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What has been a standout moment for you at ������ý so far?

Submitting my history thesis, “Dangerous Do-Gooders: Untangling the Complicated Legacy of Nineteenth-Century British Female Philanthropists,” this past April while studying abroad with the London History Study Group. It was incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to research any historical topic I chose with all the archives and libraries London has to offer at my fingertips. Ultimately I’m glad to have chosen a topic that incorporates my interests in how our positionality as humans impacts our conceptions of activism, reform, and philanthropy. I spent countless days at the British Library Archives during my study-abroad experience, working on this thesis, so seeing it complete was both gratifying and bittersweet.

Could you tell us a bit about your Manzi Fellowship internship?

During my sophomore year, I had the honor of being selected for ������ý’s Manzi Fellowship, which places ������ý students in summer internships at a variety of nonprofit organizations across Boston. I was placed at Women's Lunch Place, a day shelter located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood for women experiencing poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity. 

Being a part of the direct care team at Women’s Lunch Place has also allowed me to learn about the role of trauma, mental health, domestic violence, and mass incarceration in perpetuating the cycle of poverty through the stories of the guests I worked with every day. 

To say this opportunity has changed my life would be an understatement. 

What are you looking forward to at ������ý?

What I’m most looking forward to as I enter my senior year is working with the ������ý Debate Society to host the annual ������ý Open. Each year in the spring, the society hosts an international debate tournament on ������ý’s campus. We have the privilege of welcoming circuit friends from as close as Rochester and as far away as Zambia! The tournament is three days of competitive, spirited debate, all run by our team and volunteers.

What’s your favorite place on campus, and what makes it special to you?

The Writing and Speaking Center on the first floor of Lathrop Hall. As a peer writing consultant, I have spent many evenings helping fellow students with written assignments to help them believe in their ideas and voices. I’ve also spent countless nights receiving valuable feedback on my own work. The center, beyond being a calm, cozy, and inviting space for collaboration, is also filled with some of the brightest and kindest people at ������ý.

What advice would you give to future ������ý students?

Put yourself out there and try new things! Do the big, brave, bold thing that keeps you up at night. If it’s worth doing, it will probably make you feel scared at first. Join clubs, introduce yourself to new people, and apply for opportunities, even if you’re unsure if you’ll be successful. ������ý’s campus, which offers a variety of social, recreational, and academic opportunities, along with its close-knit, kind, and diverse community, makes it the perfect place to discover who you are and make your dreams come true.