Penelope Long - Simmons University

My first-ever college semester was very exciting. As a first-generation college student, I did not have many expectations, only nervousness. I arrived early on the Simmons University campus for Field Hockey pre-season. I was greeted instantly by a built-in family. Over some time, I’ve installed my ideals about being a tight-knit group within my teammates. Coming from Martha’s Vineyard, I was so grateful for the tight community I had at school, in sports and overall. I cultivated this same feeling for myself and the others around me at school. I fractured my fibula just about halfway through the season and this is when I realized just how well I tied together my team. My teammates showed up for me in every way they could but what meant most was when they carried my stick out for every game and placed it beside theirs. In the last game of our season I gave a speech to my team about how they impacted my college experience for the better and how they really are a family. In my speech, I led with the idea that we play for each other. This sparked an idea and we all put tape on our wrists and wrote why we play. Looking around the locker room was so heart-warming. All the girls wrote they were playing for our field hockey family. On the more academic side of things, being an NCAA athlete and STEM major was difficult to navigate initially. After getting into the groove, I found the space to learn how I wanted. I really enjoyed being in the laboratory and working hands-on with the material. Looking forward, I’m so excited to see how I can impact others around me this next semester and the next steps I can take in cultivating my education.

Wren Christy - Middlebury College

During my first semester at college, I have had so many new and exciting experiences. Throughout my short time at Middlebury so far, I have been challenged both academically and personally. Middlebury is full of welcoming and wonderful people who I know will be lifelong friends of mine. The community and environment of Middlebury is so supportive – both the teachers and students.

At first, I was slightly overwhelmed by starting out the year involved with a sport as well as many academically challenging classes. Although everything felt like a lot, I knew that I had many people I could rely on. I was excited to take lots of interesting classes, including pursuing my interest in psychology. I was able to take many classes that I didn’t even know existed and learned a lot of helpful and intriguing information.

I was also very excited to be part of a sports team at Middlebury. I was able to continue my love for running as well as be a part of a group of wonderful people that have become some of my closest friends.
Middlebury has provided me with so many helpful resources about clubs, careers, and classes. Although it is hard to fit the many things I want to do at this school into only a certain amount of days, I look forward to joining clubs that could help me pursue my love for psychology as well as others that could help me think about what I want for my future. During the fall semester, my first psychology class was challenging, but even so, my professor instilled a curiosity in me to learn more. I am excited to explore the major of psychology as well as explore many other paths I could take.

I am so grateful for the support that MVYouth has provided me. I couldn’t be happier at Middlebury College and I am so excited for everything else that this beautiful place has in store for me. It means so much to me that so many people from the Martha's Vineyard community want to support me in my future at Middlebury. I can’t thank MVYouth or the Island community enough.

Jack Crawford - Bowdoin College

My first semester at Bowdoin College has been incredible. When I applied early decision last year, I never expected to love the school as much as I do, but Bowdoin is the perfect fit for me. Bowdoin's unique distribution requirements have allowed me to explore courses beyond my intended major. In my first semester, I took Italian and discovered a passion I plan to continue next semester. I also took an Astronomy course and a first-year writing seminar in Film Noir. The highlight of my semester was an advanced Theory and Composition course in songwriting, where our class collaboratively wrote and produced a full-length album. This hands-on experience honed my musical skills and fostered a deep sense of creative collaboration. Beyond the classroom, I joined the club rowing team and am excited to transition to varsity rowing this spring. I played piano for a Jazz Combo and sang with one of Bowdoin's all-male a cappella groups, the Longfellows. I joined Bowdoin’s Hillel to celebrate Hanukkah and other Jewish holidays. It’s amazing to have a Jewish community on campus. I have made some of my closest friends and formed deep connections with my professors which I will continue to foster throughout my four years. I love Bowdoin's small campus and living in Maine. The train in town makes everything easily accessible and has allowed me to explore Brunswick's surrounding towns. I am so grateful for MVYouth and their commitment to my Bowdoin education. The support paved the way for me to pursue my love of physics and music and the many opportunities Bowdoin provides. Reflecting on my first semester, it has exceeded my expectations. I am excited for the spring semester and so grateful for the generosity and support that MVYouth continues to provide.

