Class of 2024
Connor Barrett
Majors: Economics; Special Major: Sociology & Anthropology & Educational Studies
Shu Yi Chen
Majors: Biology; Sociology & Anthropology
Abigail Edwards
Major: Political Science
Minors: Black Studies; Music
Whitney Grinnage-Cassidy
Major: Sociology & Anthropology
Minor: Black Studies
Jennifer He
Majors: Economics; Linguistics
Kevin Murillo
Major: Engineering
Minors: Educational Studies; Mathematics
Sophia Schlenz
Majors: Biology
Minor: Environmental Studies
Class of 2023
Jacqueline Acunto
Major: Economics
Minors: Mathematics; Theater
Words: Creative, cooperative, kind-hearted, organized, focused
Julio Del Cid
Majors: Engineering; Mathematics
Angela Eang
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Philosophy
Words: ambitious, imaginative, open-minded
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I want to help people find and explore their passions. Whether it's artistic, scientific, or something entirely novel, more people should have the opportunity to develop and share their talents with the world. I'm not quite sure what the plan is yet, but I'm hoping to develop it at Swarthmore.
Name a person you admire.
My mom, Mimi Eang, is one of the strongest people I know. She has fought through horrible situations and survived the Khmer Rouge to get to where she is today. She constantly supports me so that I can reach my full potential. Her witty, caring, and strong-willed personality is loved by many, especially her children.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
Becoming a Questbridge Scholar and getting into a great college ;)
John "Major" Eason
Majors: Sociology & Anthropology; Economics
Possible Career: Urban/Regional Planner
Words: Confident, respectful, driven, adaptable
What impact do you want to have on the world?
Climate change (and environmental degradation in general), and increased worldwide urbanization have created a situation where many urban areas must prepare for a changing climate while becoming more sustainable and eco-friendly. Additionally, poorer, often non-white people are more susceptible to negative environmental factors such as air and water pollution. I want to play a part in designing and developing sustainable urban areas that are equitable across race and income.
Name a person you admire.
My parents have been the largest influence on my life. They have a strong pride in themselves and our family, which they transferred to me and my sister. They convey optimism in the face of adversity or significant change. Perhaps most importantly, they realize how complex most situations are and have been able to show me that most things are not purely black or white.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
I have lived in eight different places over the past eleven years, and I am proud of how I have been able to adapt and feel comfortable in each new place.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
I want explore the history of how different cultures and societies develop land.
Elizabeth "Lisa" Garcia
Major: Sociology and Anthropology
Minors: Spanish; Educational Studies
Possible Career: Education Policy
Words: Thoughtful, Driven, Resilient, Caring, Goal-Oriented, Supportive
What impact do you want to have on the world?
My goal is to help students from underrepresented communities obtain and maintain positions of influence through improving the education system nationally and globally. I am also passionate about transforming the criminal justice system.
Name a person you admire.
I admire my mom Maria and my older sister Araceli for overcoming various obstacles and always being the most beautiful people inside and out. They have been the most inspiring role models in my life and always taught me to maintain a positive viewpoint and give my all to everything that I do, while remembering my values and where I come from.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
Going on the outbound trip before freshman orientation was my most valuable Evans Scholars program experience because I met some very close friends. It was also a unique and enriching experience to distance myself from my phone and the internet in general. I felt more connected to the nature and people around me and grew a deeper appreciation for everything that I have.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
Nation and Migration with Professor Mani and Foundations of Sociology with Professor Laurison.
Yeh Seo Jung
Majors: Biology; Special Major - Medical Anthropology
Possible Career: Physician
Words: Driven, optimistic, meticulous, and bubbly
Name a person you admire.
It's a common answer among many people, but I would still consider my mother to be someone that I admire that most. She is one of the most tenacious and selflessly kind people I've ever had the luck to meet. My mother gave up everything in her home country and spent countless nights, stitching clothes together and sewing down hems, to make ends meet and ensure that my sister and I could achieve our dreams in the United States. Even after her tiring work, she still finds the energy to be optimistic and joyful, and I hope to be the same kind of bright and determined person like she is.
