2024 was an exciting and challenging year! After 8 months working for the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center, I learned that perhaps a job in international affairs was not the right fit. It only took a bachelor’s and master’s degree to figure that out! In early 2024, I began applying far and wide to new jobs, including outside the international affairs industry. Falling back on my many years spent working at the Edgartown Yacht Club over the summers, in April I accepted a new position as Member Experience & Communications Director at Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA. I am so happy I made the change! As the head of my department, I am responsible for all Club communications and social media, the recruitment and retainment of Members, and coordination of the membership application process. The hospitality industry has always been my comfort place, and it welcomed me back with open arms! The Members and Staff at Westwood make every day enjoyable, and with a 7-year membership waitlist there is always something to do! I recently joined the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), which provides certification courses to support my future in the private club industry. I’m excited for all the opportunities this new line of works presents! On a more personal note, in May I got engaged to my wonderful fiancé Luke Wheeler! Luke and I recently moved to Alexandria, VA, where we’re enjoying life in the suburbs just outside of Washington, DC. We’re set to be married on October 18th, 2025, on Martha’s Vineyard. It will be my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. Thank you all for your support of MVYouth! I enjoy writing these updates each year and seeing where my fellow recipients have adventured to since graduating. Have a wonderful 2025!
Lena Hanschka - Colby College
2024 brought much change and transition in my life. I began the year in Colchester, Vermont working at Champlain Community Services as a Service Coordinator for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. I grew significantly more confident in my role there and developed deeper relationships with my clients and their families, helping them to navigate the complex system of funding that ultimately pays for their services and daily needs. I found this work deeply rewarding, although quite challenging at times due to the disconnect between the legislative framework that governs state and federally funded non-profits and the daily realities for the people and families we served. In May, I made the difficult decision to leave my job in Vermont and move back to Martha’s Vineyard in large part to support my grandmother as she entered into Hospice care. Moving back to the island brought many challenges, but has ultimately proven to be the best choice for me and my family. It has felt incredibly grounding to be living on the island again and surrounded by a close-knit community. This fall, I began working at the Island Autism Center, making use of my degree in anthropology from Colby College, as well as my work experience from Champlain Community Services. I am very excited to see how that organization continues to grow and provide much needed services to autistic individuals and their families on Martha’s Vineyard. I have also been working at Ghost Island Farm in their farm stand, a place that is truly dedicated to providing the year-round island community with accessible and sustainable produce and other groceries. Thank you to MVYouth for their generous support of island students and the many organizations they fund. The island is a better place for it!
Zephyrine Thompson - George Washington University
My final semester at George Washington University has arrived! After a semester-long leave last spring, Ireturned to DC in September for my final year. The leave was much needed, and gave me time to reconnect with my family and self at home. I had the honor of learning about gardening/landscaping with an experienced Vineyarder, as well as working with Circuit Arts’ children’s theatre program as a counselor. I also spent the weekends with the MV Playhouse’s wonderfully talented Fabulists, performing interactive theatre for (and with!) a fabulous young audience. Feeling reinvigorated, I returned to school for Fall 2024. The fall semester brought several fascinating courses. In Religion, Myth, and Magic, we discussed definitions of religion globally and engaged in thoughtful analyses of what social functions these concepts perform. My Forensic History & International Affairs professor, a director at GW’s National Security Archive,introduced us to the world of FOIA and the methodology of interpreting and utilizing declassified information(Rule #1: Be prepared to wait a few decades!). In my Cartography/GIS course, I learned valuable mapping software skills that I used to contribute over 2000 nodes to an Open Source map of Martha’s Vineyard. Classes this semester are off to a great start. These include a microbiology course on Pandemics and Epidemics, International Economics, International Development, and a couple of French courses focusing on both France and Francophone regions. At the close of this semester in May 2025, I am proud to say that I will graduate with a double major in International Affairs (concentration in Global Public Health) and French Language &Literature from GWU. This genuinely would not have been possible for me without the help of MVYouth, and I am forever grateful for the effort and generosity that goes into making this program possible.