Maggie Bernard - Northeastern University

This fall semester was my freshman year at Northeastern University. I was selected to be part of their international program so instead of spending my first semester here in Boston I spent it in Paris, France. I attended American University of Paris in partnership with Northeastern global support staff that traveled with us and stayed during our duration of the stay in France. I am an undecided major that is hoping to double major in Psychology and Human Services in order to get the same equivalent to a Social Work major. While in Paris I took four classes: Paris through its Museums, Painting, Gender Studies, and First Year Writing. While in France I had a very good educational experience. My schedule was very balanced which allowed me ample time to complete my assignments as well as explore the places and culture around me, both immediately and farther away. While in France I explored mostly all the arrondissements whether that was through a museum or a sunday flea market. I also visited other places such as England, Scotland and different parts of Italy through both school opportunities and with friends. My favorite memory from the fall semester was the opportunity to visit and explore Venice Italy with my art professor. He and his wife have a house in Venice so they very easily immersed me and the other students into the local culture. We got the chance to learn about the craft of glass blowing and creation, he walked us all around and taught us about the architecture. I had always wanted to go to Venice and that trip was definitely a bucket list experience. Overall the fall semester taught me alot about myself as an individual and confirmed that I do have enough independence to move overseas and thrive there both educationally and as a person.

Eloise Christy - Middlebury College

My first fall semester at Middlebury College was an eye-opening and joyful experience. Throughout this semester, the staff and students were all so welcoming and I never felt that I was alone once, which is something that I’m really grateful for. Our freshman orientation week at the beginning of the semester was very impactful because I made some of my best friends during it. During this fall, I started up my Track & Field practices with my team which I had been really looking forward to. The team was so welcoming to the freshman and I felt accepted right away. Everyone was coming back from the summer and we all supported each other as we got back up to where we wanted to be for our upcoming Indoor Track season. I am so excited to be able to continue to get to know my teammates and to compete on such a supportive team. This semester I also took four classes that were quite challenging and out of my comfort zone. These included 19th Century British Literature, an Introduction to Pre-Modern World Architecture, an Introduction to Political Philosophy, and my freshman seminar, A Culinary History of Italy. Some of these classes were things I loved, like the literature class, but the others were subjects I knew nothing about. I ended up loving my architecture class and learning so much about the history of our world in terms of the many different types of architecture. However, my political philosophy class ended up being very difficult and extremely out of my comfort zone. In the end, I was glad that I took it because I learned so much about the basis of politics and discovered that maybe I could use this class to find where my interests lie. A lot of people worry about missing their homes and families when going away to college, but once you immerse yourself in the environment and people around you, for me at least, I didn’t feel as alone. I just want to thank MVYouth for giving me this incredible opportunity to explore my interests and learn at a school that I’ve dreamed of attending. The support MVYouth gave me was so needed and much appreciated.

Madeleine Bengstton - Smith College

My first semester at Smith College was incredible! Northampton is perfect because it’s far enough away yet simultaneously close enough to home. It’s a lovely tourist town that reminds me of the Vineyard charm, and with the PVTA bus I can easily travel to see high school friends at nearby schools. Smith has a beautiful campus, a rigorous women’s college learning environment and many traditions. Among these traditions, I enjoyed my first “Mountain Day” with new friends, baking and having a picnic on the hill by the pond. I enjoyed “Cromwell Day”, where I partook in social and racial justice workshops. Whether it’s one of these big events, or the weekly Smith House Tea, this school allows for wellness, bonding and important conversations. I love the many opportunities at Smith. Being a music and performance enthusiast, I joined the Glee Club choir, singing at semester concerts like “Autumn Serenade” and “Christmas Vespers”, but also special occasions like the Inauguration of Smith College’s 12th president, Sarah Willie-LeBreton. I look forward to auditioning for the spring musical, “Grease”, and continuing with the yearbook club, where I’ve made flyers and worked on outreach. My fall classes and professors were also fantastic. I plan on double majoring in Spanish and Education, so I took “Contemporary Cultures in the Spanish Speaking World” and “Intro to American Education”, but also other interesting classes like a studio art “Drawing Social Justice”, through the open curriculum. I’m excited for next semester’s schedule. With the support of MVYouth I’m able to pursue my further education at a welcoming institution, where I’m meeting amazing people and joining classes and clubs that strengthen my knowledge, leadership and passions. Without them, the process would be much more difficult. I’m so thankful to be from an island with such a generous community.

