Coming from an urban high school in southern California that's almost twice the size of Middlebury College, I didn't know what to expect from rural Vermont. However, during the past four years, my experience at Middlebury has exceeded any expectations I could have possibly had.

Middlebury has never failed to support me in the endeavors I've chosen to pursue. Academically, from the Class of 1952 Scholarship that helps pay for my education here, to the Ronald Brown Scholarship I was awarded to conduct Alzheimer's research at UCLA, to learning Italian and studying abroad in Ferrara, Italy, Middlebury's financial support has provided me with a diverse array of opportunities to grow intellectually. I have even been able to conduct independent microbiology research in Dr. Grace Spatafora's laboratory, and shadow doctors at the local hospital during winter term. As someone who hopes to pursue a joint M.D./Ph.D., I feel fortunate as an undergraduate liberal arts student to be so well prepared for a career in research and medicine.

Outside the classroom, Middlebury's support has been no less impressive. As secretary of the parliamentary debate team, I've traveled all over the Northeast to engage in discussions with other college students on a wide variety of topics outside of my major. I have been able to lobby for political issues I care about among my peers in an accepting yet stimulating and diverse environment, and I have even been able to travel outside Vermont to participate in protests.

Furthermore, from volunteering as an EMT to exploring the Green Mountains with the Middlebury Mountain Club, I have been able to enjoy the local environment that makes Middlebury unique. I cannot picture myself having spent these past four years in a more nurturing environment, and I will never forget the support I have received from the faculty, staff and students here at Middlebury.