My name is Julia and I graduated from MVRHS in 2020 with an MVYouth workforce scholarship. Since then, I have been working as a dual-licensed cosmetologist and barber in Massachusetts. As of January 2023, I have been working as a booth renter rather than a commission stylist. This means that I am considered self-employed and fully responsible for all aspects of my business. I have learned a lot this past year as I took a large leap into the workforce world and accomplished one of my goals as a business professional. Within the last several months, I’ve had to adapt to new ways to advertise myself in my new rental space. Beyond the traditional annual courses and classes I take to keep up with modern trends and techniques, I took an extension certification program, social media classes, business classes, and even some mental health training. In October of 2023, I married a wonderful man who fully supports and encourages me in my field. As an electrician, he understands the workforce well and has been helpful in my new business endeavors. He always pushes me to take that additional step to always stand out from the crowd. I commuted a few days a week from my rental space to the island and serviced my MV clientele at Panache Salon in West Tisbury owned by Tracy Briggs. Although housing keeps me off the island, I still plan to commute through the summers for as long as possible, as the island’s clientele feels like home. 2023 was a wonderful year of learning. I learned so much about my business, the industry, extensions, and most importantly to be patient with myself and to have fun along the ride. I can’t wait to see what I am able to accomplish professionally in 2024 and I am forever grateful for MVYouth.
Andres Garcia - Cornell University
My final year at Cornell has been a great experience. As an early admit to Cornell’s Master of Engineering program, I was able to begin my Master’s in the spring while simultaneously finishing up my Bachelors. With a passion for entrepreneurship, I chose to get my Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in design and robotics. For my one year project, I worked on a robot that uses machine learning to identify and recover plastic waste. I wanted to use the engineering skills that I’ve developed towards a meaningful project that can promote sustainability, and this project was a perfect fit. By the end of the year, I built an initial proof of concept and ran preliminary tests. After graduating with my Bachelors in the spring, I decided to stay at Cornell and continue to work in a research lab. I took this time to get ahead in my classes and to apply to jobs. I’m happy to say that I was able to secure an associate position at The Boston Consulting Group. As I finished up my Master’s in the fall, I knew that I wanted to pursue an MBA in the future. I want to combine my engineering skills with business to create my own start-up. I know that working as a consultant will prepare me for that and I am currently working to apply to Stanford’s MBA program. In these next few months until I begin my career, I plan to take some time to relax and travel. I want to visit the Galapagos Islands and tour Europe. I am beyond thankful for all of the support that MVYouth has given me throughout these past four years. Their support has been monumental to my academic success at Cornell, and I’m excited for life after college.
Lee Faraca - Cal Poly
Wow, time flies. A statement I had heard many times that my younger self often dismissed. However, these past, post graduate years, have flown and every year seems to go by faster. I quite enjoy reading the Annual Report to see all the latest developments on the Island and what interesting stories and experiences my peers have to share. It’s a great indication of all the possibilities MVYouth has provided and the recipients have contrived. Thank you MVYouth! I’ve been working at Lee + Ro, in Walnut Creek, California for the past two and a half years. I work as a consulting Project Engineer working with various Bay Area as well as LA County public agencies, municipalities, and Cities. My specialty is the treatment and transport of water and sewage, whether that be pumping water to a reservoir and treating it; or rehabilitating and upgrading wastewater treatment processes at a plant. I am slowly learning some instrumentation and controls engineering through a Project Manager, as well as some HVAC design. Throughout the latter half of COVID I got really into cooking and backpacking. I live for the weekends and love to backpack. There are a couple trips planned for Joshua Tree and Desolation Wilderness this spring. My evenings usually consist of watching Masterchef Australia (or something similar) followed by a meek attempt at cooking gourmet food. I am still involved in Engineers Without Borders – San Francisco Professional Chapter, especially with the Ethiopian Project team in Weledi. As the Tigray-Ethiopian conflict settles down, we’ll investigate our next project. During the past year we managed to finish post implementation monitoring and quality assurance and close out a latrine and handwashing project built in 2016. My guess is it will likely be a new clinic and some minor flooding mitigation.