Zephy Thompson - George Washington University

This year brought some exciting changes and new chances to make the most of my college experience. In the spring I braved my Econ course requirements (and came out on top!), took a fascinating class on French crime writing, and continued my Global Health studies. My global mental health course was taught by two incredible women from the National Institute of Mental Health. Through their connections, we welcomed over 10 guest speakers from organizations such as the NIMH, United Nations, and World Health Organization. We heard about their research in the field, simulated case studies based on their experiences, and talked through the process of implementing health policy when it demands international cooperation. With the promise of warmer weather I also rejoined GW’s club lacrosse team, and had so much fun getting outside and immersing myself back into the sport. My school requires that we live on campus for 3 years, but as Fall 2023 saw the beginning of my senior year I was finally able to move into an apartment. While the dorms will always hold a special place in my heart, living in an apartment building has brought a sense of calm and “adultness” that is quite nice! I was able to bring my keyboard and some other instruments from home (and a framed map of the Vineyard, of course), and I found that the ability to create a space of my own has brought a refreshing sense of personal growth. I also joined a new theater group, GW Shakespeare, for their production of The Winter’s Tale. It was such a wonderful and dedicated community to be a part of, and solidified my belief that Shakespeare nerds actually make life more fun. Winter’s Tale was truly a highlight of 2023; as such, I thought it only appropriate to use my character portrait as this year’s photo! I know that 2024 will bring more new chances and exciting things, and as always, I am endlessly grateful to MVYouth for the chance to experience them.

Stephany Ribeiro - Southern New Hampshire University

Completing the fall courses has been an incredible culmination of my academic journey, especially as I wrap up the last courses for my concentration after conquering all the requirements for my minor in criminal justice. The array of courses I've immersed myself in has been both eye-opening and enriching, shaping my comprehension of the complexities within these intertwined fields. From delving into the "Sociology of Crime and Violence" to dissecting the intricacies of the "U.S. Judicial System" and exploring the critical dimensions of "Discretion in Criminal Justice," each course has been a stepping stone toward a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate web that defines the world of law and justice. Currently engrossed in "Adolescent Development" and "Disorders of Child/Adolescents," these courses have been particularly fulfilling, aligning perfectly with my passion for understanding the psychological intricacies of young minds. These insights have been invaluable as I work toward my psychology degree with a concentration in child and adolescent development, complemented by a minor in criminal justice. Knowing I'll graduate in 2024 is an exhilarating prospect, a testament to the dedication and hard work that has gone into this journey. This achievement is incredibly meaningful to me, made possible by the support of MVYouth scholarship that has been instrumental in realizing this dream. Four years of balancing a full-time job with full-time online studies at SNHU have been challenging, but they've also been incredibly rewarding. As I reflect on this journey, I'm immensely proud of how far I've come and feel prepared for the next chapter post-graduation. Looking forward, my aspirations extend beyond earning a bachelor's degree. I'm fueled by the ambition to pursue a master's degree, driven by the passion and commitment that have guided me thus far. These years have been a testament to dedication, and they've only fueled my hunger for more knowledge and deeper exploration in the field I'm passionate about.