Akina "Kina" Nichols
Majors: Educational Studies; Psychology
Possible Career: Psychiatrist
Words: Determined, caring, fun-loving, out-going, intelligent
What impact do you want to have on the world?
Throughout my eight-teen years I have noticed in particular two problems that I would hope to address in society, diversity ignorance and the dangers of untreated mental disorders. With that said I would like to impact the world by starting a non-profit organization for diversity training and exposure to combat the issue of diversity ignorance. I would also like to have a career in psychiatry to help people find ways to manage their mental disorder and keep them safe.
Name a person you admire.
I truly admire my parents. My parents aren't perfect but they have always been the backbone of our family and have always been able to provide in every aspect. They have raised five beautiful children together while being married for over the last 20 years. They have taken in other people in their time of need and always tries to help people in anyway they can. For me, they have always been the love and support I needed in times of trouble and in my greatest moments.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
I am proud to say that I graduated top of my high school class and was the first graduate to attend Swarthmore College from Salem High School.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
So far the most valuable Evans Scholars program experience was meeting all the new people through the Evans Scholars network, whether it was other students, admins, faculty, etc. The Evans Scholars program also is making it possible for me to get my non-profit organization up and going.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) student one intricate part of the curriculum is completing internal assessments. I have either written, performed, or created several different IAs for all my classes. The most exciting and personally inspiring IA was my Chemistry IA in my chemistry class. I had to create an experiment to answer a research question of my choosing, and for my chemistry IA I decided to quantitatively determine the amount of caffeine in different popular caffeinated beverages. As an IB student, and a rising college student, I have realized the need and desire many of my peers and classmates have for caffeine to keep them awake. I, myself, have had an instance or two where I needed to finish an assignment and needed an extra boost to stay awake. Through the years, I have often noticed that coffee makes me even sleepier, while an energy drink has kept me awake for close to thirty hours. I started thinking that we need to be able, as consumers, to measure the amount of caffeine in some of the most popular caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, soda, and energy drinks. In the process of my experiment, I hit some obstacles, one being that my school did not own the required equipment needed to test my samples. My amazing chemistry teacher, Ms. Jakub-Cerro was able to set up a time and place for me to use a GENESYS™ 10S UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. I had the opportunity to travel to Rowan University to work in a college lab with a professor and my teacher to test my samples. Through completing my Internal Assessment for Higher Level Chemistry and working in the lab at Rowan, I realized that I could see myself continuing my education in chemistry and making it a part of my future career.
John "Martin" Tomlinson
Majors: Environmental Studies; Special Major - Religion, Social Change, and Peace & Conflict Studies
Possible Career: Human Rights Attorney
Words: Empathetic, Aware, Warm
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I plan a career advocating for oppressed communities. I am very interested in the intersection between religion, politics and sexuality and how they impact violence and war. I hope to use this focus to research migration studies and the many causes of displacement. I am very moved by this issue; I want to raise awareness and help find global solutions.
Name a person you admire.
I admire Lee Gelernt, Deputy Director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project. He is one of the most dedicated, impassioned and hard-working people I have ever met. He has argued many groundbreaking cases. I saw him speak twice at ACLU events. Following both events, he spent time talking with youth afterwards. He clearly wanted to shepherd the next generation of activists. Once, he gave me his card and told me to visit his office if I ever came to New York. Six months later, I e-mailed him and said I would be in New York for a seminar. I couldn’t believe it; he was in the middle of a big case, but he welcomed me to his office and took time out of his busy day to teach me about his work. His selfless dedication to making the world a more just place inspired me deeply.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to contribute more than 1,000 service hours locally, nationally and abroad over the past 4 years. One experience that I loved was helping to transform an abandoned lot into a park for an underserved Kansas City neighborhood. Every time I pass that park, it serves as a visual reminder of the small impact I had on that community. I hope to make many more lasting contributions in my lifetime.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
The most transformative class I have taken was a Johns Hopkins Center For Talented Youth Summer Program in 7th grade. I was presented with the opportunity to take my first college-level class. I chose to enroll in “Philosophy of the Mind,” and that decision has impacted my life’s trajectory immensely. The course forced me to think in new ways and presented me with subject matter that I was passionate about. That academic experience created a desire for growth and personal development that I will maintain and foster for the rest of my life.