Imani Hall - Duke University
This past year has been a pivotal one for me. I graduated from Duke University with distinction, completing a thesis titled“Generation of Nuclear Localized Rabies Virus for Dissection of Adult Cortical Circuits.”In addition to my major in neuroscience, I earned a minor in psychology and a certificate in child policy research. My time at Duke was incredibly fulfilling, and while leaving was bittersweet, I’m excited by the direction my life is heading now. Currently, I work at Benchling, a biotech company in Boston, where I’m gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of technology and scientific research. I’m also volunteering at Boston Children’s Hospital in the emergency room, which has given me a deeper appreciation for healthcare and the importance of compassionate service. Looking ahead, I’m still in the process of determining my next steps. I’m considering pursuing a PhD, medical school, or potentially an MBA. My interests in science, helping people, and exploring new fields continue to guide my decisions. I’m excited to keep exploring the paths that best align with my skills and passions.
Jo Orr - Wagner College
Thanks to the support of MVYouth, I’m finishing off my senior year at Wagner College. I plan to graduate summa cum laude this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in music studies. This past year has been a whirlwind, with auditions, recitals, and performances. I most recently played Brutus in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at Wagner, with a student-led group called Shakespeare On The Oval. It was an honor to step into a role that has been around for hundreds of years. This last summer, I continued to work as a henna artist on the island, while also singing at gigs like First Friday and the Tisbury Street Fair. For pride month last June, I put up an art show at Mocha Motts in Vineyard Haven. My pieces focused on binary thinking and the stark contrasts between right and wrong, inspired by the current political debates surrounding the lives of trans people. I’m very lucky to have found year-round housing on the Vineyard for myself, so I’ll be returning to the island once I graduate. I could not have made it this far without MVYouth, and I will be forever grateful that I’ve been able to go to college and graduate debt-free.
Julia Gomes - New England Hair Academy
Life has been a whirlwind of growth and gratitude lately! I’m now in my second year as an independent stylist, renting my own chair, and I can confidently say I am so blessed. Being based in Falmouth has been a dream come true—most of my incredible clients make the trip from the Vineyard, which still amazes me. Every day, I get to express my creativity through services like barbing, custom coloring, dimensional blonding, and extensions. Seeing my clients leave feeling confident and beautiful is the most rewarding part of what I do. On a personal note, I recently married the love of my life, a union electrician who’s as supportive as they come. He shares my dream of opening my own salon one day, and together, we’re planning for that exciting future. It’s a goal that feels more achievable with him by my side. When I’m not behind the chair, you’ll usually find me relaxing on the beach with a good book in hand. There’s something about the ocean air that keeps me grounded and reminds me of growing up on the island. None of this would’ve been possible without the support I received from MV Youth. Their funding helped kick-start my career, allowing me to turn my passion into a thriving business. I think back to 16-year-old me, dreaming of a life like this, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. I’m living proof that hard work and a little help can truly make dreams a reality. Here’s to the next chapter—both in my career and my life!
Andres Garcia - Cornell University
This past year has been pivotal for my career growth. During my Master’s semester at Cornell, I decided to pursue a business degree to complement my long-term goals. I believed that consulting would provide valuable skills that align well with an MBA. With my job’s start date landing in July, I dedicated the first half of the year to preparing for the GMAT and submitting applications. I was fortunate to gain admission to the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. My plan is to spend the next few years building my business intuition at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and pursuing my MBA, ideally through sponsorship or a full scholarship. The second half of the year has been equally rewarding. I started at BCG in July and have had the chance to meet incredible people while learning a great deal about business. My work has been engaging and challenging, exposing me to a variety of industries and topics. One of the highlights has been the strong mentorship culture at BCG. Everyone in the office has been approachable and supportive, providing guidance as I navigate my first year. As I approach my 6-month review, I’m excited to learn where I can continue to grow. In the coming years, I plan to explore new opportunities. I’m applying for an ethics fellowship in Europe to study leadership with other young professionals, and I’ll be reapplying to business schools to broaden my options. I plan to focus on entrepreneurship and get a concurrent master’s in computer science. I’m excited about what lies ahead and deeply grateful to those who have invested in my journey, like MVYouth. The support I received has been instrumental in getting me to this point, and I look forward to seeing where my career takes me.
