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.