Class of 2022
Tristan Alston
Majors: Black Studies, Environmental Studies
Possible Career: Human Rights/Environmental Law, Nonprofit work
Words: compassionate, energetic, optimistic, multidimensional
What impact do you want to have on the world?
My goals and aspirations have changed, rather ceaselessly, since I was little. But one thing has remained constant: I have always wanted to use my voice and my unique privileges to uplift those who have been marginalized and silenced, and combat the myriad of social injustices we witness all around us. Since studying at Swat, I have come to understand a profound connection between people and place—social and environmental—and I hope to find a way to fight for the freedom of the world's oppressed peoples and lands simultaneously. With the increasing prevalence of intensifying environmental degradation and social inequalities, centering the needs and voices of low income communities and communities of color is something I plan to fight for. Above all else, I hope to inspire, uplift and support others in any and every way possible, and to leave behind a legacy of kindness and reciprocity.
Name a person you admire.
My mother, who has been an endless source of love, strength and unrestricted support for me and my siblings.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
Growing up in a biracial family with a challenging and complex dynamic, my siblings have always been the most important thing to me. I now find incredible pride in all six of my siblings, and in the brother I strive to be for them all.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
The Outward Bound trip prior to my freshman fall was an incredibly challenging, insightful, and rewarding experience, that forced me to confront a number of personal fears, and form numerous valuable relationships.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
Race, Gender, Class and Environment with Professor DiChiro
Thomas Callahan
Majors: Religion; Political Science
Possible Career: Undecided
Words: Candid, adventurous, humorous
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I want to positively impact whatever community I find myself in at any given period of my life.
Name a person you admire.
Mary Gibson -- my lifelong mentor
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
I'm most proud of my policy and advocacy work in Kentucky on behalf of child's rights.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
During the summer of 2019 I went on a 20 day solo camping trip throughout national parks in the western United States. This was by far the most rewarding Evans Scholars experience so far because of the beauty, reflection, and challenges the adventure presented.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
Most transformative class: Postmodern Religious Thought
Shay Downey
Major: Special Major - Cognitive Science
Minor: Theater
Possible Career: Children's Advocacy Attorney
Words: Altruistic, Outgoing, Optimistic, Motivated, Resilient
What impact do you want to have on the world?
In my life, and in the lives of many others there are a plethora of barriers that make it more challenging for people to succeed. I believe that by protecting the vulnerable in society, and by recognizing the humanity in each individual we can fight the injustices of the world. I want to make at least a small impact by advocating for voices that are not heard, or overlooked. Immigrant children are especially vulnerable and as such, they are in need of even more resources. I hope to not only serve as a resource for these communities, but also help rise awareness and rally others to the cause.
Name a person you admire.
My mother Crista Downey. She was the most hardworking and caring person I have ever met. It was impossible to be anything but happy when you were around her.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
As a daughter of two parents without a college education, and one without a high school diploma, I am very proud and abundantly blessed to be attending Swarthmore College. I never thought that college outside of Oklahoma was even possible, but thanks to the wonderful resources and people at Swat, I have had incredible opportunities.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
My first year at Swarthmore I purchased a new trombone with my Evans funding. I have been playing the trombone since 5th grade, and it has been a huge part of developing my love for music. It led me to being the second person from my school to make the All-State Band. I love that I get to continue growing in my musicianship while playing in the Swarthmore Wind Ensemble all because of Evans.
Maria Andrade
Majors: Peace & Conflict Studies; Biology
William Hoganson
Majors: Engineering; Computer Science
Possible Career: Mechanical Engineer
Words: Hard working, Tenacious, Passionate
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I want to leave some small pocket of the world better than how I found it.
