A word that surrounds this semester for me has been gratitude. Amherst this fall made me reflect on how lucky I am to have a college experience because of MVYouth. I was able to live with three of my best friends in a house off campus this fall, and I felt very fortunate to have this experience.This semester at UMass I have felt myself growing and maturing intellectually and emotionally. Though I have learned so much academically at UMass, I’ve also learned a lot as a person. This fall I had the opportunity to work for School of Earth and Sustainability (SES) as their admin and operations intern. I was able to work with an intern team to collaborate on events that we hosted to promote sustainability across campus. This experience was refreshing and was nice to work for an organization that aligned with my personal interests. I was able to make so many valuable connections through this experience, and SES made me realize how interconnected the eco-community truly is. I was able to still interact with past coworkers from my internship last spring with the UMass Water Resources Research Center which was exciting. SES made me expand on my interest in the natural sciences, and I officially declared my Geology minor this fall. The semester flew by which was bittersweet. I’m proud of what I achieved this semester, and look forward to the next while also trying to stay in the moment. Next semester I have taken the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. I’m ecstatic about studying abroad and feel fortunate. I’m most excited to see the biodiversity in Australia and have already signed up for an exploratory coastal management class! I’m feeling a mixture of excitement, anxiety, and longing. I will miss my friends and the UMass community dearly next semester, but am thrilled to see what Australia will bring. I wouldn’t be able to do this without MVYouth’s help!
Josie Welch - Boston College
This fall has been full of excitement and more and more new. This semester in particular, really started to feel like I was in nursing school. The courses were hard, and my time needed managing. In my Pathophysiology class, I learned the intricacies of more diseases than I ever knew existed. In my Health Assessment Lab, I was able to apply my knowledge in life-like situations. Whether taking a blood pressure on my classmates or a manakin, the practice excited me. I worked through these rigorous courses in order to begin my clinicals. This coming semester I will begin my first clinical, working in adult health. The communities I have formed at Boston College are all due to shared goals. I have fostered a great bond with my nursing community, as well as friends I have made along the way. This semester, I also became a wellness coach in BCs Center for Student Wellness, where I meet one on one with students to help improve their mental health and wellness. I love the environments my many communities bring. It has been amazing living in Chestnut Hill, right outside of Boston. I have enjoyed exploring Downtown Boston, where I go often on weekends with friends and on weekdays, while I babysit a little girl. Exploring a city known to be the best in healthcare has made me eager for my future. A trip to the city is a great way to stay busy, however, I love coming back to a beautiful college campus to live. My past semesters at BC have only strengthened my love for the school, the people, and most of all, my career path as a nurse. I feel extremely grateful for the newness and excitement that every day brings. I am so thankful for MVYouth's generosity and the inspiration they give me to give back to a community I care for.
Julia Sayre - Brown University
After my third semester at Brown, I have really come into my own. I decided on my major at the end of my second semester, landing on a degree in environmental science and studies. This fall, I took Diversity of Life, Humans, Nature, and the Environment: Addressing Environmental Change in the 21st Century, Eating and the Politics of Wellness, and Local Food Systems and Urban Agriculture. I have found a passion for engaged scholarship classes where I can work with the broader Providence community. Two of these classes allowed me to create my own projects with community partners to apply what I have learned in class. I collaborated with a local community garden to create workshops on teaching community members about herbalism and worked with New Shoreham Waste Water Management to reduce the amount of grease ending up in wastewater systems. I am still an active member of the Brown Climbing Club and have found rock climbing to be a source of wonderful community and a way to destress with my strenuous workload.The friends I have met at school have become like family to me, and we spent many weekends of the semester exploring New England with trips to New Hampshire to hike the White Mountains, swimming at Walden Pond and visiting the Vineyard! I continue to be very fond of Brown’s open curriculum, as I do have many requirements to fulfill for my major, however, I can still take class in any discipline where I have room. I have taken courses in urban studies, religious studies and science, technology, and society (STS). Additionally, I am currently in the process of applying to study abroad in Copenhagen to study the production and consumption of sustainable food. I am so thankful and filled with gratitude for MVYouth’s continued support and I’m looking forward to my fourth semester this spring!