Lee Faraca - Cal Poly
I’m happy to announce that I’m officially a licensed professional civil engineer in the state of California. My area of interest is wastewater treatment and reuse. Given the water crisis in California, there are many opportunities to help supplement and reduce water demand. In part of this, I left my job in Walnut Creek in the fall and moved back to San Luis Obispo. I switched jobs to a firm that has more opportunities to work in recycled water. Many of the projects I currently work on are treating industrial or residential waste from wineries, developments, and/or campgrounds and designing and helping to permit the treated, recycled water, for irrigation purposes. Given Paso Robles, the up and coming “new Napa”, the vineyards are an ideal recipient for recycled water. While doing less municipal work compared to my previous job, it’s fun to work on projects that make a direct local impact. Also who wouldn’t want to visit beautiful wineries as part of their job? Moving back to San Luis Obispo has brought me out of the big city life and into a smaller town. The climate is consistently 60-70 degrees, and I can trail run or play soccer almost any day of the year. In addition, it gives me the opportunity to lecture at Cal Poly, my alma mater. Thank you MVYouth for all you have done. It’s fun reading these annual reports and seeing all the amazing impacts and paths of the benefactors and recipients.
Willa Welch - Northeastern University
This fall I went into my senior year at Northeastern University without knowing that it would be my senior year. I was originally on the 5 year track, but was presented with some exciting opportunities that changed my plan. A year ago, I was thrilled at the idea of co-oping as a software engineer at HubSpot, though it felt like a distant dream given the competitive interview process mixed with a good amount of self-doubt. Everything shifted when, only hours after submitting my resume, I received the at-home assessment. Over the next two months, I poured myself into learning software basics and just about everything HubSpot, juggling classes and my social life (10 roommates!), and navigating four rounds of interviews. I was at Trader Joe’s when I received the co-op offer, and I’ll never forget the immense pride I felt in that moment. I was glad that I pushed myself even when it felt super daunting. I explored Europe and worked on the Vineyard throughout May and June before packing up for Boston in the beginning of July. I’ll admit, after all of the work I’d done to get the position, I was nervous that I may not even like working as a software engineer. Well, turns out I didn’t just like it—I LOVED it. I felt challenged yet supported, capable with so much room to grow, and excited to get to work every morning. At the end of the co-op, I was thrilled to say “see you later” instead of “goodbye,” to HubSpot as I’ll be returning full-time this fall after graduating in May. As I prepare for my final semester at Northeastern University, I cannot thank MVYouth enough for the support throughout the last four years. I have learned so much throughout my time at Northeastern, a ton about computers and software, but more importantly about friendship and about myself. Thank you MVYouth!
Ellie Thomas - Wheaton College
The fall semester was a dynamic and rewarding period in my academic and professional journey. As a senior at Wheaton College majoring in Business and Management with a concentration in Finance, I focused on developing a strong foundation in financial principles, investment strategies, and market analysis. One of the highlights of the semester was my investments class, where I explored concepts such as portfolio management, risk assessment, and responsible investing. This class deepened my passion for sustainable and impactful investment strategies, which aligned with my values and career aspirations. In addition to my major, I continued pursuing my double minors in Journalism and Dance, both of which offered valuable perspectives that complemented my business studies. Journalism remained a vital tool in our society, enabling me to sharpen my research, writing, and analytical thinking skills. Through writing assignments and projects, I learned how to communicate complex ideas effectively, skills that were transferable to a financial career. Dance, on the other hand, remained a constant source of creativity and discipline in my life. It provided me with balance and an outlet for expression, helping me stay grounded despite my hectic schedule. Beyond the classroom, I actively prepared for life after graduation. I sought mentorship and guidance from experienced financial professionals, who offered invaluable insights into the industry. Networking events, informational interviews, and career fairs allowed me to grow my professional network while exploring potential career paths. These opportunities reinforced my goal of pursuing a career in finance.