Alex Rego - Dartmouth College

Oh, how the time has flown! I excitedly look forward to my June 2024 graduation from Dartmouth College, when I will walk away from Hanover, New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Government. I am spending the remainder of my senior year relishing in my friendships and exciting coursework, while also welcoming the independence and newness of postgraduate life. I am learning to navigate the most uncertainty I have encountered in my 22 years, and I have found this process to be net-positive! This past year, I had the opportunity to study abroad for the second time in my undergraduate career, this time focusing on climate science and climate justice affairs in San Francisco, Morocco, Nepal, and Ecuador with the International Honors Program. I also spent the summer interning in San Francisco at the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, where I wrote a People’s History of the Tenderloin neighborhood to advocate for housing justice and related social justice initiatives. The climate crisis (the focus of my study abroad program) and the housing/cost-of-living crisis (the focus of my summer internship) are felt acutely on Martha’s Vineyard, and have guided my academic and career trajectories. I plan to take this learning back home in some (still to-be-determined) capacity. And, in the vein of Martha’s Vineyard being my north star, I need to once again extend a massive thank you to all involved in the work being done at MVYouth. I was without words receiving this scholarship, and I am without words still. Thank you for shaping my understanding of community in a way that I carry with me to educational institutions, to workplaces, and in my relationships. This degree is also yours. Best wishes for the new year!

Spencer Pogue - Columbia University

These past few months have gone by quickly, but I have accomplished a lot in them, and I look forward to soon reaching the finish line of my college education. At the start of the semester, I made a slight change in my course of study, switching my major from Biological Sciences to Neuroscience and Behavior because I have a lot of interest in cell therapies and drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. This change enabled me to take classes like Neurobiology, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Social Neuroscience and provided me with foundational knowledge covering a vast array of topics, ranging from sensory physiology to the neural basis of moral decision-making. I also took Organic Chemistry so that I could learn more about the chemical processes that drive the development of different pharmaceutical products used in medicine. Overall, my classes this semester were challenging, but the knowledge I gained made my efforts worth it. Outside of my courses, I continued my research with the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Program at the Columbia University School of Public Health and submitted a research paper on trends in HIV testing utilization in Lesotho to a journal for publication. The review process will take many months, but hopefully, the paper will be published by this summer. I also made sure to leave some room for fun, so some of my favorite moments this semester were having a picnic with friends in Riverside Park, seeing a jazz show at Lincoln Center, and perusing the stalls of the Hester Street Fair with my sisters when they came to visit me. As for my post-graduate plans, I have begun searching for and applying to jobs in biotechnology, global health, and healthcare policy, and I have already started to interview with a few companies, mostly in Boston and San Francisco. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate MV outh for supporting my academic journey at Columbia and I hope that I will continue to represent the Martha’s Vineyard community well.

Jo Orr - Wagner University

This past year at Wagner College has been a whirlwind, but I’m halfway through my junior year. After taking off two years due to the pandemic and limited performance opportunities, I went back to Wagner College in the Fall of 2022. As a Music Studies major, most of my classes are music-based, and I’ve gotten to take some really fun courses this last semester, including Conducting and Orchestration. I’m looking forward to a Jazz Harmony class this spring, which will branch out from the typical music theory content. As well as music classes, I’ve also gotten to take a dance course every semester, so I’ve taken tap, jazz, and ballet. It’s been fun to explore all the different styles that make up musical theater. I’ve also taken some science classes, Astronomy 101 and Psychology 101 in the past year. I’ve continued to work on auditioning at school and have had several callbacks and audition processes, in person and online. Outside of school, I had a busy summer. I was so happy to return to the MV Playhouse’s outdoor amphitheater to play Sebastian in Twelfth Night. We were supposed to have a month-long run, but it was so popular it extended to five weeks. In August, I helped develop a new character at a workshop for a new play named Storyfied at the Playhouse. I also continued to work on-island. I’ve continued to advocate for transgender rights as more anti-trans laws are passed and we get closer to the election. I hope to try and educate people just by not hiding myself away. While personally, it was an emotionally taxing year, I’m extremely grateful that I got to go to college. It’s been a privilege to be able to do all this, and none of it would have been possible without MVYouth.

Danielle Middleton - Howard University

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.