Rose Engler - Brown University
This year, I started medical school at Brown University and it has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. I was incredibly nervous for this transition. I knew that medical school would be challenging, and assumed the challenge would bring along anxiety. But it hasn’t. Instead, this challenge has brought me an overwhelming sense of peace — I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be at this exact moment. And it shocks me. I have actually found my passion, and I am grateful every day. Over the past six months, the world of medicine has begun to unfold before me, revealing its complexities and wonders, and I’ve found myself deeply in love with every aspect of this immensely rewarding field. I realized that rather than learning for my own curiosity (which is how I have approached learning in the past), I am learning for my future patients. I feel honored and humbled to be given the opportunity, space, and support to learn how to heal and to be trusted with such a remarkable responsibility. This realization has led me to a deep sense of respect for the material and the doctors, peers, and patients who teach me. Last semester, I helped a plastic surgeon build an entirely new, operational thumb for a woodworker who sawed his thumb off building a chair for his daughter’s birthday. I witnessed the birth of a baby to parents who had gone through four cycles of IVF. I observed an orthopedic surgeon insert a rod into a 12-year-old’s femur, ensuring that a car crash wouldn’t end his passion for dance, and listened as a psychiatrist helped a 10-year-old find her lost memories. It’s like magic. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful for the continued support and generosity of MVYouth. Thanks to their kindness, Brown University has become my incredible beginning, and I get to become a doctor.
Kathleen Dos Santos - Toni and Guy Hairdressing Academy
In April, I graduated from cosmetology school. During those nine months, I made an effort to show up everyday and apply myself as much as possible. I was proudly one of the first people in my class to receive my diploma. Along with that, I was able to pass my state board exam, which was a pivotal moment in the commencement of my career. These past few months have been life-changing. Achieving this at a young age feels incredible. I returned back to the Vineyard and started working full-time at "Maggie's Salon." I had been working there for three years more behind the scenes but now I’m needed more on the floor assisting and mixing colors. The next big thing that happened last year was that towards the middle of summer, I was allowed to start taking clients. To be honest in the beginning, I was not confident, I had practically just finished my training and was now expected to jump into working on hair full-time. I was shy and nervous, but as time went on and my clientele expanded, I began to feel more confident in my skills. I owe a lot to my coworkers, they have been so kind in teaching me new techniques and ways to improve the skills I had already acquired. I have been slowly expanding my services. I have been doing color, style and a few chemical treatments. During this winter, I have been practicing more with mannequins doing foils and haircuts. I’ve been comparing techniques to help choose which I like best, and with that learning to do the services quicker and more efficiently. Maggie has encouraged me to bring in models so I can get more comfortable cutting real hair. My goal is that by this summer, I will be allowed to give haircuts to real clients. The realization of my dreams coming true is so thrilling. I am so grateful for the opportunity that MVYouth has presented me. Thank you for opening this door for me and allowing me to achieve my dream.
Marissa D'Antonio - Boston College
This year has brought many changes! To start the year off I was working as an IT Consultant in Denver. With this job mainly being work-from-home, I decided I needed to find something where I would get out of my house and interact with colleagues! This fall I made the switch, and am now working as the Financial System Coordinator for CU Boulder’s Continuing Education department. Since working in this position, I have learned a lot more about accounting than I ever thought I would. Though this is a much different career than I saw myself doing, I am very much enjoying it. I am so happy I made the switch! I currently go into the office two days a week and work from home the remaining days. This has brought much more cooperation to my role, and I have gotten to know my new colleagues well over the last several months. I also love being on a campus again! With my job switch, I decided to find an apartment closer to Boulder! I found a nice little apartment in Lafayette, Colorado, which is right between Boulder and Denver. My commute is arguably one of the most beautiful, with vast views of the mountains the entire drive into the office. Since most of my friends still live in Denver, I make my way into the city about once a week. My central location has been amazing, giving me a small-town feel with access to two amazing cities. I spend my free time hiking in the mountains and exploring small mountain towns! Though I always thought I was a beach person, I love all the mountains have to offer. In the summertime, I did a bunch of hikes up in Rocky Mountain National Park with my dog Archie, and now that it’s gotten colder I have been exploring small trails nearby. Thank you MVYouth!
