“It is a little surreal to learn I was named valedictorian, I’ll be honest, I did not think I would make it. I always tried to keep my grades up, but I was surprised. Valedictorian was not really something I was striving for, for the most part.
I was valedictorian in high school at St. Mary’s in Westfield. I’ll be honest; I didn’t think I would get here with so many other quality students, even though we are a small college. Valedictorian was not really something I was striving for. I focused on keeping my grades up, and I knew I would probably be in the top range with all the other students. But I didn’t expect to be valedictorian.
“The graphic design program here is one of the best that I’ve experienced. It’s a small major, but we all know each other. The quality of teaching is very top-notch.”
I was always interested in Japanese culture. There are not many colleges around here that offer that. When I found there was a Japan program here and an actual exchange program, where you get to interact with the students over there, and when they visit here, it was a unique opportunity that I wanted to take advantage of.”
(Elms has had an exchange partnership with the University of Kochi in Japan since 1998. Each spring, students from Kochi come to Elms for two weeks to experience American culture and academics, relying on Elms students serving as “friendship partners to show them around. Every other year, faculty lead Elms students to Japan, and students are able to take semester- or year-long exchange trips to study at the University of Kochi. Natalie has been to Japan 3 times, speaks enough Japanese to get by, and hopes to one day live and work in Japan)
I’m thinking of expanding my Japanese career. I could go back to school and study Japanese, or I may go to the JET (Japanese English and Teaching) Program and teach English in Japan.
Elms has been a great experience. I loved being here, I loved all the opportunities that I’ve been given, all the people I’ve met, and all the faculty that I’ve met. Everyone’s been so kind and very helpful. When it came to my studies and my future career, I feel that it’s been a great learning opportunity, both inside and outside classes. I’ve made a lot of friends and a lot of relationships that will last a lifetime.”
West Springfield
Majored in Graphic Design, minor in Japanese
Co-valedictorian for Class of 2025