Extraordinary journeys begin in unexpected places.
Read more about the extraordinary places these students experienced through their Grinnell College journeys.
’25
FEATURED
Alex wanted to challenge himself in a welcoming environment. With advisers, teammates, funding, and clubs, he was able to do just that!
’23
Katie made lots of friends her first year by being brave. Later on, she pursued theater opportunities at Grinnell, interned with the College Garden, and lived together with her friends in Colorado.
’23
Cross country athlete and comp-sci major Andrew discovered a passion for nature and hiking in small-town Iowa. Together with his teammates and coworkers, he explored beautiful sights!
’23
With the help of her community, Emma created an independent major, ran cross country at the national level, traveled to Europe, and found the importance of music in communities.
’23
MJ fell in love with Grinnell’s community visiting and beyond, even during pandemic. She engaged with politics, studied abroad in Sweden, and majored in economics!
’23
At Grinnell, Spencer found a group of incredible people waiting for him. With them, he swam competitively, studied abroad in London, and explored his passions.
’23
Lucy explored her life-long passion for theater from all angles, thanks to Grinnell's research and study-abroad opportunities. She directed shows, studied abroad in London, and more!
’22
When Sophie visited Grinnell, she was enamored by the diversity, authenticity, and openness of the students she interacted with. Those interactions continued throughout her four years and developed into friendships and relationships that she will continue to value after graduation. She similarly valued her experiences with service, research, advocacy, the Rosenfield Program, internships, externships, study abroad, and getting to know Grinnell.
’22
Enya knew that the best way for her to grow was to be surrounded by different people, so she chose Grinnell. She indeed grew a lot, by interacting with diverse people, as well as through swimming, water polo, the College’s individually advised curriculum, and by creating an unconventional off-campus study.
’22
Camila knew that a liberal arts education in the form of an individually advised curriculum would best fit her academic needs and allow her to explore her interests. Majoring in political science and Spanish, she was also able to live in Farm House, join two Student Educational Policy Committees, do a congressional internship, and work as a New Student Orientation coordinator.
’22
When Eva visited Grinnell, she felt safe, comfortable, and empowered to shape her education. Four years later, she has participated in and mentored the Peer Connections Pre-Orientation Program, built a supportive community, explored Iowa, researched gender-based violence and femicide in Latin America, and more.
’ 22
When Justina visited Grinnell, she found a positive, encouraging, curious, and courageous community of people from around the world. Four years later, she has also found opportunities to study abroad, perform with the Latin American Jazz Ensemble, and serve in various advocacy and mentorship roles.
’22
Ailsa came to Grinnell for the rural setting and the opportunity to run cross country. A few years later, she is loving building, supporting, and being a part of student communities, as well as asking questions about religion in and out of the classroom. She looks forward to connecting with people through a service program next year.