Name a person you admire.
Nelson Mandela
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
Surviving First Semester at Swarthmore
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
I found the Outward Bound excursion a test of my comfort with being alone in nature. I enjoy being challenged.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
I'm taking Ceramics 1 right now and would love to explore it more deeply.
Jane Huynh
Majors: Art; Special Major - Psychology & Educational Studies
Possible Career: Potter/Artist, Educator, maybe Mental Health Professional
Words: resilient, compassionate, creative, innovative, observant
What impact do you want to have on the world?
One that centers art and humanity.
Name a person you admire.
Caroline Davies, my high school ceramics teacher.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
Undoubtedly "Power and Pedagogy: Intro to Education" with Diane Anderson and "Nation and Migration" with Prof. Mani.
Elise Layne
Major: Special Major - Biochemistry
Possible Career: Disease Research or Health Advocacy
Words: Optimistic, Adaptable, Compassionate, Curious, Energetic
What impact do you want to have on the world?
Across the world there are people who do not have education about, or access to, proper health care. This is a problem that radiates through the lives of individuals everywhere, yet is often treated as though it is not a basic human right. I want to be a part of the promotion of basic health education and help people to obtain appropriate access to health care no matter who or where they are. In addition, I have been interested in the idea of disease research since I was in middle school and would love to play a role in the race to cure life threatening illnesses through the development of medicine. Hopefully, I will be able to combine these two career interests to increase the well-being of individuals in whatever way I can.
Name a person you admire.
Although it is a very common answer, I admire my mother Lois more than any one else. She raised two children as a single parent, worked full-time, and still managed to keep a positive, loving attitude. At no point did she let my brother or I believe that our financial position defined us. Even on her most stressful days, she continued to push us to achieve more and gave us the confidence to trust in our abilities to succeed. Without her unwavering love and support, I would not be the person I am today.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
My introduction to Spanish class was surprisingly eye opening. Coming in to Swarthmore, and the collegiate world in general, was quite daunting; I expected everyone to be very strict and cutthroat about academics. However, when learning a language, there is not going to be any person who doesn't mess up a conjugation or say something completely different from what they intended. When this happened in my class, instead of the ridicule I assumed would occur, everyone was eager to help and created a place of nonjudgmental learning. This experience immediately helped me feel supported by my peers and realize that academics are a place of group learning--not strictly individualized success.
Khulan Namjilsuren
Major: Special Major: Well Being & Environment
Cheyenne Valenzuela
Major: Special Major - Cognitive Science
Minor: Music
Class of 2021
Cristopher Alvarado
Majors: Educational Studies; Special Major - Neuroscience
Possible Career: Biomedical Engineer
Words: Well-rounded, reflective, optimistic
What impact do you want to have on the world?
As someone who identifies as an underrepresented minority in STEM, I want to continue to do my best to not only serve as a role model for future generations of Latinx students that choose to pursue a career in these fields but to also help improve the public education policies within communities that stymie the potential of students in the same shoes as mine. I hope that I’m continuously able to engage with students that need the resources and motivation to pursue college, whether that be through continuous mentorship or through advocacy of the programs (Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Questbridge) that I believe put me in the position I’m in today.
Name a person you admire.