Garrett Broadley - New England Institute of Technology
Hello, not much at all has changed from my last update. I really am now seeing what being an adult means - I’ll tell you that. Now that I’m living with my girlfriend in Connecticut because MV just sadly wasn’t in my budget to live there, I’m learning what new responsibilities there are to being an adult, I’m now working mostly around 48 hours roughly a week, and every hour of those 48 I’m learning something new. Cars are only going to get more complex. My brain is in over drive every day, from finding new ways to diagnose vehicles faster so the shop has more cash flow to finding little in shop tips and tricks to use to repair it just that much faster so I can move onto something else and not be behind in jobs. But there is always that one 30 minute job that for some reason wants to fight and turns into a 4 hour job, but how do you charge for that, it’s not the customers fault so that’s why you have to recognize a problem that might be so it’s not a problem you end up running into. The education I got from NEIT definitely have me a boost to the finish line but I’m not kidding when I say that the finish line keeps getting further and further away as new cars are produced I’m never not learning. I have no doubt in my mind if I didn’t get help from the workforce scholarship I would be so far behind in my education I would be insanely overwhelmed with trying to keep up. So I will be forever grateful for the opportunities this scholarship program provided me.
Sam Cranston - University of Vermont
Last spring, I graduated from the University of Vermont with a BA in Biology and a double minor in Chemistry and History. Perhaps equally as significant, I completed an independent research project focused on emerging and expanding tick-borne pathogens in Vermont. This project prepared me for the demanding nature of scientific research. It also showed me how rewarding it can be to complete a long-term study. My research advisor and I are currently finalizing a manuscript that we will submit for publication in some of the top journals in the field of disease ecology. Following graduation, I have continued to follow my passion for scientific research through a position as a lab manager at Boston University's Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM). At the CReM, I work in the Murphy Laboratory studying healthy aging and resiliency. We approach this by examining the genetic signatures of Centenarians, individuals who live past 100 years old. In this new role, I am learning laboratory techniques that differ significantly from the skills I acquired during my undergraduate research. The combination of these diverse research experiences will undoubtedly make me a stronger scientist in the future. In the fall of 2024, I will apply to PhD programs in biological science at schools around the country. In a PhD program, I hope to spearhead scientific research that can provide novel insights into combating human disease. The yearly MVYouth update provides an opportunity for me to reflect on my initial inspirations for pursuing a career in science. During my junior year of high school, I was involved in a project aimed at combating Lyme disease on Martha’s Vineyard, sparking my passion for research. During my interviews for the MVYouth scholarship, I distinctly remember the interviewers encouraging me to follow this passion. Your belief in me continues to inspire me to this day. Thank you.
Sam Bresnick - Boston College
This past year I began working at Proskauer Rose in the Boston office. I also took the LSAT over the summer and finished my applications to law school. I applied mainly to schools in the New York City and Boston area. Currently, I am awaiting admissions decisions. My time at Proskauer has been eye opening. It has given me exposure to many different fields of law including sports, corporate and real estate. Getting to see these different practice areas at the ground level has helped shape my career goals. I’ve gotten the opportunity to explore my interest in sports law where I’ve been able to learn about some of the pressing issues in the world of sports like AI use in marketing, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and TV/Media rights, to name a few. Building off of the work I did with Boston College Football during my undergrad years, I’ve found that I would like to work with and advise league governing bodies and institutions, like the NCAA, in navigating the constantly changing legal landscape of sports. I am looking forward to going back to school this upcoming fall and am excited for all the challenges that lie ahead. I am appreciative of the opportunity to continue learning about my passions and all the relationships I will make along the way. I cannot thank MVYouth enough for the work they do in supporting the Island community. Thank you.
Nicolas Andre - Holy Cross University
I genuinely appreciate every time Lindsey reaches out to us to share an update on the past year. It is a lovely excuse to reflect on another year lived and look forward to what comes next. In taking the time to write this update, I have realized that my 2023 was one continuously marked with significant transitions. In November 2022, I played my last ever competitive soccer match and prepared myself for my first academic semester without an ever-present staple in my life. While bittersweet, it provided me the opportunity to explore the vast array of college life that I didn't have the time to explore before. From garnering new friendships to fostering ones that would soon come to a close, it was an enlightening experience. Before I knew it, the semester was over and it was time to leave Mount St. James for a final time. I was extremely lucky to spend the summer road-tripping across the country towards my final destination, Los Angeles, and even more lucky to catch a few Dead and Co shows on the way. Since I arrived in July, I have started working in a Physician's office while studying for the MCAT which I plan to take in May of this upcoming year. Life has been coming thick and fast, but the new challenges have brought continued excitement and opportunities to learn and grow. I can't wait to see what more 2024 has in store! As always, my gratitude for all of MVYouth's support cannot be overstated. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all of your continued support!
