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.

As I near the end of my first semester at the University of Vermont, reflecting on this journey feels like flipping through a slideshow of personal growth, both socially and academically. The switch from a small hometown to a larger university initially stirred concerns for me about finding my niche, yet those worries faded as I realized we were all embarking on this new chapter together. Engaging in clubs, bonding with people in my classes and around campus, quickly allowed me to shatter my shell, resulting in friendships that now span across the country. Academically, adapting to the different teaching styles posed challenges. My preference for visual and interactive learning clashed with lecture-heavy classes. However, determined not to fall behind, I sought guidance from my professors during office hours, spent many hours in libraries and coffee shops, and even formed study groups with classmates. This proactive approach transformed once-daunting subjects into more comprehensible material. Burlington's community has also been an unexpected wellspring of inspiration. Here, many individuals and groups passionately champion various causes, from environmental activism to social justice initiatives. As a Political Science major, witnessing this dynamic landscape has been an eye-opening experience - a front-row seat to the evolution of politics within a community. The unwavering support from MVYouth has been incredibly valuable in helping me find my footing at UVM. With this fall semester coming to a close, I now anticipate this next phase of my university journey. I'm eager to dive deeper into more creative courses, engage further with my new vibrant community, and foster more meaningful connections that will continue to shape this exciting new chapter of my life.