As a first generation student who grew up in a public housing project, I would not have been able to attend college without the generous financial aid that Wellesley provided. Once on campus, I had the opportunity to not only find out who I was, but I was also empowered to help others find their way as well. I joined a number of organizations, led others, and developed my skills within and understanding of neurobiology, the foundation of my current career as a scientist. I published my first scientific paper while at Wellesley, an accomplishment that would have most likely not occurred had I gone to another institution.

Quite honestly, Wellesley has made me into the woman I am today—a scientist who not only has a passion for research but for helping others—and a woman who strongly feels that she should change the world each and every day. Since leaving Wellesley, I have been very involved in alumni planning, first as my class secretary and then as a co-president of the Northern California Wellesley Club. I've also been very devoted to recruitment efforts as I believe a Wellesley education is attainable and suitable for all intelligent, curious, ethically and globally-minded young women, no matter what their socioeconomic or ethnic background.

As an alumna, I am constantly reinforced in my beliefs about the value of a Wellesley education. Whether it's a willingness to host a Wellesley student or alumna in one’s home, helping alumnae find jobs, or giving back within our local community, our alumni community never ceases to amaze me. I can’t imagine there ever being a time when I don’t love Wellesley the same. It was the place that created the me that is me, that gave me my closest and dearest friends who have been there for me through good times and bad, and empowered me to lead and not to follow.