| Personal Statement |
It is not just leaving your mark, but encouraging a trail of many unique footsteps, leaving their marks beside yours. Being a well-rounded leader includes “helping people help themselves,” which I learned while interning at ProJeCt of Easton, summarizing my passion. My time here has included mentoring, empowering, advocating for, and supporting my peers and community. I have worn many different hats both on campus and across Easton through my roles– all striving to empower others.
I have been successful in academics as a double major, but my strength is bridging mentorship and academia. As a Head Research Assistant at Lafayette Kids Lab, a Psychology Peer Mentor, and PLA I assist students in Psychology research methods. As a WA, I expand my support across majors. When tutoring for America Reads in March classrooms, I bring this same level of empowerment to the Little Leopards down the street as with our Older Leopards.
Beyond the campus, I founded Pax Partners, a program supporting students and families at Paxinosa Elementary through community needs-based services. The program provides food pantry, recess, and clothing resources but intends to make our community feel as supported, appreciated, and self-sufficient as Easton and Lafayette have made me. Overseeing peer volunteers, I emphasize that they feel uplifted inside and outside of programming.
At Nickelodeon, I worked on children’s media research to understand how kids can see themselves in characters on-screen. This job informed my senior thesis on food insecurity in children’s media, understanding perceptions to make more inclusive media and conversations– entwining my passion for food security and empowerment.
I leave Lafayette with knowledge, camaraderie, and a commitment to keep opening doors for others, with empathy and support, while showing them the power within– just as many have done for me in Easton. |
| Other Information |
| I would like to take the opportunity to thank Lafayette and the greater community. As a student on multiple need-based financial aid awards, I am continuously grateful for the chance to be a part of the Lafayette community. A small, liberal arts education was never imaginable for me while growing up– not until I was awarded my Lafayette acceptance package. Thank you, Lafayette College, for giving me the chance to feel supported and thrive in a prestigious setting without long-term financial stress – it is an immense privilege. |
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| Academic Activity / Award |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| EXCEL Research Scholar Lafayette Kids Lab |
3 years |
I began working in the Lafayette Kids Lab as a volunteer research assistant for Professor Myers and aiding a senior in their independent research. I began working on the longitudinal Grandparent Grandchild Zoom study with Lafayette Kids Lab and the University of South Dakota’s Children’s Media Lab. I became an EXCEL Research Scholar and worked my way up to now being the Lead Research Assistant for the Data Collection Team on the project. I have been learning about child development, family relationships, and visual attention through reviewing and coding videos, writing and editing abstracts, creating research posters, counterbalancing conditions, and recruiting and managing participants. I have been honored to be a part of the team since the project began, watching it grow, training and managing new research assistants, and helping families grow connections and find ways to engage meaningfully over Zoom. |
| Writing Associate (WA) |
3 years |
I have collaborated with four professors in their first-year and upper-level writing courses across various disciplines. I meet with students multiple times per semester, helping to advance their writing skills through essays and presentations. I have worked with and built connections with about 80 students through this role. I also hosted drop-in sessions open to the entire school, which allowed me to work short-term with more students on campus across a variety of majors and works. This year, I am hosting the Honors Thesis Writing Group, holding weekly hour-and-a-half meetings to offer support and community for seniors writing their thesis. I run the sessions and offer WA feedback during these weekly sessions. Being a WA has connected me with many students across campus and gain knowledge on course content from students’ perspectives in the History, Neuroscience and Psychology, and Anthropology & Sociology departments– since the students are the content experts! My unique mission as a WA is to build connections with my students, especially among my first-years– checking in on their other classes and mental health, making sure they are adjusting to campus, and providing other resources. This role has helped me feel better connected with our campus community and have mentor-mentee impacts with many students across campus. |
| Psi Chi |
2 years |
I am a member of Lafayette’s chapter of the International Psychology Honor Society. Through my participation, I attend general meetings and academic and special events. |
