2025
This fall I was in a Smith-approved Tufts program in Madrid, Spain! Madrid is a vibrant city in the center of a country that’s rich in culture. A short walk from the metro in any direction gets you to a museum, a flamenco show, a musical, and so much more! I frequently explored Retiro Park and found new restaurants and cafes with fellow students, who became close friends. Through the program, I visited El Escorial, Segovia and Granada. I also visited Valencia, Barcelona and Toledo. Travel is a great way to learn about the different autonomous communities of Spain and their history (Alhambra in Granada pictured). Outside of Spain, I visited France and Austria. I took Advanced Spanish, Spanish Film, and a class on Urban Art. As a Spanish Major, it was useful to learn the colloquial language, and through film analysis I learned a lot about the country – the impact of Franco, family closeness, thoughts on immigration, etc. In art we saw the murals of the Lavapiés neighborhood and made our own creations. A friend and I organized a POC event for students in the Tufts program, allowing for conversations on race in Spain. I look forward to cooking Spanish food with the recipes I have from a cooking class and my Host Mom’s homemade dinners. Living with a Host Mom was one of the most special, immersive experiences. My internship at ABCGo Nurseries – an English daycare for Spanish kids ages 0 to 3 – was also fantastic. I read for them, led activities, played with them, and fed them lunch. It’ll go towards my Education Minor and Translations Concentration. My semester abroad in Spain was so enlightening and it’s thanks to the incredible support of MVYouth that I’m able to have experiences like these during my undergraduate studies.
2024
I had a great third semester at Smith College! I took a fascinating Spanish class – “Asian-Latine Cultural Encounters” – focusing on the relations between parts of Asia and the Americas. I also took an education class on the Learning Sciences, a Latin American Studies course and an acting elective. I’ve continued with the Glee Club – now serving on the board – and this year I’m one of the Social Event Coordinators for my house (dormitory building). With this position, I’ve hosted events such as a pumpkin carving activity and monthly movie nights, which have been so fun! I’ve grown so close to my residence community, through Friday Tea and my position on House Council, and I still immerse myself in Smith traditions. . . On Mountain Day this year, my friends and I went apple-picking at a nearby orchard! I also joined Smith Cheerleading as a fun, new extracurricular to get to know more people and stay active. We cheer at basketball games, and perform at a competition in the spring. I look forward to my next set of classes: “Portuguese for Spanish Speakers”, an education class centered around race, and the gateway to Translation Studies, among others. I’m a Spanish Major (prospective Education Minor), and the translations course would go towards a Translations Concentration, if I so choose to pursue that. I also loved being in the musical last year, so I hope to partake in some form of theatre again next semester. At Smith I have so many options, and the school helps solidify my academic and life goals. It’s due to the continued support of MVYouth and the generosity of my Vineyard community that I’m able to take such interesting classes, and participate in a wide array of opportunities at the college that I chose and love. I’m so grateful.
2023
My first semester at Smith College was incredible! Northampton is perfect because it’s far enough away yet simultaneously close enough to home. It’s a lovely tourist town that reminds me of the Vineyard charm, and with the PVTA bus I can easily travel to see high school friends at nearby schools. Smith has a beautiful campus, a rigorous women’s college learning environment and many traditions. Among these traditions, I enjoyed my first “Mountain Day” with new friends, baking and having a picnic on the hill by the pond. I enjoyed “Cromwell Day”, where I partook in social and racial justice workshops. Whether it’s one of these big events, or the weekly Smith House Tea, this school allows for wellness, bonding and important conversations. I love the many opportunities at Smith. Being a music and performance enthusiast, I joined the Glee Club choir, singing at semester concerts like “Autumn Serenade” and “Christmas Vespers”, but also special occasions like the Inauguration of Smith College’s 12th president, Sarah Willie-LeBreton. I look forward to auditioning for the spring musical, “Grease”, and continuing with the yearbook club, where I’ve made flyers and worked on outreach. My fall classes and professors were also fantastic. I plan on double majoring in Spanish and Education, so I took “Contemporary Cultures in the Spanish Speaking World” and “Intro to American Education”, but also other interesting classes like a studio art “Drawing Social Justice”, through the open curriculum. I’m excited for next semester’s schedule. With the support of MVYouth I’m able to pursue my further education at a welcoming institution, where I’m meeting amazing people and joining classes and clubs that strengthen my knowledge, leadership and passions. Without them, the process would be much more difficult. I’m so thankful to be from an island with such a generous community.