Hanna Santos - Cape Cod Community College
This fall semester has been a season of growth and discovery, both academically and personally. I engaged with challenging subjects, gaining valuable knowledge while sharpening my skills in critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving. Balancing academics with extracurricular activities, work, and personal life taught me the importance of time management and prioritization, pushing me to become more organized and intentional with my time. A significant highlight of this semester was excelling in various projects and assignments and earning good grades in my courses. These achievements boosted my confidence and reinforced the value of perseverance and consistent effort. However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Managing a heavy workload and multiple assignments required resilience and adaptability, but these difficulties ultimately became opportunities for growth. They taught me the importance of setting realistic goals and staying focused, even during high-pressure situations. On a personal level, I concentrated on improving time management and communication skills. By setting clear goals and seeking support when needed, I was able to navigate complex situations more effectively. These efforts allowed me to maintain a sense of balance while staying motivated to achieve my objectives. Reflecting on this semester, I realize how much I have grown through the lessons I’ve learned and the successes I’ve achieved. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and encouragement of my professors, friends, and mentors, whose support has been invaluable throughout this journey. As I look ahead, I am excited to apply the insights gained this semester to future endeavors. With a stronger sense of purpose and a commitment to continuous self-improvement, I feel better equipped to tackle new challenges and make meaningful progress toward my goals. This semester has truly been a transformative experience, shaping both my academic and personal growth.
Jaheem Richards - Skyborne Airline Academy
My last year at Skyborne has been great. I’ve made a lot of new friends whom I would consider my second family here. Since I’ve been here, I’ve earned my PPL (Private Pilot’s License) and also my instrument rating. I’m currently working on my CPL (Commercial Pilot’s License), which I should receive before the month of January is over. I’m really looking forward to that the most because, at that point, I’ll be able to get paid as a professional pilot and also feel like one. But like anything, it’s not easy. There’s a lot to learn, especially the ins and outs of meteorology, aeronautical decision-making, professionalism, stick-and-rudder skills, and the technical aspects of your aircraft. When it comes to the flying part of flight training, it can be difficult to actually get in the air due to factors like weather, plane availability, and maintenance issues. However, despite all of this, when you pass a checkride — which is the final test for the stage you’re on — it’s a huge achievement. Depending on how it goes, you’ll earn that rating or license you’ve been working toward, and there’s always both an oral and flight portion. I like to think that the preparation and progress you make are more important than the end result. When the checkride finally comes, being able to answer most questions without hesitation and getting feedback like, “You didn’t miss anything” from the examiner shows that you came prepared and put in the effort. Also, after each checkride pass, my second family and I go out to celebrate, whether it’s hanging out or going out to eat. It’s a great feeling. I’m glad I’m pursuing this career, and I’m excited for what’s to come. But as of right now I am on Holiday break so I am going to enjoy it with my family Ciao!
Isabelle Ribeiro - University of Vermont
As I reflect on my second fall semester at the University of Vermont, I am overjoyed by the steady evolution of my academic and personal journey. Each semester builds on the last, and this fall has been no exception—bringing on new challenges and opportunities that continue to shape my path. This semester, I was honored to be appointed Vice President of Recruitment for the Vermont Beta Chapter, a role I will begin in the spring. This leadership opportunity is one I approach with excitement and determination, as it will allow me to hone in on my skills in communication, organization, and relationship-building. I also joined Her Campus, a platform where I have rediscovered my passion for creative writing. Writing again has been a meaningful outlet, reminding me of the power to connect with others in a completely different way. Academically, I decided to pivot to a new major: Public Communications, with a concentration in Community Media and Journalism. This change has reflected my growing interest in understanding how communication shapes communities and drives meaningful conversations. In the spring, I will also begin coursework for my new minor in Business Administration, preparing me with practical skills to complement my communications studies. Beyond academics, the community at UVM and Burlington has been a constant source of inspiration. From the vibrant local culture to the support of my peers and professors, I continue to feel encouraged to engage in ways I hadn’t imagined before. Overall, none of these achievements would have been possible without the support of MVYouth. Your generosity has given me the foundation to take on these opportunities and confidently pursue my goals. Thank you for believing in my potential and allowing me to make the most of this exciting chapter of my life.