| Dean’s List |
4 years |
Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, (abroad), Fall 2024 |
| Senior Honors Thesis |
1 year |
This year, I have been pursuing a joint thesis in the Psychology and Anthropology & Sociology department under the guidance of Dr. Myers and Dr. Kissane. The working title of my thesis is “Food Insecurity in Children’s Media: Lived Experiences’ Impact on Upper Elementary Students’ Perceptions of Similarity to Characters in Picture Books, Liking of Story, and Perceptions of Food Insecure Children.” I have grown passionate about food security over my time here at Lafayette. After working for Nickelodeon, I became inspired to find ways to make more, and better, children’s media and storylines about children facing food insecurity. To do so, I am researching how children are thinking about the topic, seeking to understand if children’s lived experiences shape their enjoyment of these books and perceptions of children facing food insecurity. The study is an experiment, where all children read picture books, answer pre- and post-questions of adjectives about children worried about not having enough to eat, and answer questions about the main character of the stories. The experimental group reads books about children with food insecurity, and the control group reads other social-emotional learning books unrelated to food insecurity or social justice topics. I have spent many hours working with about 100 students in third, fourth, and fifth grade collecting data in Paxinosa, Ada B. Cheston, and Francis A. March Elementary schools and am excited to continue to run the analyses and understand the results of the work to share with the Easton community. |
| Psychology Lab Assistant (PLA) |
1 year |
I have worked as a teaching assistant to Professor Redding with about 40 students in Introduction to Psychology this past year. As a Psychology Lab Assistant (PLA) I attend weekly lab class, assisting in managing the classroom. I answer questions from students, helping them work through their first psychological research projects at Lafayette, and grading objective assignments. I also meet with and help them hone their skills and advance their projects during office hours. Being a PLA my senior year has felt full circle– simultaneously working on my honors thesis project while assisting them with the beginning of their psychology research endeavors. Similarly to WA, I have loved fostering connections and empowering students’ academic confidence across campus. |
| Psychology Peer Mentor |
1 year |
As a Psychology peer mentor, I am matched with a first-year psychology student and arrange monthly meetings with the student to discuss academic, campus, and personal-related concerns. I have loved growing a connection with my mentee, supporting her, and feeling supported myself. |
| PSYC 342 Practicum ProJeCt of Easton Internship |
0.5 years, Fall 2024 |
Through the Psychology Practicum course, I spent over 80 hours with ProJeCt of Easton! I tutored adult students of various ages in GED and ESL subjects, one-on-one and in small groups, and led classroom discussions. I also worked with young children in Early Childhood Education classes, helping them develop early educational skills and navigating the English and Spanish language. I assisted in the organization, building, and critical decision-making in the food pantry, creating a presentation of resources for patrons, and building pantry equipment. I also assisted patrons and conducted in-take forms with patrons on behalf of the case manager. This opportunity allowed me to learn more about food systems, food insecurity, and educational access for children and adults. Lastly, it taught me the importance of empowerment. I enjoy sharing my learning and knowledge from this experience with Lafayette, in our Practicum class, and in Landis programs. |
| National Conference of Undergraduate Research |
April 2025 |
I will be attending the National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and presenting my thesis. |
| Society for Child Development |
May 2025 |
I will be attending the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and presenting 2 posters for the Lafayette Kids Lab and the Children’s Media Lab. |
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| Campus Service Activity/Award |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| Founder and Program Coordinator of Pax Partners |
3 years |