One of the people I admire most is my mom. The love she has instilled in me even as I’ve moved hundreds of miles away to pursue a better education has been never-ending. Despite the endless barrage of negativity in the media and the abundance of seemingly unfixable social issues that plague my communities, my mom seems to always be overflowing with positive energy and absolute happiness. She’s always made me feel like my ambitious tendencies have served a purpose, and it’s an unbelievable joy to see her thrive through me and all the experiences that have made me grow into the young man she pours her heart into. I’ve made it a life standard to be as joyful and caring as her, no matter where my career and life prospects take me.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
I’m most proud of how I have taken advantage of so many opportunities that have been far outside my comfort zone. As a JKCF Young Scholar, not only have I been able to travel the world to places I would have thought unimaginable a couple of years ago (Japan and Antarctica), but I’ve been able to stimulate my curiosity artistically through photography and music production and to consistently think boldly. Although I’ve since learned to ground myself through the failures I’ve had along the way, these experiences have undeniably been quintessential in helping me grow out of my introverted shell and to push away doubts of what I can achieve for myself and the people I care about.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
The trip I took to Latin America this summer was by far one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I initially planned to travel to Mexico by myself to visit my family for a couple weeks while completing some informal observations of the differing education systems that exist in the urban and rural environments I was staying at. However, seeing that I had over-budgeted, I took advantage of the remaining funds to individually plan a week-long trip to Peru to visit Machu Picchu. Not only was I able to revisit my roots, but I was able to organize an adventure on my own and dive headfirst into a culture unique from my own.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
Cruzando Fronteras: Migración y Transnacionalismo en el Cine Mexicano and Neurobiology were both transformative classes in distinct ways. The former was an identity-affirming class that made me appreciate the value of film as a key component of my heritage in both local and global cinema while also giving me space to critically analyze some of the more problematic aspects of “golden-age” stereotypes and how they’ve been addressed since then. Meanwhile, the latter has given me an opportunity to really thrive and is the first science class at Swarthmore that I’ve been overwhelming excited for every class. It has re-sparked a drive to continue pursuing a field of study that is naturally more difficult for me to conceptually grasp and has made the up-hill battle worthwhile.
Chioma Anomnachi
Major: English Literature
Minors: Computer Science; Black Studies
Vitor De Aguiar Dos Anjos
Major: Biology
Minors: Latin American & Latino Studies; Computer Science
Possible Career: Teacher or Researcher for Biology and Education Policy
Words: Thoughtful, passionate, resilient, unique, and revolutionary
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I would help as many people rise out of poverty as possible. The most effective way of achieving this goal is through work in either immigration or education. Millions of immigrants and students from marginalized communities face similar forms of structural oppression that make the pursuit of freedom and happiness nearly impossible in the United States today. Through reform of education policy and immigration policy or through one on one work from individuals from these communities I hope to help elevate as many people out of poverty as possible.
Name a person you admire.
I admire Paulo Freire for his work in educating the illiterate poor of Brazil in the 1960s and educational insight from Pedagogy of the Oppressed. From a young age, education has piqued my curiosity. Teaching runs in my family's blood; for generations my family has been educators in Brazil. I long to bring that legacy back to the United States with the insights of Paulo Freire. He has helped teach the world the powerful force that education can be in either reinforcing or transforming the status quo; speaking ill of the hierarchical, rigidly un-inclusive, and banking nature of traditional education.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
I am most proud of when I gave back to the communities that have given me so much. I am proud to have organized student voices to defend our teachers and public education in my hometown. I am proud to have spent time tutoring elementary school students also of low-income backgrounds at home and in Swarthmore. I am proud to have worked with the Boys and Girls Club and with local schools to offer youth summer enrichment. I am proud of my ability to represent my Latino, low-income, and immigrant identities in Swarthmore.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
The most valuable Evans Scholars experience has been the Outbound trip before classes started my freshmen year. It was instrumental in making me feel safe and like I belonged in Swarthmore. It made me close with individuals whom I now consider best friends to this day.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
The most transformative class I have taken is Intro to Education in Swarthmore. This class has been very illuminating of the privileges and disadvantages I encountered in my own path through education. I would love to further explore pedagogy and education policy; for their universal insight of people and didactic utility.
Grace Dumdaw
Majors: Peace & Conflict Studies; Special Major - Performance, Stage, Screen & New Media
Possible Career: International Politics or Film Acting
Words: goofy, energetic, amicable, candid, charismatic
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I want to do extensive work on developing the Kachin State in Myanmar, where my ethnic group is from. I think it's really important not to forget where I come from, and I want to be sure that the Kachin people have even a fraction of the opportunities I was provided in my life. No matter what path I decide to go down in life, I will always try to contribute to the betterment of my people, and if one day, I see the Kachin people really make a name for themselves in the global community, I will know that everything that I have done in my life has been worth it.
