Extraordinary journeys begin in unexpected places.
Read more about the extraordinary places these students experienced through their Grinnell College journeys.
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When Sophie visited Grinnell, she was enamored by the diversity, authenticity, and openness of the students she interacted with. Those interactions continued throughout her four years and developed into friendships and relationships that she will continue to value after graduation. She similarly valued her experiences with service, research, advocacy, the Rosenfield Program, internships, externships, study abroad, and getting to know Grinnell.
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When Sophie visited Grinnell, she was enamored by the diversity, authenticity, and openness of the students she interacted with. Those interactions continued throughout her four years and developed into friendships and relationships that she will continue to value after graduation. She similarly valued her experiences with service, research, advocacy, the Rosenfield Program, internships, externships, study abroad, and getting to know Grinnell.
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Enya knew that the best way for her to grow was to be surrounded by different people, so she chose Grinnell. She indeed grew a lot, by interacting with diverse people, as well as through swimming, water polo, the College’s individually advised curriculum, and by creating an unconventional off-campus study.
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Camila knew that a liberal arts education in the form of an individually advised curriculum would best fit her academic needs and allow her to explore her interests. Majoring in political science and Spanish, she was also able to live in Farm House, join two Student Educational Policy Committees, do a congressional internship, and work as a New Student Orientation coordinator.
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When Eva visited Grinnell, she felt safe, comfortable, and empowered to shape her education. Four years later, she has participated in and mentored the Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program, built a supportive community, explored Iowa, researched gender-based violence and feminicide in Latin America, and more.
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When Justina visited Grinnell, she found a positive, encouraging, curious, and courageous community of people from around the world. Four years later, she has also found opportunities to study abroad, perform with the Latin American Jazz Ensemble, and serve in various advocacy and mentorship roles.
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Ailsa came to Grinnell for the rural setting and the opportunity to run cross country. A few years later, she is loving building, supporting, and being a part of student communities, as well as asking questions about religion in and out of the classroom. She looks forward to connecting with people through a service program next year.
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Chaz was recruited to play football at Grinnell, and he loved the family he found through football. However, that was only the start of his Grinnell journey — he also went on an environmental stewardship Alternative Break trip, did an affordable housing internship, and researched the history of afro-futurism. Through it all, he has savored the kindness and support of the people at Grinnell.
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Claire applied Early Decision to Grinnell and has never looked back. She volunteers at a local animal shelter, worked for the former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during election season, secured a remote internship while spending a summer in Grinnell, studied abroad in Denmark, and prepared for a career in law by job-shadowing a Grinnell alum and attorney.
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Merel came to Iowa from California, then joined the cross country team, explored her new hometown, and worked at an NGO in Mexico, all within her first year. A political science major, Merel caucused in Iowa during the election season, then found ways to maintain Grinnell community during Covid.
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Lex was focused on urban colleges until she visited Grinnell and fell in love. Since arriving, she has job-shadowed a lawyer in Miami, served as a community advisor (CA), changed her major, and much more. Next up: law school applications.
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Nina loved how welcoming and curious the students were when she visited Grinnell. Her excitement about Grinnell has only grown as she has traveled across the country for golf, explored the town of Grinnell, carried out a computer science Mentored Advanced Project, and spent time enjoying Iowa’s natural beauty.
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Catherine came to Grinnell excited about the small classes, the close relationships with faculty, and the powerful student voice. She quickly became involved in the community and with Grinnell Concerts. While working her way toward medical school, she has also immersed herself in the environment through ecology courses, and in language and culture through French courses.