Every time I cross the Vermont border on my way back to Middlebury, I smile. I can't help it. I have lived in seven states, but for some reason this just feels like home. Maybe it's because, when it comes to rural New England, Middlebury is the genuine article. People say hello on the sidewalks, cars stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. It's like everyone knows how lucky we are to be in such a picturesque place.

It's hard for me to decide if living in the town is a perk of going to the college or the other way around. In a place of such beautiful natural resources, the college is an unparalleled educational resource. Middlebury gave me the connections and confidence I needed to spend the last two summers doing astronomy research at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and at Middlebury. During these internships, I've met astrophysics students from universities around the country. I always feel proud to have come from Middlebury and proud of the advantages it provides. Getting a liberal arts and sciences education means that I can study astronomy at the same time that I am learning to defend my point of view in discussion sessions, speak French, and collaborate on a group project. I've also been able to tutor homework help sessions, spend the summer researching on campus, and use the most advanced equipment-like the 24" telescope.

Finally, there is the priceless experience of seeing the stars on a cold, dark, clear night from the roof of McCardell Bicentennial Hall. Seven stories up and 40 miles from any city! Now there is a resource that money and prestige can't buy. You look out at the Green Mountains, the Adirondacks, the pastures, the steeples and all the old stone buildings. Every time I do it, I smile.