Extraordinary journeys begin in unexpected places.
Read more about the extraordinary places these students experienced through their Grinnell College journeys.
Student Journeys
’22
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.
’22
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.
’22
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.
’22
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.
’22
Coming from a small town in Minnesota, Maddie was struck by the diversity and passion within Grinnell’s student body. She joined the track team, found a job hosting events as a Class Ambassador, and worked with her on-campus mentors to identify her core values, do nutritional research, and prepare for a career in public health.
’21
Evan studied local LGBTQ+ history, interned at a Seattle filmmakers’ collective, explored the prairies of Iowa, and discovered that they are, in fact, a cat person.
’21
Liv, an English and studio art major from Florida, found a band of sisters in the women’s basketball team. In true Grinnellian fashion, she combined her passions — in her case: athletics and art, through multimedia projects and a creative services internship with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky!
’21
Nicki, an economics and sociology major from Bolivia, found lifelong friends, hosted a radio show, and explored the Western U.S. with the Extreme Club. She also pursued her passion for global development through an internship in Ghana and studied abroad in four European countries!
’21
Ahon’s passion for theater and care for community took him from Kolkata, India to Grinnell — and then to London, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, and more! Along the way, he studied Shakespeare, discovered the power of digital storytelling, and completed multiple mentored research projects.