Name a person you admire.
My mother. She's one of the most selfless people I know. It's remarkable to see the life she and my father have made for me as immigrants, and I know that I'm lucky to be able to say that I was raised by such an incredible woman.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
I am so incredibly proud of all the people that I can call my friends. I've met so many people from different classes, countries, and ethnic backgrounds, and I am always grateful to be able to say that I've listened to their stories and found friendship in such amazing people.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
The freshman Outward Bound trip was easily one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It really taught me a lot about being vulnerable with myself, as well as my fellow Evans Scholars, and I really appreciate how it gave me a chance to create incredible bonds with people before school even started.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
Although I love my religion classes and poli sci classes, the most transformative classes I've ever taken were all acting classes. Acting has taught me so much of about the human experience, and it's a true passion of mine. I hope to continue acting at Swarthmore, and I'm excited to see whether or not I decide to pursue it beyond Swarthmore.
UPDATED BIO: Grace Dumdaw ‘21 is a Kachin actress from Mandeville, Louisiana. Born in Myanmar, she immigrated to the US with her mother at the age of 2. Grace graduated from Swarthmore with a major in Peace & Conflict Studies and a special major in Stage, Screen, & New Media, which combined film, theater, and some art and dance classes. Within her Peace & Conflict Studies major, she focused on religion, ecology, and the ethnic conflict in Myanmar.
While at Swarthmore, Grace was an RA, the president of Offbeat A Capella, and participated in student theater, Motherpuckers, and Swaudio.
During her junior year, she went abroad to the Czech Republic to study filmmaking and acting at Prague Film School. With her Evans Opportunity Grant, Grace purchased camera gear and enrolled in acting classes at Stella Adler Studio and Upright Citizens Bridgade, which led to her professional development. She is now represented by Entertainment Lab LA/NY, CESD Talent for commercial, and CGF Talent for theatrical, and she has had roles in shows like Succession, New Amsterdam, Gossip Girl, and other unreleased projects. Presently, she is also the Photo Editor at the SYFY network.
William Khan
Majors: Physics; Economics
Minor: Economics
Possible Career: Trader, Ratings Analyst
Words: Adaptable, persistent, inventive, kindhearted, silly
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I want to be able to one day say that I started or built something that no one else had ever envisioned. Whether it be my own company, a non-profit, or even inventing something simple, I hope that my time at Swarthmore will provide the tools to create something of my own.
Name a person you admire.
Mr. Collins, a.k.a Will From Queens (long story), who was my 8th grade math teacher. I have never met someone who was as devoted to educating kids as him. He built up our middle's schools math team to a point that I could never have foreseen back in middle school. His constant commitment to helping not just his students in school, but also former students like me, has inspired me to one day make a similar, if not greater impact, on my community.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
I am very proud of my brother. Although many people could never tell the difference between our pictures at his age, he is the better version of me. He pursues far more activities and hobbies than I had ever dreamt, and is amiable enough that even my college friends have so many wonderful things to say about him. Now that he is entering high school, I hope that he can learn from my life and build something better and more valuable.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
I had never experienced so much concentrated growth than during our freshman year Outward Bound trip. It was the perfect transition into college, as for the first time in my life I was surrounded with such similar people who shared the same ambitions, values, and outlook on life. We all toiled and struggled together to make camp, canoed for miles, cooked food in the empty wilderness. However, the experience helped me leave many problems from my high school years, and even though I may spend a very limited time with my fellow Evans scholars today, I know that they are always a source of friendship and comfort whenever I may need it.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
I had come to Swarthmore in hopes of just pursuing economics, but the introductory physics class Spacetime and Quanta drew me head-first into the physics department. I fell in love with the interesting problems that physicists faced, and the enigmatic concepts that no matter how much you felt you understood them, there was more to learn and explore. The course covered all kinds of interesting phenomena, and provided explanations for even the most basic level of things. Because of PHYS 5, I am now a physics major and exploring even more interesting and challenging problems regarding physical phenomena.
