Extraordinary journeys begin in unexpected places.
Read more about the extraordinary places these students experienced through their Grinnell College journeys.
Student Journeys
’22
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.
’22
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.
’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
After graduation, Claire worked as a paralegal in the U.S. federal government and is now a law student at the University of Michigan. At Grinnell, she 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
Now a law student at UCLA, Merel worked at an NGO in Mexico and joined the cross country team, within her first year at Grinnell. A political science major, Merel caucused in Iowa during the election season, then found ways to maintain Grinnell community during Covid.
’22
After graduation, Eva worked at Goldman Sachs and CNA Insurance. As a college student, she felt safe, comfortable, and empowered to shape her education. She participated in and mentored the Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program, built a supportive community, explored Iowa, researched gender-based violence and femicide in Latin America, and more.
’22
Now a med student at the University of South Dakota, 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. 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.