NEXT DAVIS SCHOLAR
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WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE DAVIS DEGREE PROGRAM?
I
had always wanted to graduate from college. No one in my family
had ever done so before. After high school, my education was interrupted
due to relocations, marriage, and the need to work full time. Affording an education, attending class, and studying
in addition to working just seemed like too overwhelming a task.
On 9-11 my whole
life changed. I gave birth to a child who was born with a rare
cranial-facial syndrome. I stopped working and completely
focused my attention on my daughter. After a few years of watching
her achieve her milestones, I realized that obstacles are
inevitable; it’s how you manage them that makes you successful.
When my daughter started preschool, I volunteered in her
school and at various community programs. I felt obligated
to do something valuable with my time while she was in school. I realized
that if I had time to volunteer, I could make time to complete my
education. Seeing and knowing the challenges my daughter will have
to face in her life also helps me see that I can achieve my own goals.
All it takes is confidence, courage, and the belief that you can make
a difference. Fortunately, I had someone behind me who believed in
me when I doubted myself. He, along with my daughter, gave me the
courage to apply to Wellesley.
Getting into
Wellesley was an amazing accomplishment. The feeling that I got
when I received my acceptance letter was indescribable. Tears come to
my eyes just thinking about it. Wellesley believed in me too! I’m
extremely fortunate to have the support of my family and the entire
Wellesley community behind me. With them, I have no doubt I will
succeed. I’m looking forward to the day I graduate so I can
look to my professors, my family, and especially my daughter
to say thank you, not just for changing my life, but for giving me
the ability to believe in myself.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH ON CAMPUS?
Wellesley encourages students to engage in a broad range of learning experiences so that they develop their interests and explore them from multidisciplinary perspectives. I was awarded a Mellon Mays
Undergraduate Fellowship, which offers a generous stipend to support academic research throughout
the year. I’ll be doing research on lead contamination in the
Neponset River (MA) and working on architectural preservation with the Boston Preservation
Alliance. With these experiences, I’m confident
I’ll have the ability to pursue graduate study.
WHAT IS THE DAVIS SCHOLAR COMMUNITY LIKE?
The
Davis Degree program has given me an amazing sense of accomplishment
and acceptance. Watching other Davis Scholars manage their family
commitments, commuting, class time, study time, and work helps
me to realize I can do so as well. These women are my inspiration. This program provides a noncompetitive environment. It
encourages our uniqueness. Although we may have different
majors and interests, we understand the challenges of juggling
many commitments. In this sense, we are very much the same. We
are bonded in mutual support and admiration.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WELLESLEY?
I
love everything about Wellesley! The campus is beautiful. The Davis
Scholar community is supportive, and professors are accessible. Tutors
are on hand to assist you with every subject. Administrative support
is available to help you navigate your way through financial aid,
registration, transfer credits, and work study. I have also appreciated the Stone Health
Center's counseling services and the Center for Work and Service's resume assistance
and internship and fellowship support.
Lectures about a broad range of subjects are open for all
to attend; the Keohane Sports Center provides opportunities for
exercise, sports, and recreation; and the Clapp Library provides access
to books, texts, journals, and publications through a library consortium
of various colleges and institutions.
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