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!

During my first semester at college, I have had so many new and exciting experiences. Throughout my short time at Middlebury so far, I have been challenged both academically and personally. Middlebury is full of welcoming and wonderful people who I know will be lifelong friends of mine. The community and environment of Middlebury is so supportive – both the teachers and students.  At first, I was slightly overwhelmed by starting out the year involved with a sport as well as many academically challenging classes. Although everything felt like a lot, I knew that I had many people I could rely on. I was excited to take lots of interesting classes, including pursuing my interest in psychology. I was able to take many classes that I didn’t even know existed and learned a lot of helpful and intriguing information.  I was also very excited to be part of a sports team at Middlebury. I was able to continue my love for running as well as be a part of a group of wonderful people that have become some of my closest friends. Middlebury has provided me with so many helpful resources about clubs, careers, and classes. Although it is hard to fit the many things I want to do at this school into only a certain amount of days, I look forward to joining clubs that could help me pursue my love for psychology as well as others that could help me think about what I want for my future. During the fall semester, my first psychology class was challenging, but even so, my professor instilled a curiosity in me to learn more. I am excited to explore the major of psychology as well as explore many other paths I could take.  I am so grateful for the support that MVYouth has provided me. I couldn’t be happier at Middlebury College and I am so excited for everything else that this beautiful place has in store for me. It means so much to me that so many people from the Martha's Vineyard community want to support me in my future at Middlebury. I can’t thank MVYouth or the Island community enough.