Best School Spirit
Kenneth Rivera '19
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Sophmore Kenneth Riviera has already become a widely known face on campus. When he's not showcasing his moves in Dance Co., cheering for the Trailblazers on the Cheer Squad, making jokes at the Students Activities Council's (SAC) Comedy Stop, making executive decisions for the Latin American Society, saving the environment at the RPS recycling Committee, serving on the Alanna club council, or dutifully protecting students as a RASM, he's flaunting his MCLA pride as an admissions ambassador.
Kenneth is a busy bee and social butterfly, who knows networking and involvement are key to success. "I love being involved in my community as much as I can because it is an easy way to meet new people and add a positive association to your name," Kenneth said.
Such skills are necessary when you're trying to change the world. Kenneth is an interdisciplinary major creating his own degree for social activism. "During my senior year of high school, I participated and started working for a nonprofit organization, NCCJ, that works to educate high school students on social justice issues. This program taught me how to view the challenges of the world and it inspired me to make my life career in helping end the social injustice in it. I knew that coming to a liberal art college would help me with this choice because social justice is still a new topic people are exploring," Kenneth said.
MCLA was the right choice for Kenneth; it's the reason why he's so involved. He wants to share his love with the world. "My motivation to share my love for the college is the fact that everyone deserves to find the right school for them. I was lucky enough to find mine," Kenneth said. "I'm also a cheerleader so naturally I have the best school spirit anyone could have."
During her time at MCLA, Shadea has fully embraced the many opportunities available to her, participating in theatre, the WJJW Radio Station, and Dance Company. This semester, Shadea is embarking on what may be "one of the most rewarding experiences of her life," studying abroad at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas. While there she will be taking classes in English, Communications, and Theatre, auditioning for their dance team, and exploring opportunities with the University's radio station. Shadea's study abroad experience was made possible through the National Student Exchange Program and was funded by applying her financial aid awards from MCLA.
Shadea is just one example of the impact financial aid makes. Did you know that 46% percent of all MCLA students were eligible for Federal Pell Grants last year and that 90% of all MCLA students applied for financial aid? Due to this increasingly pressing need, this year the College has introduced a special scholarship initiative to help increase funds available to our students and their families. The need is greater now than ever before. When you give to the Alumni Fund, you are making it possible for MCLA's students, like Shadea, to begin and complete their journey; allowing them to fulfill their dreams and discover their passions.
Kenneth Rivera '19
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