There is no typical Eli Whitney student. They are military veterans, entrepreneurs, community and social activists, healthcare workers, artists and athletes. Some have devoted themselves to careers; some have already raised families. They range in age from mid-twenties to fifties.
Jasmine
Before Yale, I worked in Big Tech for 20 years as an Engineering Program Manager. I began my tech path as a scrappy kid building computers to indulge my curiosity. After several years at Foothill College, I chose to explore the other side of my nerdy soul through storytelling and film. At Yale, I have studied British film and culture in Bath, explored African American identity and existentialism, and completed a film apprenticeship providing script feedback on unreleased films. My true joy, however, is meeting the wonderful, inspiring peers in the EWSP. I love how Yale challenges me to marry my technical background with my creative skills.
John
After graduating from high school in Fresno, CA, I travelled across the western U.S. in my ‘99 Ford Ranger and completed parts of the Pacific Crest Trail. After a poor attempt at community college, I enlisted in the Air Force as a Russian linguist. My time at the Defense Language Institute was formative in my decision to return to college. As my military contract came to an end, I enrolled in Metropolitan Community College in Omaha. Now, I plan to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am most grateful for the professors at Yale; I am blown away that I am being taught by some of the world’s most intelligent people.
Megan
I dropped out of college when I was 18 and spent more than a decade working as a professional dancer. My career ended after I was fired for organizing at work. At Yale, I study Economics with a focus on labor and serve as a peer mentor in the Economics department where I have won the Meeker, Wright, and Schroeder awards. Yale has funded my internships at the Department of Labor and Harvard Law School. Right now, I’m working on an oral history project with union tradeswomen—also supported by a Yale fellowship! I plan to continue in workforce policy after I graduate.
Paul
I served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation rescue swimmer and helicopter door gunner before enrolling at Yale where I am majoring in political science with a certificate in Japanese. At Yale, I’ve had the opportunity to study emerging threats and modern intelligence at the University of Cambridge while also gaining experience through internships with the Department of War and the Department of Justice. I am actively involved with the Yale Foreign Policy Initiative where I collaborate with fellow students on geopolitical net assessment and research. After graduation, I hope to attend law school and continue a career of public service.
Karolina
I grew up as one of 11 siblings. After high school, I enlisted in the Air Force as a Weather Journeyman. While serving, I became a yoga instructor and taught yoga to sexual assault survivors. I also started taking online courses but found it difficult to pursue my interests in writing and languages in full. Currently, I am majoring in Architecture but I am still exploring. I love one-on-one conversations with professors and hands-on access to items at the Beinecke Library and Yale University Art Gallery. I enjoy Polish Club, attending guest speaker events hosted by the English Department, and singing in the Yale Undergraduate Chamber Choir.
Zeff
I grew up in Yonkers, NY. After high school, I pursued fashion design, videography, and music production. A hard-drive crash led me to take-up martial arts, which I coached while in community college. At SUNY Westchester, I fell in love with philosophy, leading me to Yale’s Physics & Philosophy major. I spent a summer in Batumi, Georgia, studying Russian and Georgian culture. After Yale, I plan to keep studying Physics, Classics, or Philosophy, with the goal of becoming a professor. You can find me with the Yale Chess Club or the Yale MMA club. My favorite Yale memories are get-togethers at Gryphon’s Pub and late-night sandwiches after exams.
Tyler
Before coming to Yale, I was a self-employed general contractor of 20 years and father of 3 (now 4). In 2017, my life suddenly changed after I fell 25 and was initially paralyzed from the waist down. I began to re-dream and re-invent life, so I decided to pursue a career in Environmental stewardship. After several semesters at Gateway Community College, I gained the confidence and intellect needed to apply. With my knowledge now deepened by my academic journey and my two summer internships with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, I now have what it takes to begin my career in socio-ecological restoration.