Penelope Long - Simmons University
I’ve just completed another semester at Simmons University. I’m a sophomore this year in the exercise science and physical therapy 3+3 program. This semester I’ve started to encounter more major specific courses such as exercise science and resistance training form and function. Those two classes were my favorite of this semester. We learned about different ways of training and worked on case studies throughout the course, programming for clients. I competed in another season of field hockey for Simmons University this fall. I am a captain and play forward. I’ve enjoyed being on the forward line very much and sometimes I’m still getting used to the transition from defense to forward. We are runners up in the GNAC Division 3 Field Hockey Conference for the 2024 season, it was so exciting to go to the championships and compete with such high energy and passion. I’ve found a family within my teammates, we lift each other up and it has been a privilege to play sports in college. It teaches me a lot about community, time management and balance. This past spring I started working as a middle school lacrosse coach for Winsor Prep school. I learn so much from coaching the young athletes and I am now goalie coaching Winsor Varsity Ice Hockey this winter. In the summer I started some shadowing hours at Vineyard Complementary Medicine and I will be continuing shadowing over winter break and I am working towards my certification as a Rehabilitation Assistant. I’m very excited for the next semester, the spring field hockey season and so grateful for where I am.
Ana Kurelja - Wheaton College
I knew that this fall semester was the point where my education turns a corner and becomes real. Walking around the nursing wing of Wheaton College and seeing all the equipment and simulation labs had me so excited and also terrified. Nursing school is not an easy journey. You experience self-doubt, heartache when it comes to exams/grades, and more importantly the constant question of “ can I really do this?” My fall semester was full of bumps along the road, but how could it not be when you are learning how to keep a human being alive. During my semester I spent most of my days in the Nursing wing learning skills from something as small as hand washing and setting up sterile fields to injections and head to toe assessments. I took 6 classes during my semester, all of which contributed to my major of Nursing. Wheaton College has provided me with an amazing community and team of professors that has gotten me through this experience so far. I cannot express the countless times I have experienced going from tears of self-doubt in one of my professor's offices to jumping with joy once I have finally achieved a certain skill the correct way. It truly is an emotional rollercoaster, but at Wheaton college there has never been a time where I have felt I am in it alone. With all that has come of my fall semester, I am so happy to say that in the spring I will be able to bring the 30+ skills that I have learned into a real clinical setting. I will be going to Milford Regional Medical Center, to start my journey of helping others. I am so beyond grateful for the support and opportunities that Wheaton College has given me, and most of all so proud of myself for sticking with the major I have always dreamed of so that I am able to see my education turn the corner and become real.
Cali Giglio - College of Charleston
This fall semester has been an incredible few months of growth and new opportunities. As an Exercise Science student at the College of Charleston, I’ve truly enjoyed diving into my health science classes. These courses have not only challenged me academically but have also deepened my passion for understanding exercise nutrition and how to promote a healthy lifestyle. I’ve particularly enjoyed designing balanced wellness plans. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am honored to have been elected Vice President of Recruitment for my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Leading this spring semester and next fall semester recruitment efforts will be rewarding and educational, teaching me invaluable lessons in leadership, communication, and teamwork. I’m also thrilled to be part of the club tennis team this year. Joining the team has been a great way to stay active and bond with teammates who share my love for the sport. It’s been a fun and rewarding balance to my academic and leadership commitments.
Daniel Da Silva - New England Hair Academy
Graduating from barber school in the spring was a defining moment in my journey toward becoming a professional barber. During school I started working at a barbershop on the weekends. It was a stressful time as practicals and final exams started to wind up at school and I had to make sure I was showing my best work on the weekends. This opportunity has allowed me to grow from the skills I had already gained since I was around professionals all day long. Along with starting my career, I have also been able to move into the city of Boston on my own- a move that feels like both a personal and professional milestone. The road to this point, however, wasn’t always smooth. Barber school was challenging, both mentally and physically. Balancing the technical aspects of cutting hair, learning the art of grooming, and developing my customer service skills weren’t easy. There were days when the pressure of homing different techniques felt overwhelming, and I sometimes questioned my progress. But each challenge became a lesson in persistence and improvement. I quickly learned that success in this profession required lots of consistency as every client brings some new challenge. Besides the barber school journey, personal hurdles outside of work arose. Moving into the city was exciting but also intimidating. The pace of life in the city is a lot faster than I’m used to, and I had to adjust to the chaos that is navigating through the city and be able to get to work at an appropriate time. This forced me to get a consistent schedule to stay on top of all that. Besides that, being able to live and work in the Boston area has given me access to a vibrant community and endless opportunities to grow in my craft.
