Compiled by Laurel Bennett, Features Editor
Abigail Dryden ’24 (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Abigail Dryden ’24: Semi-Finalist for a Fulbright Fellowship
I am a semi-finalist for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Program in Uruguay. I have taken an unusual path at Gettysburg, studying Political Science and Spanish for my majors in combination with a Chemistry minor. While unconventional, I am incredibly grateful to Gettysburg for allowing me the space to explore my diverse interests. Moving between these different fields was essential to my growth at Gettysburg and how I will approach future careers. I came to college quiet and unsure, but through the exploration of these fields, I cultivated my passions and learned many new skills. The support from my professors as I moved between lab and literature analysis was of particular importance. The connections I have made at Gettysburg truly feel unique. Outside of academics I similarly found spaces of support. The Painted Turtle Farm and the Fielding Fellowship were such spaces that taught me about the kind of work I love and how to do it well. Beyond the Fulbright, I hope to get my master’s degree and work in the policy area of food justice. Even if I do not receive the Fulbright, I am excited about jumping into other opportunities because Gettysburg has given me the skills to succeed.
Julia Gruppo ’24 (Photo Sofia Gutierrez/The Gettysburgian)
Julia Gruppo ’24: Teaching 7-12 Science
Post graduation, I will be teaching 7-12 science in a public school local to the Gettysburg area and I am beyond excited to bring my knowledge and passion about education and science to the classroom. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a science teacher and when I came to Gettysburg, my passion for teaching science was ignited. At Gettysburg, passionate professors like Professor Erin Clark and Professor Lori Althoff taught me the foundations of excellent teaching and helped to refine my pedagogical methods and teaching philosophy. It was during my student teaching that I became interested in special education and ensuring that every student receives the best possible education and therefore in addition to teaching, I will be pursuing a Masters in Education in Special Education. During my time as a biology major, I enjoyed sitting on the flip side of the classroom and learning about the fascinating interactions between organisms and our natural world where my terrific biology professors emphasized the importance of not only being an excellent teacher but also a good scientist. Subsequently, I will be continuing my biology education with a Masters of Science in Environmental Science, specifically freshwater systems.
Keili Murphy ’24: Registered Behavioral Technician
Keili Murphy ’24 (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
As graduation nears, I find myself reflecting on my journey at Gettysburg College. Throughout my time here, I have come to appreciate the educational opportunities in and out of the classroom, ranging from engaging in research experiences within the psychology department and navigating virtual classes in 2020, to invaluable mentorship with faculty members. Encapsulated in a supportive and empowering community, Gettysburg College has equipped me with the skills and resources necessary to shape my future endeavors. From seizing positions within campus recreation, embracing study abroad experiences such as my time in Wollongong, Australia, or pursuing research endeavors with Dr. Yurasek, I have been taught to embrace each opportunity that comes my way. In terms of the next phase of my professional journey, I will continue as a Registered Behavioral Technician with a firm in New Jersey, where I will gain invaluable clinical experience that will come to serve as a stepping stone towards pursuing a Psy. D in Clinical Psychology. Gettysburg College has been nothing short of allowing me to dream big. As my esteemed mentor, Cindy Wright, has often emphasized, “the realm of possibility is boundless, daring to dream big will unlock potential for extraordinary achievements.”
Hannah Vaccaro ’24 (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Hannah Vaccaro ’24: Teach English in the South of France
As I look to the future after graduating this May, I am hoping to move to the South of France for a year to teach English. I fell in love with France during my time spent abroad in the fall of my junior year here at Gettysburg. When I return, I am looking to get a master’s degree in social work and continue my work as a healthcare advocate which I began here with Adams County Sexual Assault Services. Gettysburg College has allowed me to meet some of my favorite people in the world and will carry those relationships and memories with me forever. My professors have allowed me to take control of my own knowledge and prepared me for my future, whatever that may be. As I look towards leaving Gettysburg, I am trying to take in every long walk to class and rainy Wednesday while I can. I am ready to move on, but I will be forever grateful for my time here and I miss it already.
Noah Albanese ’24: Applying for the Peace Corps and Fellowships
Noah Albanese ’24 (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
As I look back at my formative experiences in college, I am thankful for all the opportunities that the college has offered me. I believe that taking advantage of opportunities like taking leadership positions and studying abroad has molded me into the person I am today. In addition, the life-long friends, and the connections I made with professors would always be memorable to me. Out of these, I believe that being the captain of the cross-country/ track and field team was one of the most fulfilling experiences I had in college. The job often came with difficult moments. It was occasionally frustrating, and it took tremendous patience. However, there was something extremely fulfilling watching your team, which you had a hand in building, succeed in races. To me, I always have tremendous joy in being with my teammates and helping them achieve their goals. For my post grad plans, I am looking for ways to travel to Asia so I can continue to learn more languages. Currently, I am applying for Peace Corps and various other fellowships.
This article originally appeared on pages 10 to 11 of the April 2024 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