Marissa D'Antonio - Boston College
It’s been a busy and exciting year, and I’m thrilled to share some big updates! On the work front, I’ve continued my role at CU Boulder as the Financial Systems Coordinator for Continuing Education. It’s been a rewarding year so far, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in streamlining processes and improving efficiency across various aspects of my role. I’ve learned a lot in this position and continue to be grateful for the opportunity to work for such a great university. On the academic front, I’ve made some exciting strides as well. I’ve enrolled in the Professional MBA program at CU Denver! I have completed two semesters so far, and have decided to pursue a concentration in Accounting. It’s been a bit of a challenge balancing a full-time job, school, and everything else, but I’m excited to be pursuing this next chapter in my education and career. It feels great to be pushing myself to grow and expand my skills. Possibly the most exciting update of them all … I officially bought my first house in Lafayette, CO this July! The process was a bit of a whirlwind, but it feels amazing to finally have a place to call my own. I’m still settling in, tackling some home projects, and getting to know the neighborhood, but so far, I love the peaceful vibe of Lafayette while still being so close to everything in Boulder and Denver. With what little free time I have, I enjoy hiking in the mountains with friends, discovering new trails, and spending time in nature. I have also picked up running this year, and have registered for two half marathons in 2025. I will forever be grateful for MVYouth allowing me to venture into adult life without student loans looming over my head. Thank you!
Sam Cranston - University of Vermont
This past year has been a period of significant growth and transformation in my journey as a scientist. I have continued in my role as a Lab Manager at the Boston University Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM). At the CReM, I am a member of the Murphy Laboratory, where we study healthy aging by examining the genetic signatures of centenarians – individuals who live past 100 years old and display an exceptional resistance to aging-related diseases. Building on my research experiences from my undergraduate studies at the University of Vermont and my current work at the CReM, I have taken an exciting next step in my career by applying to PhD programs in biomedical science at institutions across the country. I am currently interviewing at three schools and eagerly await the outcomes, which will be finalized by April 1st. A PhD program will provide the opportunity to explore labs across my range of scientific interests, from Alzheimer's disease to infectious pathogens and other topics in between. I will ultimately choose a lab to conduct my thesis, where I will spearhead research aimed at uncovering novel insights into combating human diseases. As a high school student at MVRHS, I had the opportunity to work on a groundbreaking scientific study examining tick-borne pathogens on Martha’s Vineyard. Through this experience, I fell in love with the world of scientific inquiry, from my work at the lab bench to sharing findings with the broader community. This formative experience remains a key source of motivation in my career. The MVYouth scholarship has played a huge role in supporting my development as a scientist. Your belief in my potential continues to inspire me to push boundaries and pursue a career where I can make a meaningful impact. Thank you.
Kaya Seiman - Bridgewater State University
In August I graduated from Bridgewater State University (BSU) with a BS in Business Administration and Management with a Concentration in Human Resources and in September I started a Master of Science in Accountancy program at my alma mater. I made a big shift from where I started my collegiate experience as a Physical Therapy major, but I am so pleased I followed my path and found my passion. I am also grateful to MVYouth for their generosity throughout my undergraduate experience and especially supporting my early graduation. Currently, I am working as a Graduate Assistant at BSU in the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) as an Academic Coach. As an academic coach I work with students to aid their academic success during their college experience. I support students with organizational skills, time management, test strategies and strategies to reduce test anxiety. I am also a student advocate and work closely with student athletes. It has been a rewarding experience and I feel I am giving back to my college community. I’m enjoying my graduate coursework and thrilled to begin an Audit Internship in June with my top pick accounting firm. People joke that accounting is boring (so I won’t bore you with the details), but I find solving the problems very rewarding. On a personal note, I got a puppy in February. He's a corgi named Turbo and he is the best addition to my life. When I’m not walking Turbo and the weather is conducive, you can find me on the golf course. Juggling graduate school, work and a dog is a challenge, but I am focused and working toward my goals. I wouldn’t want my life any other way.