Jaydeep Sangha
Major: Biology
Minor: Peace & Conflict Studies
Sophia Stills
Majors: History; Political Science
Class of 2020
Safia Bashir
Major: Biology
Minor: English Literature
Possible Career: Medical Research possibly in Cancer or Genetics
Words: Curious, imaginative, observant, and hopeful.
Name a person you admire.
My mother, Fatuma Hussein, is the person I admire most. At the age of twelve, she arrived in the United States alone without any belongings. Yet, she somehow created a home in a predominantly white state in a small town for my seven siblings and me to live and strive. Despite our cultural and at times religious differences, she understood that I enjoyed reading, learning about animals, and fascinated with nature. She never imposed traditional beliefs that a woman had to stay in the house. I'm lucky to have had a childhood in which my parents loved and supported me, and for that, I'm grateful.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
When most people meet me, they often describe me as introverted or timid. For a while, I believed that these were disadvantages in order to be successful. However, in the summer of 2015, I decided after the death of my cousin to take a gap year and volunteer full-time at an orphanage in Cape Town, South Africa. It was my first experience traveling by myself and it was both terrifying and thrilling at the same time. I can't explain how proud I was to be able to live with complete strangers and bond with children that weren't my siblings. In Cape Town, I hiked my first mountain, I walked along the boardwalks at night, I learned countless songs and laughed at my attempts to speak kosa, I met beautiful and extraordinary people, and I learned that there is more to life than worrying about academics.
Brandon Bennett Guallpa
Major: Economics
Minor: Mathematics
Possible Career: Asset Management
Words: Focused, self-confident, and mellow
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I want to help bring racial diversity to whatever company I end up at.
Name a person you admire.
I admire my High School English teacher Mr.Hines. He's the most selfless person I know, he's always there when you need him, and I aspire to have that same quality.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
Something that I'm proud of is being a first-generation college student, I feel as though I'm trailing a path for my younger family members to attend college.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
My most valuable Evans Scholars program experience was going on the outward bound trip for a week.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
My most transformative class was differential equations, it was my first encounter with proof writing and higher level mathematics.
Natasha Markov-Riss
Major: Political Science
Minors: Film & Media Studies; Peace & Conflict Studies
Possible Career: Human Rights Advocacy, International Law
Words: Loving, curious, driven, discerning
What impact do you want to have on the world?
Broadly, want to build a more just world. But before I can articulate where, exactly, I will focus my energies, I want to better understand: exactly what kind of political community is worth building? How can we imagine alternative "economies" to the ones we exist in? What is utopia? I hope that at least part of my impact is in answering these questions -- contributing to the construction of a shared vision for our shared future.
Name a person you admire.
By brother, who embodies empathy and quiet determination. My father, the most relational person I know. My mother, who is unfathomably loving and brilliant.
Also, Rashida Tlaib, who should be President.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
I am proud of my friendships -- I have been lucky to live my life surrounded by the most incredible people, from whom I have learned more than I can possibly express.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
My most valuable Evans Scholar experience was in Israel/Palestine, where I filmed a documentary with my fellow Evans Scholar, Ben Stern. On the ground, we interviewed people on every side of the political and ideological spectrum -- members of Hamas, Fatah, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as activists, settlers, tour-guides, artists, and professors. The documentary we produced focused on the separation wall. It explored how physical and ideological separation reinforce each other, creating divides that are political, not inevitable.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
Constitutional Law was a deeply transformative class for me. During the semester, I thought a lot about how certain formalistic legal distinctions (between de-facto and de-jure segregation, between the public and private realm) were eventually used by the conservative establishment to disembowel the progressive causes they were originally conceived of to further. I read and wrote about the Dred Scott case, too, especially moved by Mark Graber’s suggestion that, perhaps, no method of interpretation is a hedge against Constitutional evil. I came to appreciate John Hart Ely's argument that we must focus instead on using the Constitution to protect just and democratic political processes.
