Being from the Midwest, but with my sights set on attending college in the east, the Joyce Ivy Scholars program seem like a perfect fit for me. The spring of my junior year I learned that I was one of five female students from Minnesota who were awarded a Joyce Ivy Scholarship. I chose to participate in Brown University’s “Engineering Biomedical Systems”. I loved the program and enjoyed the other students I met who were from all over the U.S., as well as overseas. I also became more comfortable with the idea that I could do well at a highly competitive college.
So I applied to several colleges, a few of them early action. I was happy to learn I was accepted to my EA schools, but when Ivy Day came and I found out that I was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania, my choice was clear. Penn had everything I wanted. I liked the strong academic environment and how easy it was to take classes at any of Penn’s undergraduate schools. I knew I wanted to be in a big city on the East Coast that also offered a beautiful campus and a great social atmosphere. My major was initially neuroscience, but now I'm undecided and considering economics and possibly pre-law.
Outside of academics, I am a coxswain for Penn men’s lightweight rowing. My role is to be the coach in the boat, steering, executing race strategy, keeping a crew synchronized and motivating rowers to pull harder on their oars. Men’s rowing is a college sport where often the coxswains are female. Our practices are on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River and although the early morning practices can be tough, I love being on the water and find it very rewarding. Note: I had no prior experience and the story of my recruitment will be the subject of another blog post!
In addition to crew, I also play for Penn women’s club soccer team. We play teams in our area like Villanova and Drexel. I’ve played soccer my whole life and I like that the club level is a nice balance of competition and fun. I have other hobbies, like music, running, and cooking that I am able to find some time for at Penn. I still miss some things about home though - my family, friends, places that I used to hang out, and my cats.
I am lucky to have a roommate who is busy and involved in a lot of activities like me. I’ve also made friends from various parts of the country, all who have their own remarkable stories. I am very grateful to the Joyce Ivy Foundation in affording me and many others opportunities to explore college options and I look forward to contributing to this amazing community!
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