Eric Reubens - Tufts University
This past year has been filled with many interesting extracurricular and academic ventures as I am finishing up my senior year at Tufts and preparing to study and apply to medical schools. I worked at Boston Children's Hospital over the summer in the Anesthesiology department as a research assistant for a drug delivery project. This experience allowed me to explore clinical research fields more thoroughly, and gain experience and insight working with post-doctorates in the field as well as the doctors running the lab. I have also been working to further expand the efforts of my club Tufts Doctors Without Borders, continuing to advocate for humanitarian aid efforts, bring speakers and facilitate educational events that illuminates the work that Doctors Without Borders does around the world, and bringing more volunteering experiences to the Tufts student community by working with different volunteer organizations.
Peter Burke - Middlebury College
ast spring, I graduated from Middlebury College having completed my BA in Mathematics and Computer Science. While I had apprehensions about college graduation being a time of turmoil and change, I have been very happy with my transition to life after Middlebury. I enjoyed a summer off from academics to relax and reset a bit and have now resumed my studies in a graduate program in Applied Mathematics at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Going into a PhD program in Applied Mathematics straight out of undergraduate, I was a bit nervous having heard so many stories about how hard graduate school could be. However, over the course of my first semester, I feel as though I have settled into the program. While classes are hard, Middlebury offered me strong preparation. Further, the teaching component of school has been rewarding, and I have enjoyed helping students learn college level math. I have cherished the opportunity to potentially help inspire a student to find joy and intrigue in their studies the same way my undergraduate instructors did for me. Finally, while I am still in the early stages of uncovering the full scope of my research interests, being at a program with such strong research production in a subject I find so interesting has been exciting, and I look forward to diving deeper into this aspect of the program in the coming semesters and years. Settling into a new program and new place, I have reflected on how grateful I am for my last four years at Middlebury, and MVYouth for helping to provide me with these opportunities. While I miss the Vineyard and Vermont, I am very happy to have found a new home here and Boulder, and I have loved making new connections and exploring my new area on foot, bike, and ski. As I begin this new chapter in my life, I am continually grateful for the support of MVYouth to me and so many I know. Thank you!
Ruby Reimann - Bates College
This past fall, I completed my fourth year of collegiate soccer at Bates, serving as captain of the Bates Women’s Soccer Team. I received awards for leadership and communication skills. I was selected for the 2024-25 Academic All-District® Women's Soccer Team by College Sports Communicators, recognizing top student-athletes for performance on the field and in the classroom. Additionally, I was named to the NESCAC Fall All-Academic Team for maintaining a GPA of 3.50 or higher during the season. The season began on a high note, but we narrowly missed the playoffs after a close loss to our Maine rival, Colby College. While transitioning away from collegiate soccer has been a challenging experience, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to compete at such an elite college. Much of this has been possible thanks to the support of MVYouth. Off the field, I have been living in an off-campus house supported by MVYouth, sharing the space with three teammates and best friends. This experience has been a wonderful opportunity to develop homeowner skills while creating lasting memories. Academically, this year has been both challenging and rewarding. I took three upper-level Psychology courses: Health Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and Sensation and Perception. As part of my coursework, I worked on a research project exploring how political attitudes affect visual perception. In my elective Ethnographic Methods course, I conducted a project examining gender differences in the sport experiences of Bates student-athletes in the post-Title IX era. This project was fulfilling, offering valuable insights into how different athletes navigate their sports experiences at Bates. With graduation approaching, I am actively applying to jobs in the Boston area, with interest in a career in Public Health. I recently applied for a Job Shadow Opportunity through Bates, which I will complete this spring. Additionally, I am preparing to work on my Senior Thesis during the upcoming semester.
Garrett Broadley - New England Institute of Technology
I’m still using the knowledge that was given to me by NEIT every day to make a future for myself, still working and living in Connecticut but some things has changed in my job that I’m excited about. Seems like all my hard work is paying off, I love turning wrenches it really gives me a sense of accomplishment when you take something that not a lot of other people can fix and you fix it properly. I’m just over 3 years of working at the shop I am currently at I feel like I have proven myself and I hope that I will keep that trust of my boss through my work experiences we have together. Not only do I still turn wrenches I also am in charge of the shop now, pretty much the lead technician, my boss gave me a desk that has my diploma and all my certifications on and even business cards with my own name on sitting up front in the waiting room, but I know that it comes with more responsibility which I thoroughly enjoy, I now am not only in charge of not only the mechanics but I also now take point of getting in touch with insurance companies to make sure that we get claims and policies fulfilled for proper care of the customer and vehicle repairs. I also have the ability to write repair orders for vehicles coming for service and have more contact with the customers coming in to answer questions or ease their concerns about their vehicle which is super fun, I’ve always wanted somewhat of a service advisor role and hopefully I can work my way deeper into the business to help my boss create something great. I will be forever grateful for what this scholarship has done for me in my education because I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support.
