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.
Ellie Thomas - Wheaton College
During my fall semester, I participated in a program called Semester in the City. Semester in the City is a fully-credited fellowship program, allowing undergraduate students to immerse themselves in a semester-long experience in Boston. This program offers hands-on learning through meticulously supported internships within the dynamic landscape of the social sector. I had the amazing opportunity to intern at Harmony Capital Advisors. They are a boutique investment management firm that focuses on sustainability. I was assigned a great mentor who walked me through everything and taught me new skills. At HCA, I was assigned a special project where I was given the chance to enhance their portfolio by identifying two new investment opportunities. By the end of the semester, I had to pitch my presentation to the investment team and defend the companies that I think they should buy. This past semester was eye-opening and important for me because I am majoring in business finance and for the first time, I can say that I had an opportunity to immerse myself in the finance world. My Semester in the City and internship at Harmony Capital Advisors not only bolstered my professional competence but also instilled a sense of confidence and adaptability. I emerged from this experience with a well-rounded understanding of the financial sector, grew my professional network, and a renewed enthusiasm for contributing meaningfully to the ever-evolving world of finance in a unique way.
Ellie Thomas - Wheaton College
My first semester as a sophomore at Wheaton College was an exciting one. I lucked out on another dingle (room made for a double but with only one person) this year. I love having my own space and I am very grateful it worked out that way. I finally declared my major, business finance, during the first few weeks of school. Over the summer I spent six weeks in Nice, France and when I saw that Wheaton was going to have a French for Business class for the first time I knew I had to take part, because of the path I wanted to go down. I became so relieved that I had declared my major because it ignited the start of my Wheaton career. Taking Business Fundamentals and Marketing has taught me alot about the entertainment industry and the importance of being precise in everything I do. I am still a part of TRYBE which is the multicultural hip hop group on campus. Every year I get more excited to be a member of this amazing group. Having this type of outlet for me has been so much easier for when I’m missing home. I finally joined Wheaton’s Black Student Association which has been wonderful. We met once a week, and discussed many opportunities for how our group can be more involved on campus and bring awareness to the importance of why these groups are special and that there needs to be more action in gaining more students of color. I am looking forward to seeing everyone soon. Every semester has its ups and downs, but for me, I'm just getting started.
Ellie Thomas - Wheaton College
My first semester at Wheaton College, in Massachusetts was nerve racking but I adjusted. I wasn’t put with a roommate and I was worried I wouldn't have a “built in best friend”. But as the days went on, it truly was one of best thing that could have happened to me as an incoming freshman. I felt like an outcast at first, but it forced me to put myself out there - to make connections, and join groups that I never thought I would be a part of. After the first week of school, I auditioned for Wheaton’s hip-hop and multicultural dance group called TRYBE. Everyone in TRYBE is so different and diverse and learning each other’s culture has been such a fun learning experience for me. I was so excited to be on a dance team, doing something that I love. With all my classes offered in person and wearing masks, it has easily helped me connect with other students and especially get to know my professors. My college experience has almost been normal and I am grateful I had the opportunity to meet great people and have the options to explore as many things as I would like. For my first semester I walked in undecided. Only because Wheaton does not have a communications major, and that was what I wanted to go into. So I just took classes that sparked my interest like, African American History, Social Justice and the Arts, West African Mande History, and French. All those classes were thought provoking and I learned a lot about myself and how I view our country. For my spring semester, I will be majoring in business finance, a complete 180! I am excited for what next semester has in store. I just want to say a huge thank you to MVYouth for allowing me to have this scholarship. It has given me so much room to explore and enjoy my time in my academic career, and is one of the best things that has ever been given to me.