ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE
DAVIS STUDENTS:

"Where you are in your life doesn’t matter – do this for yourself and you will never, ever regret it.” Jayne Lew

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WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE DAVIS DEGREE PROGRAM?
When I came to work here in the Alumnae Office at Wellesley, one of my good friends and colleagues told me about the Davis Degree Program. He knew I had considered it a “missing piece of the puzzle” that I hadn’t gotten my degree.

I am a biology/pre-vet major. Although I was raised in the inner city, I have dreamed of being a large-animal veterinarian ever since I can remember. I now have the opportunity to become what I always wanted to be. And, even if I don’t, I will be able to work in the field in another way.
           
WHAT IS THE DAVIS SCHOLAR COMMUNITY LIKE?
I have spoken to many other students who attend continuing education at other institutions but find that only Wellesley has a real CE community held together by the Dean of the Davis Scholars, the Coordinator of the Davis House, and the many activities and services offered to the Davis Scholars.

Working in the Alumnae Office provided me with the unique opportunity to see two sides of Wellesley – the alumnae and the students. Having met so many women who are still so connected to Wellesley and who dedicate their time and resources to keeping the connection, and having interacted with present students, I have seen a full view of Wellesley College. As a volunteer at the Tufts Neo-Natal ICU for large animals, I have met graduates from Wellesley now becoming veterinarians. When we meet, they encourage me.

In my first bio lab at Wellesley, a (traditional-age) student asked me, “What’s it like to learn again at your age?” I told her that it took longer, as the gray matter had deteriorated over the years and the synapses weren’t as fast.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WELLESLEY?
The academics here are challenging, to say the least. It's very different to study the sciences again – the element chart has grown since I was last in school, and the students here are so smart! But it says something when I can converse with my best friend’s son, who just graduated, about PAX gene knockouts in mice, and he and I are the only ones who can understand the conversation.

It is also amazing to see Wellesley women connect with each other via networking, clubs, the Center for Work and Service, etc. I have used tutoring and what I have found most useful are the librarians in the Science Lab, the professors but most of all the students themselves especially when working on group projects.

WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO AFTER GRADUATION?
If I get into veterinary school, I will go. Absolutely.