Jack Crawford - Bowdoin College
This past semester at Bowdoin College has been an incredibly enriching and dynamic experience. I continued singing with the a cappella group, the Bowdoin Longfellows, and remained an active member of the rowing team, which has been a significant part of my life since freshman year. I continue to play piano and contribute to the Bowdoin music collective, a group that has inspired and supported my musical growth. One of the most exciting developments has been starting a band called Kaleidoscope, where I am the lead singer and guitarist. We’ve performed five times over the course of the semester including a performance for Bowdoin’s President Safa Zaki. I’ve also begun writing my own songs, and we’re eager to perform as a band during the spring semester. Academically, I’ve been focused on Italian and music courses, preparing to declare my major this winter, in music with a concentration in theory and composition, along with a minor in Italian. I am incredibly grateful for the continued support of MVYouth, as none of these opportunities would have been possible without it.
Wren Christy - Middlebury College
This fall semester has been a semester of great learning, experience, and enjoyment. Throughout this semester, I have moved forward in my interest in Psychology and have declared it as my major. I am also considering a minor in gender studies as I have taken a number of courses in that area and find them relevant to my other studies. I have been able to take some fascinating psychology courses this semester such as social psychology and psychology disorders, furthering my interest in human nature and cognition. Outside of my academic schedule, I have been able to serve the Middlebury community by volunteering at the Middlebury Open Door Clinic. Working at the Open Door Clinic allows me to see the larger community surrounding the college and has helped me broaden my perspective on healthcare. Another huge part of this past semester for me has been spending a second year on the Middlebury women's cross country team. When I thought I couldn’t love it anymore, I found that the team this year has even more personality, fun and drive to love. Being able to help the freshman flow into their first year has been so much fun. With the bit of extra free time I had this semester, I have looked forward to summer internships and career paths. I have recently accepted an internship for this coming summer on the Vineyard. My goal for this summer was to come back to the Vineyard to continue helping the Island community as well as expand my horizons both by working with new people and having new experiences that push me to broaden my thinking. I feel that the skills I have learned through my college classes have encouraged me to become interested in helping the Island community and give back the knowledge that I have gained with just a bit of college experience. I am very grateful for the opportunities that MVYouth has given me and I thank all who are involved for your kindness and generosity. These past semesters have been full of amazing experiences and I can’t wait to explore more!
Eloise Christy - Middlebury College
My sophomore fall this year has been very enjoyable at Middlebury College. I live in a beautiful building called Pearsons that overlooks the Adirondack Mountains with one of my best friends, which has made this semester much more easygoing. I spent a lot of time this semester working on the internship process and figuring out what I want my major to be, which has contributed greatly to learning who I am and what interests me most. I have a newfound passion for environmental studies and am pursuing that in my future class this spring of social environmental justice. I also have spent a lot of my time and effort on my sport, track and field, running around our campus and through the trails around Middlebury and welcoming in and getting to know our new freshmen. This semester, I was enrolled in an American politics class, an ethnography of organizations class, an environmental and conservation studies class, and an art class. This group of classes was definitely challenging, but they helped me think in different ways and develop skills in areas like art, writing, analysis, and understanding how our country works. I declared my major in Political Science and I’m excited to explore what opportunities that will bring me in the future. In this major, the classes are difficult, but that’s one of the reasons I felt this major would be beneficial to me. When things are challenging, it makes me work harder at them to better my understanding and create my own thoughts on those topics. I want to thank and appreciate the MVYouth community for being so helpful and encouraging my learning. I am looking forward to my upcoming semester and continuing to work toward my major in Political Science. I have loved my time at Middlebury College, where I get to make lots of lifelong friends and be able to attend college in such an outstanding place.
Dyanna Burke - Spa Tech Institute
I graduated from Spa Tech Institute this past April. It was an amazing opportunity, and I am so grateful to have received help from MVYouth, to attend. After graduation, I went on to work on the island. I spent my summer, and fall (up until January), working as an esthetician. I love and enjoy every second I get to spend doing something I love and want to grow as a career. Recently, I have started college. I am currently attending Curry College. After spending some time gaining experience as an esthetician, and slowly building up my clientele, I decided to continue my education. I decided this because I felt like it was the right time, and for my future career. I am majoring in Public Relations. My goal after school is to work in Beauty PR. I am hoping to make connections with skincare, and makeup brands. I want to continue to work as an esthetician, alongside this. I will be continuing my esthetics career during the summers on MV. Hopefully one day (later on), I will own a spa. The transition back into school has been less stressful than I anticipated. I have met great people, fantastic professors, and readjusted to off-island living once again. I have been taking more GEN ED courses this semester (as it is my first). I only started college a week ago, so there is not much else I can say about my classes yet. So Far, so good! I am super grateful (even almost a year after graduating from Esthetics school), for the help and opportunity MVYouth and all the donors provided me. I am so excited to see what the future holds for me, and my career. Also, to see where I go in these next few years in college!