After being a staff member of the Pre-Orientation Service Program, the community partner expressed the need for support with the Paxinosa food pantry from Lafayette. From this point forward, I worked to create the weekly community engagement program, Pax Partners, in my sophomore year. I piloted and coordinated a group of student volunteers to research and create resources for the pantry. It became an established MOSAIC program in Spring 2023. The group of volunteers and I have done a tremendous amount; we created food stamp pamphlets/resources in English and Spanish, recipe books in English and Spanish, labeled signs for boutiques in English and Spanish, translation sheets, volunteered at pantries and free clothing boutiques and events, assisting at the West Ward Market, getting fresh produce from LaFarm to pantry, hosted coloring sessions to keep children occupied in pantry visits, ran recess clubs to reduce absentee rates among students and created Lego building pamphlets for recces, fundraised and donated over $3000 through an outside donor and two fundraising events with Landis, and hosted hoodie drives (see below). It should be noted that while this activity is community service/engagement-based, this position became paid in Spring 2023. |
| Assistant Director and Team Member for the Food & Housing Security and Sovereignty Team in Landis’ MOSAIC |
3 years |
After 2.5 years on the Food & Housing Security and Sovereignty Team, I was promoted to Assistant Director. I help oversee a handful of program coordinators, coordinate meetings with the director, attend leadership meetings, and direct our service events. As a member of the FHSS team, I have spent the last few years coordinating my Pax Partner’s volunteers, and arranging educational and service events about Food and Housing insecurity on campus (see below). It should be noted that while this activity is community service/engagement-based, this position is paid. |
| America Reads Tutor |
4 years |
Similarly to a teacher’s aide, I have been working in Francis A. March Elementary School with elementary school children to advance their Science, Math, English, and History skills through the America Reads program. I assist with emotional regulation tools and act as a role model to the “Little Leopards” on the hill. I have attended educational events through this program to discuss and expand my knowledge on educational gaps and emotional regulation to be a better tutor. I have participated /will participate in Literacy Day 2022, 2023 and 2025 through the America Reads program, encouraging kids to have a love for reading and academics, boosting their skills. It should be noted that while this activity is community service/engagement-based, this position is paid. |
| Fitness Assistant at the Recreational Center |
4 years |
I assist patrons with fitness machinery, I clean machinery, and observe the recreational center to maintain a safe atmosphere and encourage physical fitness and health. CPR and First Aid Certification. |
| WRJH |
1 year |
Co-hosted a radio show to share love and interest in music. |
| Lafayette Happiness Project |
1 year |
Involved in campus enrichment activities to boost joy and confidence across campus. Served as a buddy and mentee within the program. |
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| Community Service |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| Pre-Orientation Service Program (POSP) Staff Member and Assistant Director of FIRTH |
2 years |
I participated in the Pre-Orientation Service Program as a staff member, helping first-year students adjust to Lafayette campus and learn about the Easton community through week-long educational, reflection, and community activities. The program allows first-year students to learn about genuine community engagement and service and the reciprocity of engaging and being supported by your community. As a staff member at KIC, I co-coordinated science station activities. In my second year, as the Assistant Director of FIRTH, I helped select staff, manage FIRTH staff members and ensure they have equipment for activities, coordinate with community members, and plan for FIRTH/POSP. In both camps, I engaged with students in the Easton community. As a staff member in POSP, we held one-day, large-scale community engagement events, and service helped plan events throughout the week on designated committees. I was thrilled to join the team and am grateful for the impact this program has had on myself, first-years, and the larger community. |
| Food and Housing Security & Sovereignty Fundraising Event |
Fall 2022 |
While starting the Pax Partners MOSAIC program before its official launch, I helped the Food and Housing Security & Sovereignty team spearhead a fundraising event for the local Easton pantry across multiple weeks on campus. We held an educational panel event with community pantry operators, hosted a Mojo’s fundraising day, and had a GiveButter donation link which raised over $4,000 for the Easton Area Neighborhood Center and Paxinosa’s pantries. |
| LafKid Connect |
2 years |
Volunteered and mentored middle school students through educational, engaging, and fun activities. Built strong connections with Easton Area middle schoolers. |
| Alpha Phi Omega Member and Fellowship Committee Member |
2 years |
I attended chapter meetings and fostered brotherhood connected in the service fraternity. As a part of the fellowship committee, I hosted fun events to encourage closer connections among the fraternity. I was a PenPal with other brothers in different chapters. Engaged in multiple service projects and short-term volunteering events like Bacon Fest, Rise Against Hunger packing event, the Easton Farmer’s Market, LaFarm, a local animal shelter. I also helped lead more biweekly-to-monthly volunteering at the Easton Area Neighborhood Center’s food pantry. APO helped me find my specific niche interests in sectors of community service. |