Maria Clara Lacerda - Northeastern University
This past semester has been an incredible journey as I studied abroad at Bond University in the Gold Coast, Australia. Having never traveled to this side of the globe, I was nervous yet excited to embrace the opportunities and adventures ahead. Bond University, though small, offered an intimate and supportive community where I formed lifelong friendships, adapted to new challenges, and gained valuable personal and academic insights that I will carry with me for a long time. The courses I took were fascinating and aligned really well with my major in Psychology and Business Administration, along with my minor in data science. I particularly enjoyed exploring consumer data and marketing trends through a global lens, which gave me fresh perspectives to bring back home. Outside the classroom, I immersed myself in Australia’s vibrant culture. The Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches, amazing weather, and outdoor lifestyle made it easy to adapt and explore. I learned how to live more independently, embrace new perspectives, and truly appreciate the diversity of experiences the world has to offer. This semester broadened my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and I feel more confident, inspired, and prepared for the future. As I return home, I’m eager to continue building on what I’ve learned. I’ll soon be applying for my second co-op and look forward to integrating the knowledge and global insights I’ve gained into my academic and professional life. Thank you to MVYouth for making this transformative experience possible. Your support has allowed me to not only pursue my education but also grow in ways that will have a lasting impact on my future. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has afforded me and will continue to make the most of them.
Sam Bresnick - Boston College
This past fall I enrolled at Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The first semester was intense and challenging, but I loved the process of it. I really enjoyed the class discussions, the professors, and the community at Wake. The first semester I had Torts, Contracts, and Criminal law, and this upcoming semester I am finishing up the rest of my doctrinal and taking Civil Procedure, Property, and Constitutional Law. This experience has been eye-opening, and with that my career aspirations have changed. There are many different career paths that I am open to and a wide range of practice areas that I am interested in. I am going to use my time here to explore those different options. Currently, I'm looking to either intern with government agencies in Washington D.C. or in Boston, or clerking for a judge over the summer months. Whatever I end up doing I have no doubt the experience will be rewarding, and am excited to see what opportunities are ahead. With that, I am grateful for the help that MVYouth has given me, and appreciative of the work that MVYouth continues to do in helping the Island community. I cannot thank you enough!
Larissa De Oliveira - University of Massachusetts, Amherst
My spring 2024 semester provided me with the opportunity to expand my skills and experiences in ways that will be invaluable in my future career. One highlight was Literature and Education, a course taught by Professor Jenny Adams, which allowed me to develop practical teaching skills such as lesson planning, activity building, and assignment drafting. I particularly enjoyed implementing my lesson plans while teaching a class, as it gave me hands-on experience. The course also emphasized the importance of community building, enabling my classmates and me to collaborate and exchange ideas on how to enhance the classroom experience in future teaching roles. Another standout class was Personality Psychology, taught by Professor John Bickford. His engaging and enriching teaching style made the course both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Overall, this semester gave me the chance to build a strong foundation for my senior year while also appreciating the beauty of Amherst in the spring. Returning to UMass in the fall for my final year was bittersweet. During this semester, I focused on completing the requirements for my major and minor, as well as finishing the courses needed for my TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. Alongside academics, I made it a priority to create lasting memories at UMass. I regularly attended sports games, participated in campus events, and engaged in club activities, making the most of my remaining time on campus. As I look ahead to my final semester, I feel both excitement and nostalgia. While I’m eager to wrap up my experience at UMass, I’m also anticipating the bittersweet emotions that graduation will bring. I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received from the donors and the MVYouth organization, which has played an essential role in making this journey possible.