Mirayda Martinez
Majors: Computer Science; Economics
Possible Career: Quantitative Data Analyst
Words: resourceful, ambitious, determined, passionate
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I hope to become a role model to young Latinas across the globe so that they may feel empowered enough to pursue STEM related fields.
Name a person you admire.
Gina Rodriguez
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
Being able to attend a top-tier institution despite growing up with limited resources and having all of the opportunities to explore the Northeast!
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
The program experience that resonated with me most has to be the camping trip right before the start of classes with all of the other evan's. It built character and really helped bring us together!
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
I really enjoyed my Social Entrepreneurship for Social Change seminar freshman fall. The hands-on experience of applying what we learned in class to actual non-profit organizations in center city was truly a remarkable experience!
AynNichelle Slappy
Major: Peace & Conflict Studies
Minor: History
Possible Career: Librarian
Words: Outspoken, adaptive, compassionate
What impact do you want to have on the world?
My dream in life is to empower black girls. I want to show black girls that they are just as capable as others in spite of widespread messages meant to diminish their accomplishments and existence. I want to give black girls the confidence, knowledge, and resources necessary to making them feel unbound by the stereotypes that exist to make their options seem slim. I want to create spaces where black girls feel free to explore their gifts without limitations. I want to help black girls understand that their potential is infinite.
Name a person you admire.
I admire my mother and my grandmother. Throughout my life, they have been the only dependable role models I have had. My mother raised me and my 4 siblings by herself. She exemplifies resilience, honesty, individuality, compassion, and excellence, which are all attributes I aspire towards everyday. My grandmother was a Black Panther, and growing up she taught me that I can do and be whatever I wanted. Without her faith in me, I wouldn't be the woman I am today. I hope that I can live her dreams through my own successes.
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
Im proud of my accomplishments as a big sister. This is the first, and most important leadership role I will ever hold in life. As the oldest of a single parent, my siblings often look to me for guidance. The pressures of this responsibility has molded me into the strong leader that I am. They have shown me how to lead with understanding, how to learn from my mistakes, and how to come back for more after a challenge. My siblings have always pushed me forward, and I hope that following that following a path of righteousness, love, and truth will encourage them to live their lives similarly.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
One of the most valuable experiences I've received as an Evans scholar was living in Parrish, and seeing Stephanie, one of the advisors I've acquired through Evans, almost every day. During my freshman year whenever I wasn't feeling well, I knew I could go to her for advice and support. At times where I felt like people on campus weren't understanding me or treating me well, I always knew Stephanie would lend her time to making me feel supported.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
The most transformative class I've taken here is Black Political Thought. It was the first political science class I've taken, and I really enjoyed reading political theorists who shared some of my experiences and thoughts about the world. The class encouraged me to imagine myself in any field, doing the work that I love. It taught me that the "black perspective" is not an inferior one, but an alternative one. I now feel more confident speaking out about issues that affect me in any academic setting.
Ben Stern
Major: Political Science
Minors: Economics; Peace & Conflict Studies
Cassandra Stone
Majors: Computer Science; Philosophy
Words: creative, adaptable, compassionate, rational
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I want to be a champion for the collaboration of technology and art in everyday society.
Name a person you admire.
Elaine Welteroth, editor in chief of Teen Vogue
What is something you are proud of in your life so far?
My blog! I've been blogging for over four years now, and it's been a long, hard process building my brand, especially since during this time I was still figuring out who I was as a person.
What have been the most valuable Evans Scholars program experiences for you?
Getting to go to Germany was a huge one for me. It was my first time in Europe and only my second time out of the country. Exploring the people and culture in Berlin was an enriching experience, but beyond that, living on my own for three weeks allowed me to better understand myself and the balance between work and self-care.
What was the most transformative class you have taken and/or what subjects do you want to explore deeply?
I took a first year seminar titled Philosophy, Culture, and Film with Richard Eldridge. It was the hardest class I had ever taken, but I think I also grew more in that class than I did in any other. That class is what made me want to pursue philosophy further.
Isaiah White
Major: Political Science