JP Alves - University of San Diego
It is crazy to think how fast time has flown these past four years at the University of San Diego. It seems as if only yesterday I was writing my first update for my semester having moved to California. Life has been everything but predictable this past year and continues to unfold in tremendous ways. Having recently moved to downtown Manhattan, I am finding my footing in the city’s energetic environment and adjusting to this new chapter in my life. I began working for Housecall Pro in early July. As a leading technology company for home service businesses, the company has been serving as a great introduction into the workforce with consistent daily challenges. In conjunction with my full-time job, I am a candidate for a Master’s of Science in Supply Chain Management at the University of San Diego, the same university I received my undergraduate degree in International Business from. My decision to pursue further education has enabled me to continue expanding my knowledge in a very prevalent field with applications across various industries. Merging my newfound knowledge in the technological space with the intricacies of supply chain management is allowing for a greater understanding of the next steps I will be taking in my career. The position I hold today would have only been a dream without the generous aid MVYouth provided. I am thankful for the doors that MVYouth has opened for me, and am eager to contribute to this incredible organization in the future. Thank you for everything!
Jaheem Richards - Skyborne Airline Academy
I would say that my fall semester/life has been unique because I spent most of it working. I spent my time working at the Martha's Vineyard Airport and the Edgartown Fire Department because my flight school situation was me just playing the waiting game. I felt the best decision for me to make was to work and make money until I heard back from my flight school and received a start date. Once I finished working at the airport I figured I’d take a vacation and take a load off because in early July I was working pretty much seven days a week long shifts so, that's what I did I enjoyed it. I went to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and spent three and a half weeks with family and friends and just enjoyed the memories that were creating. That trip lasted from October 12th - to November 10th, so when I came back to the Vineyard I was still working/volunteering at the Edgartown Fire Department, I would work overnight shifts and I'd pick when I wanted to work so I enjoyed that I still had time to myself during the day. I would work out 3-5 times a week in the afternoon and then I’d have enough time to go home make dinner and eat at home then head to work for 6 hours. Being a volunteer firefighter, for the most part, was fun and I was able to learn from different individuals whether it was about work or anything life-related. I’ve been on multiple medical runs, alarm runs, car accidents, and I went to my first structure fire a few days before I left on December 21st. So now I'm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at my brother's house hanging out because my start date to attend Skyborne Airline Academy is February 5th and I can’t wait to start this next chapter of my life.
Daniel Da Silva - New England Hair Academy
Barber school has been exciting and fast paced this past fall. The first two months were all about learning the core basics to where I now cut client’s hair in the school’s student barbershop. Everyday I come to school I learn new or improve old skills in a variety of ways, whether it’s cutting techniques or communication skills with clients. My days at school are never dull and differ with new clients walking in the door everyday. On top of that my classmates all come from different aspects of life each with their own stories and backgrounds and yet we still all get along very well. Some classmates are around my age while others are in their 30s and 40s. I find that great as I can see different perspectives and upbringings in this industry we all share a passion for. Attendance is a vital aspect of school that professionals look for in aspiring barbers, and as of right now I have perfect attendance. Along with perfect attendance I have received other awards for teamwork, academic excellence, outstanding freshman, and hopefully more to come in the future. Aside from my experiences in barber school I’ve been learning how to live on my own during all of this. I had to learn how to balance my school life with my new independent home life, which may be normal for some people but took me some time getting used to. I’d do my own grocery shopping to cook dinner and make sure I still have time to do my school assignments on top of all that. Overall my post high school education has been going great so far and with it not being like a traditional college I am done fairly soon. With that in mind I intend to keep up the hard work I’ve been putting in for this last half.