Evelyn Brewer - University of Southern California
My first semester as a sophomore at the University of Southern California has been a challenging semester but I saw a lot of academic growth. This was my first semester with a declared music minor so I had to find balance between my Occupational therapy major with my minor. Incorporating music into my academic journey has given me a creative outlet that complements my OT studies. I took classes such as physiology, music theory, piano, and MIDI sequencing, each of which offered a unique set of skills. From learning about music theory to exploring the therapeutic potential of music, I’ve discovered exciting intersections between these fields that can be applicable to my future career. This semester has also taught me the value of time management and self-care. Balancing rigorous coursework, extracurricular activities, and social life has been demanding, but it’s pushed me to grow and adapt. I’ve learned to prioritize and try to find a balance in all aspects of my life. In addition to academics, my friendships have been just as important and have made this such an enjoyable semester whether we’re studying in the library for hours or exploring California on the weekends. I've been living with five of my best friends this semester and it has been such a fun experience. From sharing and cooking meals together, late night conversations and being able to share accomplishments with each other it all has added so much joy into my life. I’ve also been able to continue my involvement in the university’s clubs, such as Share a Meal and the American Lung Association Club. This group has become an important addition to my life, expanding new friendships and also ended up being another rewarding aspect of being involved in this club. I've had such a great experience so far. I really want to cherish it. I want to thank MVYouth and the donors who have made attending USC possible. It means so much to me and I am grateful for all the opportunities and joy it has brought me.
Maggie Bernard - Northeastern University
This past semester has been my first fall semester here at Northeastern. Being in Boston for the fall has definitely been one of my favorite experiences. I got to carve and paint pumpkins with my roommates and now in the winter months go to many holiday markets on the weekend. This past summer I changed my path of study which is something Northeastern lends itself very well to. This semester was my first semester taking communications class and I can say that I very thoroughly enjoyed it but did miss some aspects of my psychology class so am considering adding it as a minor. I really appreciate how easy it is to change your path here if you feel that is the right choice for you. It allows you to not feel stuck and set in one channel. This past semester has been both academically demanding and rewarding, I deeply enjoyed all of my classes ranging from foundations of psychology to visual communication, while they have been quite tiresome and demanding at times they have also been quite rewarding in helping me put myself on the right path. I switched my major from psychology and criminal justice to sports media and communication, which I know is a drastic change however due to the opportunity Northeastern has with the co-op program I believed that this change was beneficial to me in order to let me achieve a co-op that I ideally want to do next summers/fall. Overall this semester has been filled with lots of good changes and discovery of myself which I believe is one of the most important parts of college not only to achieve your degree but to discover you as your own unique individual. It is ok if I changed what I was doing doesn’t mean I did something wrong just found something I was more passionate about.
Madeleine Bengtsson - Smith College
I had a great third semester at Smith College! I took a fascinating Spanish class – “Asian-Latine Cultural Encounters” – focusing on the relations between parts of Asia and the Americas. I also took an education class on the Learning Sciences, a Latin American Studies course and an acting elective. I’ve continued with the Glee Club – now serving on the board – and this year I’m one of the Social Event Coordinators for my house (dormitory building). With this position, I’ve hosted events such as a pumpkin carving activity and monthly movie nights, which have been so fun! I’ve grown so close to my residence community, through Friday Tea and my position on House Council, and I still immerse myself in Smith traditions. . . On Mountain Day this year, my friends and I went apple-picking at a nearby orchard! I also joined Smith Cheerleading as a fun, new extracurricular to get to know more people and stay active. We cheer at basketball games, and perform at a competition in the spring. I look forward to my next set of classes: “Portuguese for Spanish Speakers”, an education class centered around race, and the gateway to Translation Studies, among others. I’m a Spanish Major (prospective Education Minor), and the translations course would go towards a Translations Concentration, if I so choose to pursue that. I also loved being in the musical last year, so I hope to partake in some form of theatre again next semester. At Smith I have so many options, and the school helps solidify my academic and life goals. It’s due to the continued support of MVYouth and the generosity of my Vineyard community that I’m able to take such interesting classes, and participate in a wide array of opportunities at the college that I chose and love. I’m so grateful.