| Meals at Third Volunteer |
1 year |
Volunteered at Third Street Alliance with women and children, preparing and serving meals for families. |
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| Athletic Activity/Award |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| Club Softball |
0.5 years, Fall 2021 |
Team member, participating in games and practices for my first-year fall.. |
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| Special Interest Activity/Award |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| Digital and Cultural Consumer Insights Intern at Nickelodeon via Paramount+ |
Summer 2024 |
My Lafayette research experience and community engagement opportunities aided in my acquisition of a job at Nickelodeon. This research focused on making games easier to use and creating characters, representative of all kinds of children. To do so, I hosted focus groups and interviews with children, and some adults. I led and assisted with UX/UI research across digital platforms with adult and kids focus groups and coded open-ended survey data to gather cultural/digital insights about children with Autism, Food, and Housing Security, and different cultural groups of kids. I both curated and presented reports. I collaborated with incredible vendors in the children’s media industry. This experience felt important to highlight since it was secured through Handshake with Lafayette’s Gateway Career Center, informed my thesis, and helped me navigate toward a position and field I am interested in pursuing post-grad. |
| Resident Advisor and Mentor for Terra Education’s Summer Springboard |
Summer 2023 |
I advised over 200 domestic and international high school students on higher education decisions. I taught public speaking and community service classes. I helped students adjust to new cities, including New York City on the Fordham University Lincoln Center campus and Georgetown at Georgetown University, and combat homesickness. I hosted engaging activities, oversaw student safety, and provided conflict management. I also assisted in Psychology & Neuroscience and Trial Law classes. This position supports my genuine passion for mentorship, was acquired through Handshake, and was an opportunity to share my experiences at Lafayette College in their college panels. |
| Pax Partners Hoodie Drive |
Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 |
For a few weeks, in Fall 2023 and Fall 2024, I coordinated the hoodie drive for Paxinosa’s students and families. Lafayette students and faculty filled our boxes with hoodies and supplied a total of over 150 hoodies for the students. |
| Food and Housing Security & Sovereignty Education and Fundraising Event |
Fall 2024 |
After joining the Food and Housing Security & Sovereignty team, we hosted a meaningful community panel in Fall 2023. But, in Fall 2024 we successfully achieved an event we thought was too ambitious. Through donations, we were able to host a snack packing event to provide 600 snack packs filled with raisins, goldfish crackers, applesauce, fresh fruit, fruit cups, granola bars, popcorn, and a handwritten note for every student at Paxinosa Elementary School. The school’s afterschool programs began to dwindle, as well as their community resources, leaving children without means to after school snacks. Through my internship at ProJeCt of Easton, they donated raisins and applesauce to our event. We collaborated with Lafayette/Parkhurst Dining, Vinny V’s, Gyroconcept, Hillel, LaFFCo, Hana, and GyroConcept. We were able to also raise $600 for Paxinosa’s pantry. The event had a great turnout and heartwarming outcome, putting smiles on the faces of students and their “thank you” letters. |
| One-Time Campus Events |
4 years |
While at Lafayette, I have loved being involved in one-time service or paid events on campus. These include but are not limited to, working the college’s booth at the Easton Winter Village, volunteering for the Girl Scouts Badge Day to help local Girl Scouts earn STEM patches, representing the college at Forks Community Day by tabling, and coming up, being a tour guide for local elementary students through the Connected Classrooms program. |
| Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) Scholarship |
Spring 2024 |
Academic scholarship awarded for my semester abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland at the University of Edinburgh. |
| Richard G. Hauser ’64 Scholarship Fund in Memory of Barbara Anne Hauser; Lees Family Endowed Scholarship Fund ; Joseph C. ’24 and Glady W. Marhefka Endowed Scholarship Fund; James L. Myers ’73 and Judith E. Thomson ’73 Scholarship Fund; Leroy D. Nunery, II ’77 Scholarship Fund ; Michael ’67 and Rita O’Kane Scholarship Fund |
4 years |
Awards granted all four years of college. |
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