Dyana Burke - Spa Tech Institute
My first few months at esthetics school have been an amazing experience. It has taught me more than just about esthetics. My class at esthetics school wasn’t what I was expecting. My class alone has more adult students, than ones my age. This was a bit nerve-racking my first day, when we all introduced ourselves and everyone said their age. Many of my fellow classmates are married and with children, and then there’s me, an eighteen year old who barely knows how to drive on the highway. But really, I had nothing to fear the first day, as I’m so grateful to be surrounded by such amazing women that I have really begun to look up to, not only in esthetics but in life. I have really enjoyed studying what I have such a big passion for. It has made me very grateful for the times in high school, where I actually paid attention in biology and chemistry class. But, for every student, no matter where you are, there are challenges. As my school’s attendance goes by hours instead of days, it has been challenging and stressful, (especially if I get sick and have to make-up a class). It’s challenging because every second you miss (in a class), you have to make up in order to graduate. For my program, I need 600 hours of class. Thankfully though, my school is very helpful for making up days. I can’t really complain about stress though, when I’m sitting almost every day getting a facial, or some other kind of service. I love being able to practice with real people. It especially makes it fun being able to work on your friends, and even some days we get to work with real clients. It really helps to prepare you. At first it was very scary working with a real client but now it’s really fun. It’s like playing “Spa” as a kid with your friends again. I’m really looking forward to these next few months as I am starting to finish up at esthetics school. This opportunity would not have been possible without MVYouth. I am so grateful for their support and helping me be able to do what I have a passion for. I’m looking forward to my future, and I’m excited to see what’s next!
Hanna Santos - Cape Cod Community College
This fall was for sure, a fresh start. College, work, new circle of people, and adjusting to the idea of not being in high school anymore. It has been a significant change for me, and I’m still adapting to this new phase of my life, but it has been a great adventure so far. I started my college journey at Cape Cod Community College by taking online classes. I’m a psychology major. I was so nervous when school was about to begin because I didn’t know what it would be like. To be honest, it has been the most wholesome experience of my life. I took this psychology course, where I learned so much about why we behave the way we do, and I already feel like an actual psychologist ready to work in my field. Studying psychology is not just about learning about the human mind and behavior. It's also an opportunity to learn about yourself. As you delve into the complexities of the human psyche, you may find that you gain a deeper understanding of your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I am profoundly grateful for MVYouth and the opportunity they have given me. It has not only lightened the financial load but has also empowered me to pursue my educational aspirations with determination and confidence. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and will continue to work hard to honor the faith that has been placed in me. I am grateful for the support of the scholarship and the doors it has opened for me, and I hope to pay it forward by making a positive impact in my chosen field and giving back to the community in the future.
Josephine Welch - Boston College
I think that many can agree that the adjustment to college is far from easy. Growing up on a small island with a tight-knit community and shifting to college is difficult. This semester, what I found is that beyond its challenges, lives personal growth and so much excitement. Walking to class and not recognizing faces was new for me. Although I was now experiencing a whirlwind of new, I was able to find a sense of community that I was always so used to. My home within Boston College was found in the nursing program, a select group of around 100 students out of my 2,335-person class. I shared the majority of my classes with these people. We worked hard together, struggled together, and laughed together. I have fallen in love with the environment the programs brings, one that wants everyone to succeed towards a shared goal. My first semester has been filled to the max with new friends, exploring, football games, fun, and of course, memorizing every bone and muscle of the human body. While focusing on mostly rigorous, nursing-heavy classes (chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and labs), Boston College also requires every student to fulfill their liberal arts core curriculum. This allowed me to take classes outside of my normal comfort, like art history and theology, and expand my knowledge beyond the sciences. Being right outside of Boston has been a great experience. I’ve enjoyed having a sense of a campus in Newton while also being able to explore a city that, although so close to home, feels like a whole different world! Exploring a city known to be the best in healthcare has made me eager for my future. I feel extremely grateful for the newness that every day brings and for MVYouth giving me the opportunity to take it all in. Roll Eags!