Nikeya Tankard - Connecticut College
Though I went into college thinking I would study English and Government, a great class taught me more than Government or Politics — It taught me that my desires for advocacy and engagement might be suited better within other frames and areas. I finished off the semester with a 3.75 GPA and excelled in classes American Studies, a more interdisciplinary examination of our American society through writing, art, music and media, and Fundamentals in two dimensions, a foundational yet challenging 2D art class. So, for now, I’m thinking of majoring in English and Art in hopes of going into the Creative Directing or Design fields. I also found great joy in dancing, an activity I never thought I’d indulge in again since covid, despite my 10 years of experience prior at our very own Rise VPA. At Conn I am in Dance Club and I regularly participate in other student performances. I have two coming up this semester, so please wish me luck! Other than dance I enjoy tasty morning matcha lattes at our many amazing student-run coffee shops on campus, afternoons on the green in between classes on those few sunny days we had this season, and study sessions with music, tea, and a lot of chatter in my room as the sun sets for the day. Despite my previous mindset based in predictability, planning, and order, I have learned over these past months to revel in the unknown. Rather than trying to plan out the rest of my life, I am enjoying taking it one step at a time as things more naturally progress. Some opportunities I look forward to for the near future are Conn’s study-away opportunities and expanding my job experience this Summer. All in all, I am so excited to indulge deeper into the range of areas Conn has to offer, and share my new skills and passions when I get back home all thanks to the great support and generosity of the Martha's Vineyard community and the MVYouth scholarship program!
Norah Prestley - University of Saint Joseph's
My first semester at the University of Saint Joseph was definitely something to remember. The expectations that I had set for the fall semester were not shown in the reality. I am currently majoring in nursing, so I had been warned by many people that I would struggle. They were not wrong. As I headed into college, I had a feeling that most of my time would be spent in the library on campus doing my homework, studying, and building some study groups. That expectation was 100% the reality, but it doesn’t stop there. I had expected that everyone was going to be looking for friends and everyone would have grown out of stupid high school drama, but that’s just not the case. Maybe, its different at other schools considering my school is so tiny, but making friends was my biggest challenge, and the drama was still present. I had begun to realize that everyone has their own clicks with people, and they aren’t particularly looking for more friends. This left me feeling quite lonely all the time. Most of my days were spent in my dorm room (alone), or in the library (alone). Now, this update isn’t supposed to be sad or lame, so let me talk about the good parts of college that I experienced. My school gives their students a wonderful privilege called “Woof Wednesday” and it’s all about having a bunch of dogs on campus on Wednesday’s and you just get to play with them and pet them. That was probably my favorite thing about my campus. Another wonderful thing about my school is the professors that I worked with. All my professors were so understanding and cooperative with me and they really took the time to get to know me and help me when I needed it. This definitely supported throughout my tough science classes. The academics are time consuming and hard to understand, but not impossible; and I couldn’t have done it without my awesome professors. All in all, some of my expectations were met and some were not. But, at the end of the day, I made it through; and I can’t wait to see what the spring semester brings me.
Jahzarah McIntosh - University of Michgan
Being able to study at the University of Michigan is truly a dream. If it weren’t for the continuous support of my family and friends back home and in other parts of the United States, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I feel immense gratitude for those who have helped me, which pushes me every day to have the best university experience I can. I am currently part of multiple faith-based clubs at the University of Michigan and serving on the executive board for a consulting club. I also have discovered a new passion for computer science, and I plan on making that my minor. Our programming team even won an award for the game that we designed! I am looking forward to recruiting for competitive investment clubs next winter. Classes are not so hard if you study right! Ann Arbor is beautiful in the fall, and I love walking around or spending time with my friends spontaneously. The winters in Michigan are not as bad as people say, in fact, a part of me embraces the cold and cloudy mornings. It’s crazy to think about how much has happened and time has flown so quickly. To anyone listening or reading this, I urge you to never give up on your goals and never be afraid to ask for help. As a first-generation college student, it was easy to get swept up in myself and feel like I had to take on this burden alone. But that was and is never the case. My time at the University of Michigan has been both challenging and exciting, and I embrace that feeling with every new morning. My gratitude extends indefinitely.