Write it down
Erica Barreto '18
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Erica Barreto, a sophomore and English major concentrating in creative writing, says she has dedicated her time at MCLA to exploring her passions and talents in hopes of better understanding what career path will bring her the most satisfaction, or as she likes to describe it, “happiness.” Erica believes that the liberal arts education she is receiving at MCLA expands her way of thinking, allowing her to interconnect material across all subjects and form ideas and concepts to greater lengths. As someone who has always been a passionate writer, Erica's passion has recently extended to other aspects of her life, such as education, her profession, and community involvement. Erica states that "education is the foundation for progression, innovations and new ways of thinking."
Through her experiences at MCLA, Erica has quickly learned the importance of community through her appreciation for teaching and, in turn, her respect for learning. This past summer, Erica was able to experience teaching first hand while she worked as an academic tutor counselor with MCLA’s Individual Enrichment Program. Her experience with this program shaped skills of her own and Erica explains, “I learned more about myself than I could have ever taught the students I was working with.”
Erica finds inspiration from the many alumni who continue to give back, making her and her peers dreams of a college education a reality. “It’s all about the connections, and how alumni help incoming students achieve the same opportunities they have had in the past. Without student scholarship aid, my own scholarship would probably not have been made possible.”
During her time at MCLA, Shadea has fully embraced the many opportunities available to her, participating in theatre, the WJJW Radio Station, and Dance Company. This semester, Shadea is embarking on what may be “one of the most rewarding experiences of her life,” studying abroad at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas. While there she will be taking classes in English, Communications, and Theatre, auditioning for their dance team, and exploring opportunities with the University’s radio station. Shadea’s study abroad experience was made possible through the National Student Exchange Program and was funded by applying her financial aid awards from MCLA.
Shadea is just one example of the impact financial aid makes. Did you know that 46% percent of all MCLA students were eligible for Federal Pell Grants last year and that 90% of all MCLA students applied for financial aid? Due to this increasingly pressing need, this year the College has introduced a special scholarship initiative to help increase funds available to our students and their families. The need is greater now than ever before. When you give to the Alumni Fund, you are making it possible for MCLA’s students, like Shadea, to begin and complete their journey; allowing them to fulfill their dreams and discover their passions.
Erica has always been a passionate writer. This passion has extended to other aspects of her life, such as education, her profession, and community involvement. Erica states that education is the foundation for progression, innovations and new ways of thinking.