Ana Kurelja - Wheaton College
So far, this past semester as a freshman at Wheaton College has been memorable. Starting in their new nursing program has been exciting and challenging in the best way. I spend a lot of my time completing work for the nursing program but never do I find myself not wanting to do it. I feel that I am always contributing to my future in some way. The level of support throughout my school and overload of friendship is amazing. This first semester has been a ton of new experiences but all where I have been guided and supported. I have learned anything from chemistry to wellness within nurses to the basics of nursing as a career. Growing up on Martha’s Vineyard then accelerating to Norton was thrilling. Norton is a small town that does not have much around which gave me the same kind of close knit feel that I had growing up. I have loved the new nature and places to explore when I am able to take breaks from my academics. I am so thankful for MVYouth and all the opportunities that it has given me. This semester I have learned so much being surrounded by a totally new environment, but I have also learned so much within myself. I can not wait for this new semester, and all the new experiences and classes that it will bring to me.
Cali Giglio - College of Charleston
During my first semester at the College of Charleston, I have had the privilege of encountering numerous opportunities, inspirational professors, and the chance to integrate my passions into my extracurricular activities. I recently became a member of the club tennis team, where I have already forged lasting, meaningful friendships and cherished memories while enjoying my favorite sport. While diligently attending to my academic responsibilities at the library (accompanied by my eight roommates – it's quite a lively environment), I have managed to up hold my commitment to playing club tennis twice a week and even embarked on journeys to Savannah, Georgia, for multi-school tournaments. This semester also marked my introduction to my major: Exercise Science. Guided by an exceptional professor, I gained insight into the myriad of career prospects awaiting me, ranging from a physical therapist to a sports nutritionist. I not only committed heavily to my coursework this semester but also succeeded in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a personal priority of mine. Alongside my tennis endeavors, I have ventured to explore the vibrant city of Charleston, discovering new yoga studios and scenic walking spots. My experience at the College of Charleston has been nothing short of exceptional, and I'm profoundly thankful to MVYouth for providing me with this invaluable opportunity.
Evelyn Brewer - University of Southern California
While it was a big change to move across the country to California, the moment I was on campus, I knew I had made the right decision in choosing USC as my university. I was nervous about making friends as this was an entirely new environment and I didn't know anyone there. I decided to attend the first welcome event, and it was when I was anxiously waiting in line that I met people who ended up being my closest friends. Throughout the first week, I met many new people and great friends. I've seen so many places around the city, such as the Griffith Observatory, beaches, and the Hollywood sign. It's been so much fun to attend the football and basketball games at the Coliseum. USC offers a variety of clubs and activities that have allowed me to explore some of my interests. I have decided to join the tennis club, Share a Meal, American Lung Association, and Best Buddies. I was so excited about beginning my studies in Occupational Therapy and the class only reinforced my desire to pursue OT as a career. I found every class engaging and always learned something new and interesting. I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed some of my required GE courses, such as International Relations and Seminar in the Arts. I would love to be able to continue taking more IR classes in the future. I'm so glad how amazing and supportive all of my professors were because it makes such a huge difference. I want to thank MVYouth for their support and I am so grateful for all the opportunities the scholarship has provided for me. I can't wait to head into this next semester!
Julia Sayre - Brown University
I recently completed my first semester at Brown University and could not be happier with my choice. I found my adjustment to Providence very smooth, coming from the ruralness of the Vineyard. I love to explore each part of the city and become acquainted with my home for the next four years. I explored multiple academic disciplines this semester, including environmental science, dance studies, and religious studies. The academic freedom Brown fosters made me realize I want to pursue a major in environmental studies, as I thoroughly enjoyed my class that connected sustainable agriculture and global hunger. I had a unique opportunity in my Introduction to Critical Dance Studies, where I was the only student. There, I had the opportunity to engage deeply with each of my readings and have exceptional one-on-one discussions with my professor. Considering I had immense authority over my learning, I thoroughly enjoyed my reading and writing assignments. Outside of academics, I’ve been an active member of the Women’s Health Advocacy Group and Brown’s chapter of Sunrise, a national environmental justice group. Next semester, I’m hoping to venture more into the broader Providence community to engage in volunteering opportunities. I’ve realized the importance of time management and finding ways to de-stress and rest my mind from the strenuous workload. I’ve joined the Brown Outing Club and Brown Rock Climbing Club and found that exercise in college has been a great way to do this. I remain immensely grateful for MVYouth’s generosity and support. It has provided me with amazing and unique experiences at a school I am already falling in love with.