-meter, 1000-meter, Distance Medley Relay, and Mile events! Other than running, my fall was full of hikes, skiing, swimming, and plenty of other outdoor activities. I am so grateful for the opportunities MVYouth has given me in 2023 and I am looking forward to continuing my studies at Middlebury this spring and abroad next fall!
Graham Stearns - Colgate University
So far, my sophomore year has been both demanding and rewarding. This semester I continued exploring academic disciplines and making memories with my friends. I took classes that challenged and expanded my perspectives, participated in club hockey and lacrosse, and joined Colgate’s chapter of Theta Chi. I continued living on campus, or “up the hill,” but spent plenty of time at the chapter house with my brothers. My classes this fall included concepts such as biology, environmentally-focused chemistry, studying the nature of public memory, and African-American studies. This has allowed me to have opportunities like conducting semester-long research projects and working with wildlife in the field. I declared as an Environmental Studies major in the second semester of my freshman year, but I have recently added a minor in Writing in Rhetoric. I plan to continue this track and further develop my interest in writing and environmental preservation. Additionally, I am considering taking classes in psychology as another interest I could pursue. Joining Theta Chi has been an extremely beneficial and valuable experience. I have made countless memories, shared ideas with a diverse group of people, and participated in several philanthropic and community service events. We are determined to give back to our community with small events like passing out candy on Halloween, and also involve ourselves in larger projects, like raising over $7,000 while advocating for mental health this November. I am excited to continue making memories and giving back in the coming semesters. I am so grateful for MVYouth and the opportunity they have given me to attend Colgate University. The staff, donors, and supporters of the program have given me countless experiences that I will never forget.
Marina Pessoni - Cape Cod Community College
My 2023 fall semester has marked a significant turning point in my college journey as I navigated a major shift in my career aspirations. A job opportunity unfolded at a tax services office affiliated with an expanding branch on Martha's Vineyard. This prompted me to redirect my academic focus from Nursing to Business Administration with an Accounting concentration. This job opportunity has compelled me to reevaluate my long-term goals. While Nursing is still a dream, the job opportunity in the tax services office offers a more tangible and immediate career path. This shift aligns with my overarching objective of community service, as the office's expansion to Falmouth creates an opportunity for me to strengthen ties with the Island community. I have a newfound sense of stability to my academic journey, as I can now work steadily while pursuing my studies. The prospect of professional growth is enhanced by the offer of training to become a future tax applier and accountant within the company. To seamlessly integrate work and study, I've opted to switch majors, safeguarding my already earned credits! A collaborative plan has been devised to navigate this dual commitment successfully. This involves professional growth within the tax services office while concurrently delving into the intricacies of business and accounting through online classes. I want to earn a degree while actively contributing to my community! I am profoundly thankful for MVYouth, as their support has made this transformative journey possible. This opportunity for professional and academic growth would not be complete without MVYouth's assistance. The commitment to empowering students like me with the means to pursue their goals has been instrumental in shaping this exciting new chapter of my life. As I embark on this dynamic and rewarding career path, I carry with me a deep gratitude to MVYouth for helping make this vision a reality.
Jonathan Norton - Connecticut College
In my second year at Conn, the fall semester was distinctly different. Excitement marked the start as I fostered connections with the educational studies faculty and delved into varied interests. My course selection, including Critical Educational Theory, Ordinary Differential Equations, Making Music with Computers, and Theory 2: Color and Chromaticism, aligned with my major in Educational Studies and double minors in Music Studies and Mathematics. The liberal arts framework at Conn facilitated exploration without rigid specialization, offering a well-rounded learning experience and fostering valuable connections. Critical Educational Theory emerged as a favorite, aligning with my preference for in-depth understanding. Exploring the "why" behind educational practices deepened my insight, steering me toward the educational policy realm. Motivated to effect change, I applied for and was accepted into the Teach for America Ignite Fellowship, anticipating the opportunity to make a difference. Amid academic pursuits, I continued my athletic journey, seeking success in cross country after a strong track season. However, an unexpected injury sidelined me for the entire season. Despite the disappointment, my academic focus remained unwavering. Gratitude extends to MVYouth for their support, enabling my studies at Conn. Overall, the fall semester at Conn can be characterized by diverse academic engagement, a commitment to understanding educational theory, and a resilient pursuit of goals despite athletic setbacks. The Teach for America Ignite Fellowship adds an exciting dimension to my journey, promising avenues for meaningful impact.