Wall in Admission and Student Financial Services room that says "The World Needs Grinnellians"

Student Journeys

Extraordinary journeys begin in unexpected places.

Read more about the extraordinary places these students experienced through their Grinnell College journeys.

Nam Do on a beach with a beautiful sunset behind him

’25

Nam Do

Nam Do is from Hanoi, Vietnam, a city of over 8 million people. He wanted a big change — a small liberal arts college in a rural setting.

Mykenzie sits near a stone firepit

’25

Mykenzie Masters

Mykenzie was very drawn to Grinnell for the academics. But when she visited and saw the community, that’s when she knew she wanted to be at Grinnell.

Ben smiles with a beautiful sunset and landscape behind him

’25

Ben Curran

Ben wanted to be sure he wouldn’t be sacrificing his love of music by coming to Grinnell. Now, he says he’s never been so musically fulfilled.

MAddie stands on a paved path with trees on one side and water on the other

’25

Maddie Hartog

Maddie was looking for a college with an inclusive, diverse student body where people support each other. Grinnell had what she wanted and more.

A young women in a competitive swimsuit

’25

Hannah Sweet

Hannah wanted a small community where she could know her professors and classmates well. The Grinnell community offered that and more.

Sara shoots the basketball while an opposing player plays defense

’25

Sara Booher

For Sara, Grinnell rose to the top because of the people she met here, especially current students. It felt like a community where she could belong.

Young woman poses with The Bean sculpture in downtown Chicago

’25

Alyson Won

Alyson grew up in San Francisco and wanted something different for her college experience. With its academic rigor and research opportunities, Grinnell was it.

I take a selfie with my friends.

’25

Cooper Malone

Cooper chose Grinnell for its close-knit community. With his advisers, swim teammates, and alum friends, he grew tremendously!

I point to my name on the big blue wall.

’25

Essi Adokou

Essi knew she would be supported at Grinnell. Her three advisers guided her to medicine, South Africa, and advanced neurophysiology research!

I stand proudly in Prague.

’25

Aaron Peters

Aaron chose Grinnell for academic freedom. He had many hands-on learning experiences through externships, internships, research, and mentorship positions.

I take a selfie with the green mountain to my back.

’25

Nina Bigelow

Nina knew that Grinnell perfectly fit her. Through her externship, advanced research, on-campus jobs, internships, and time in Prague, she made the most of it.

I stand near the blooming tulip flowers.

’25

Tori Thomas

Tori was amazed by how many doors Grinnell opened for her: international internships, study, and research abroad — and a new career path!

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