Why Grinnell?
I attended a public high school in Long Island, New York. My school was quite large, and I wanted a change of pace for college, so I sought out a smaller, more tight-knit academic community for college.
I wanted a college experience that intentionally shaped its academics toward social justice, fostered international diversity, and enabled close connections across campus. In high school, I was involved in a lot of social justice organizing, specifically racial and education justice organizations, and those experiences inspired me to look for schools that highly valued social change and had a strong sociology program.
After my interview with a current Grinnell student, I knew Grinnell was the school for me. It was clear to me that Grinnell was genuine about its care for social progress, student diversity, and student-led research opportunities. I was very sure about my decision and applied Early Decision to Grinnell.
First-Year Community
As soon as I got to Grinnell, I was greeted by the most compassionate community and gained a clear academic direction for my four years at Grinnell.
Friends
The Grinnell community is so special to me. No matter where you turn, compassionate, brilliant, and empathetic people await you.
By the end of the first week of classes, I had met my best friends. Some were dorm neighbors, and others were classmates. In fact, my best friend and roommate for the rest of my time at Grinnell was my assigned partner in my Introduction to Political Science class.
My friends have made my time at Grinnell. I have met the most amazing people here. I’m so grateful to have so many good friends.
Academic Advising
My tutorial adviser, Stephanie Jones, helped me select my first classes, which ultimately shaped the rest of my academic experience at Grinnell. She showed me all the ways we Grinnellians can be people of social justice on campus, ranging from student organizations to research.
Defining My Academic Focus and Purpose
After my first year at Grinnell, I was certain I wanted to major in sociology.
Academics
The Sexuality, Gender, Race, and Environment sociology course I took with Professor Jules Bacon showed me how academia can and should engage activism.
Specifically, I focused my interests on how social institutions of medicine and education work together to (de)value bodies and mental health.
Travel for My Sociology Studies
In my second year, I traveled with my religious studies class to France (to visit the Henri Matisse Chapel) and Houston, Texas (to visit the Rothko Chapel). We went over spring break, and the experience helped shape my student identity and how I relate to my sociological studies.
Gaining Social Justice Experience for the Classroom
During my first year, I began working with Professor Tammy Nyden and her non-profit organization, Mothers on the Frontline, which works to promote children’s mental health and caregiver justice through storytelling.
I helped construct public syllabi for the organization’s website and developed an accessible depository of resources for caregivers, care workers, and activists. Professor Nyden also wanted to repurpose the public syllabi into a two-credit Grinnell course called Children’s Mental Health Justice, and I helped make this happen. I also helped plan caregiver resource workbooks for the website.
Research
By the end of my first year, I had participated in a class research project and also conducted a research internship. These experiences helped me refine my research interest for my second year at Grinnell and beyond.
Two Advanced Research Projects
Postpartum depression among incarcerated mothers
My first advanced research project was about postpartum depression among incarcerated mothers. I proposed this Mentored Advanced Project (MAP) during my second year at Grinnell, and I stayed on campus over the summer to work on it.
Above, you can see me with my research partners and friends at a concert in Iowa City!
In my third year, I was fortunate to present my summer research at regional and national conferences and at the National Women’s Studies Association Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan. This was such a valuable professional experience.
Body size and health education
The summer after my third year, I conducted a MAP on body size and health education. I was able to present my findings at the American Sociological Association Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, and at the Midwestern Sociological Society Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri.
Funding
Thanks to Grinnell’s Student Travel Fund, I have been able to present my research at national and regional conferences throughout my time at Grinnell. I’m fortunate to have had these opportunities.
Off-Campus Study
To Amsterdam!
In the spring of my third year, I studied abroad at the University of Amsterdam. I knew that I wanted to study abroad and engage globally with my studies in a place where my biases could be challenged and my understanding of the world could be broadened. When I was prepared to make this into a tangible experience for myself, Grinnell’s Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) was incredibly helpful.
At the University of Amsterdam, I took a fascinating course on feminist perspectives on European migration. The class had students from all around the world, which mirrored Grinnell’s international nature. We met weekly to discuss various European social theories, and I always left class with more nuanced and layered perspectives.
