NEXT DAVIS SCHOLAR
PROFILE >
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE DAVIS DEGREE PROGRAM?
I
entered Holyoke Community College (in Holyoke, Massachusetts) with the expressed desire to
later complete a baccalaureate degree from a non-traditional program
at an elite women’s college. When I learned
of the Davis Degree program at Wellesley, it
quickly became my main pursuit, as I knew I wanted a different
experience than the pre-planned path for women from HCC who want
to compete for the few open slots at the local elite colleges.
WHAT IS THE DAVIS SCHOLAR COMMUNITY LIKE?
Our community consists of a diverse group of talented, smart, and competitive women from across the country and around the world. We differ in age, race, sexuality, and class, and we participate in all types of formal and informal campus activities and form bonds and friendships that last for years. Many Davis Scholars hold important government and group council positions and participate in identity and recreation groups. We compete for the same academic prizes and study abroad programs as our traditional Wellesley sisters, and we often win. During the semester and summer, Davis Scholars gather regularly for on-campus parties at CE (Continuing Education) House or one of our two on-campus residences. Some students also enjoy Boston and excursions to other nearby cities and states.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WELLESLEY?
I just love Wellesley, period. Everything about Wellesley enriches the life, heart, and soul of women who seek to make a difference on campus and in the world. I love the academics, the students and professors, and the engaged academic discourse in all of our campus activities. The Wellesley community is busy, busy, busy!
The support systems at Wellesley are many and varied. I receive academic, financial, career, and personal support from Dean Susan Cohen, all of my professors, the Center for Work & Service, and my Davis Degree Wellesley sisters (and some traditional Wellesley sisters too). Additionally, professors have an open door policy and regularly meet with me to discuss personal, career, spiritual, and academic concerns. What makes Wellesley so special is that you can stop any member of the faculty and staff, regardless of major or department, and someone is always happy to make time for you.
The Davis Degree program has enlarged my perspective academically and globally. As an Environmental Studies major focusing on Environmental Justice, I have received an experiential education through a Wintersession course and follow-up internship in Kingston, Jamaica. I learned first-hand of the interconnectedness of poverty and political powerlessness in the lives of Jamaicans who want a cleaner, healthier environment.
WHAT
DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT BOSTON?
Born
in New Haven, CT, I’m a New England girl at heart. Attending
Wellesley after living in Maryland for nine years has allowed
me to rediscover my love for the city. I love the rich history
of Boston, its diversity in people and culture, and its globally
recognized place in the world as having some of the best colleges.
I’ve enjoyed African dance classes, museums, plays, dining,
movies, shopping, and sight-seeing.
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO AFTER GRADUATION?
I
plan to pursue work with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to create new
coalitions between the government and the religious community for
a cleaner, greener Massachusetts for our children. I hope to soon
enroll in a graduate school for Environmental Studies and Education.
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