Lake Forest College News

I am a Junior at Lake Forest College. I am majoring in both Elementary Education and Psychology. I am very grateful to be a recipient of the Sonja Hansen Rickert ’59 Annual Scholarship this year.

While I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota, I came to Lake Forest College from a boarding school - The Taft School, in Connecticut. When making my college decision, I chose Lake Forest because it reminded me of my high school: small, community feel, student leadership opportunities, student-professor relationships, and brick buildings. When I came to visit, I just knew that this was the college for me, and everything else fell into place. Since I stepped foot on campus in 2008, my decision to attend Lake Forest College has been validated in everything that I do. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience to this point and am so amazed that I have completed half of my college journey already.

One thing that I know has made my experience exceptional thus far is my involvement on campus. Anyone could tell you that I love to work in all areas on the campus and often do so all at once. I am currently involved with the following organizations: United Black Association, I was President of this organization for the 2009-2010 school year and am currently still a member; ALLY, which is comprised of staff, students, and faculty with the common goal of combating discrimination while providing a safe space for students on campus; Intercultural Advisory Group, also consists of students, faculty, and staff who advise President Schutt on issues related to culture and diversity at Lake Forest College; Bridging the Gap, a program for Education Majors and Minors who are interested in working in high needs school districts. I am President of this group for the 2010-2011 school year; Student Government, I was just elected by the Class of 2012 to be one of three Class Senators; Black Women United, a pilot program serving as a support group for Black women on campus; Lake Forest College Concert Choir. While this list may sound extensive, I enjoy everything that I am a part of and meeting new people along the way; especially because I stay on top of my academics. Along with all of these activities, I enjoy reading and braiding hair for students on campus.

Every year I make it a personal goal to lead as a positive example for all students on campus, especially new students. This goal is supported by two employment positions that I currently hold. I have the pleasure of being a second year Residence Assistant in Roberts Hall which is a primarily first year hall. I take pleasure in working with first year students and supporting them as they transition into college life as well as life away from home.  I am also a Student Manager in Mail Services which started out as my work study job. This is also a job that I appreciate because I am able to interact with so many people daily.

I have many plans for life after Lake Forest College, but I am not sure in what order I would like to fulfill them. Because I am passionate about working with children, I plan on attending graduate school to get my Master’s degree in Special Education. I would also like to participate in City Year and Peace Corps in order to gain an international service experience. Either way, I am interested in people and helping those less fortunate than me while learning about different cultures and experiences in the process.

This scholarship is an investment in my life, and it is because of donors that attending college has been made possible for me and many other young people.