Ready for whatever life throws at her
Lily Breen '17
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Senior Lilly Breen feels sentimental and reflective about her last three years at the College. She's admittedly nervous about her upcoming graduation, but she also knows her experience at MCLA has made her ready for whatever life throws at her.
"I know I am ready for it and feel adequately prepared. MCLA has provided me with a lot of opportunities in the past (awesome classes, internships, jobs) and I feel like my experience will help me a lot in the future," Lilly said.
Lilly spends her time working, interning and studying—but when she has free time she can be found tending to her plants in her townhouse. She describes herself as an "amateur botanist."
One of Lilly's most rewarding experiences at the College was her semester abroad in Prague. "I learned how to survive when pushed into a culture that is so different from anywhere that I've ever lived," Lily said. "The Czech Republic is such an interesting, wonderful place, and I thrived much more than I ever thought I would have."
Though she's still not sure what she wants to do yet after college, MCLA's liberal arts education has provided her with experience in multiple fields. Lilly is particularly interested in sociology and social work as well as public health and sustainable science programs. One of the things she hopes to study further is sustainable food systems. Lilly currently studies sociology. One of her favorite parts of MCLA's sociology program is the wonderful professors and the emphasis on graduate school.
"Knowing that other people thought I had potential to go on and possibly further my education after graduating from MCLA meant a lot to me," Lilly said.
If there was one piece of advice Lilly could leave to underclassmen, it's to not let the little things weigh you down. "Although college can be really stressful and overwhelming at times, it's important to remember why you're here," Lilly said. "Put your best work forward and take pride in it, because it is a reflection of yourself. You don't have to be perfect, but it is important to work hard."
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.