Makayla Reed, ‘26

Hometown: Middletown, DE

High School: The Charter School of Wilmington

Major: International Politics & Economics

Minor: French

Main Extracurricular Activities: Omega Alpha (Tavern social house) Treasurer, Middlebury College Activities Board Programming Executive, Community Friends Mentor, PALANA, Middlebury Diversity in Business, WRMC 91.1 FM Middlebury College Radio, Admissions Student Ambassador and Tour Guide, and MiddView Orientation Leader!

Why did you choose to attend Middlebury? There are a number of reasons why I choose to come to Middlebury. First, I was fortunate enough to have been able to visit southern Vermont before and knew how beautiful the state was, and especially after being cooped inside all the time because of COVID, I learned how much I value nature and spending time outside. I also knew that this might be the only time I live in a rural area—so I thought it would be best to take advantage of that opportunity now at a place like Middlebury where everything is still very accessible on campus. Also, I knew that I wanted to study internationally and that Middlebury has many affordable study abroad opportunities. Middlebury’s financial aid package applies to your time on campus in Vermont and study abroad. I am hoping to study in the Netherlands Spring 2025!

Favorite thing to do during J-Term? One of my favorite things to do during J-Term is locally travel. During my first year I was invited to stay in Smugglers’ Notch (1.5 hrs north of Midd) with a friend and her family, my friends and I booked a cabin on a farm for a weekend in VT, and I was able to take a trip to Montréal with another group of friends! Montréal, despite being just over the border in Canada, is also very accessible since we were able to get there without a car by taking the Middlebury Tri-Valley Transit to Burlington for free and then taking a bus from Burlington to Montréal for $20! Once we got there, we also learned about Igloofest, which is known as the world’s coldest music festival (it happens every winter outside in the Old Port of Montréal) and I’m hoping to go during my next J-Term!