Student Profiles

Source: https://admissions.yale.edu/eli-whitney-profiles Parent: https://admissions.yale.edu/eli-whitney

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Student Profiles

Meet our Eli Whitney students

Eli Whitney students from from all walks of life.

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.

Patrick

Before Yale, I served as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist in the Coast Guard, doing counter-narcotics interdiction and tactical boat operations. In 2020, I started taking classes at City College of San Francisco. I am now majoring in Economics with a focus on energy transition and sustainable energy. I conducted economics research at Cambridge university during the summer and will spend a interning at an investment bank. I am actively involved in Yale’s Club Powerlifting Team and the Chess Club. My Yale experience has been transformative, particularly the mentorship from professors who have guided my research.

Laurie

Born and raised in Virginia, I was the first in my family to attend college, a decision that was inspired by my part-time job as a dental assistant in high school. I graduated from Northern VA Community College with a degree in Dental Hygiene, and I worked as a dental hygienist for 6 years before returning to college. Now at Yale, I have worked in a lab doing research in epigenomics of psychiatric disorders, and I’ve pursued my entrepreneurial interests through the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale. I am particularly interested in healthcare reform, and I’ve participated in healthcare hackathons and startup pitches on campus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thomas

I spent ten years in the Air Force as a Tactical Air Control Party specialist and Joint Terminal Attack Controller. While serving, I discovered a passion for science and medicine, leading me to enroll at Cabrillo College before applying to Yale. During my first summer, I worked as a researcher in a cardiovascular lab at the Yale School of Medicine. I currently serve as President of the Yale Undergraduate Veterans Society. The highlight of my Yale experience so far has been the community. The support from fellow Eli Whitney students and veterans has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals and thrive at Yale.