Q: How much have you grown since starting at New England College?
A: My personal growth at NEC has been immeasurable. Despite only spending five semesters here, I have grown both as a student and as a young woman. New England College provides its students with ample opportunities for growth and personal betterment and this is perhaps the most rewarding aspect of attending college here.
Q: What did you like the most?
A: Athletics, specifically women’s volleyball, lies at the heart of my undergraduate experience. I have had the utmost privilege of being a division III athlete alongside teammates that are now my family. I simply could not be more grateful for the opportunity to begin a new athletics program here at NEC and to become a part of the college’s decorated history.
Q: What will you miss?
A: I will miss the atmosphere most. In the most cliche of ways, there’s something in the water here. The energy on this campus is one only a Grim would know.
Q: Who, if anyone, would you like to thank (at NEC or otherwise)?
A: I attribute my success to many individuals as I certainly did not traverse this path alone. While I am grateful for all of the staff here at New England College, Dr. Carrie Colbert and Dr. Kittie Weber served as an undeniably integral part of my success. Outside of college, I’d like to thank my parents, my best friend, and my partner as they supported me behind the scenes through every hardship while I grew into the person I am today.
Q: What would you say to your first-year self?
A: To never stop striving but to also know when to pause and reflect on the achievements thus far. Nelson Mandela said, “it always seems impossible until it’s done”, and I think this is the truest representation of my undergraduate journey. I hope other students entering their journey find peace in knowing there is no such thing as impossible.
Q: Why did you want to be a commencement speaker?
A: I so badly wanted the Class of 2019 to be properly recognized for their outstanding achievements. I was unsure that I could best represent these accomplishments but I knew I had to try. As graduation quickly approaches, I am overwhelmed with pride in the personal connections I have made here and I am excited to pay homage to the most deserving of classes.
