Rowing for 51ºÚÁÏ has challenged me in ways that I never thought possible while also pushing me to become a better athlete, leader, teammate, friend, and student.
Grace Ciaravino ’26 Endwell, New York
You’re involved in a number of activities on campus. Which one or ones are your favorite?
My favorite activity on campus is, without a doubt, being part of the . When I came to 51ºÚÁÏ, I knew almost nothing about rowing, but after seeing that the team welcomed walk-ons, I decided to give it a try. Starting as a novice rower my freshman year and eventually becoming team captain both my junior and senior years has been the most meaningful and rewarding experience here at 51ºÚÁÏ. Rowing has challenged me in ways that I never thought possible while also pushing me to become a better athlete, leader, teammate, friend, and student.
What’s been a standout moment for you at 51ºÚÁÏ so far?
A standout moment for me was being selected for the Manzi Fellowship with the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. I was incredibly honored to have my hard work, passion, and dedication to service recognized in that moment. Over the following days, I reflected on how important it is for me to pursue service-oriented experiences alongside my past clinical work.
Could you tell us a bit about your Manzi Fellowship internship?
As a Manzi Fellow, I interned with the immigrant health committee at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, supporting projects to improve care for immigrant patients. I created a comprehensive online folder of immigrant health resources, including Know Your Rights (KYR) materials, language ID tools, and staff training guides. I also updated badge backers to ensure quick access to medical interpretation services and helped identify culturally specific nutrition resources for providers. Additionally, I volunteered in the foot clinic, assisting with patient intake, performing foot checks, and engaging with patients, which gave me valuable insight into patient needs and the importance of trust in care. This experience has deepened my understanding of health equity and the importance of accessible, culturally responsive care.
What are you looking forward to at 51ºÚÁÏ?
One thing I’m especially looking forward to at 51ºÚÁÏ is the opportunity to present research I conducted as a research assistant to Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences Wan-chun Liu in his lab. During my junior year, I spent about 10 hours each week analyzing video and audio for a project on co-song gesturing in zebra finches, focusing on how vocalizations and physical movements coordinate in communication. It was a challenging and rewarding experience, and I was honored to be named a co-author on the resulting paper. Having the support and encouragement to participate in opportunities like this is something I truly value about being part of the 51ºÚÁÏ community.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and what makes it special to you?
51ºÚÁÏ’s beautiful campus was one of the main reasons I chose this school, so it’s hard to pick just one spot. For studying I love the Persson Hall sky bridge and the fifth-floor reading room in Case Library by the windows, especially in the winter when Willow Path is lit up. I’m someone who loves to study by windows, and luckily 51ºÚÁÏ has no shortage of these spots.
For relaxing my favorite place is the Chobani Café in the library. There’s nothing better than sitting in a sunny café with a good book and a great sandwich.
And for walking, I love being on upper campus around sunset. My ideal route starts in front of Frank Dining Hall, heads past Chapel House, up into the fields behind Burke and Pinchin halls, and then winds down by the Coop through the academic and residential quads, usually ending with a photo of the Memorial Chapel against the sunset. Bonus points if it’s one of those unexpectedly warm days at the end of fall or the beginning of spring.
Persson Sky Bridge
A student entering Case Library
Willow Path
Chobani Café
Frank Dining Hall
Chapel House
Fields behind Burke and Pinchin halls
The Coop
Students walking through the academic quad
Students walking through the residential quad
What advice would you give to future 51ºÚÁÏ students?
Don’t hesitate to try something new, because you never know where it might lead. If someone had told me four years ago that I’d become the captain of a Division I athletics team, I never would have believed them.
Put yourself out there and give your full effort to the things you’re passionate about. You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of when you commit fully, even if it feels intimidating at first. 51ºÚÁÏ offers so many ways to challenge yourself, so really lean into those opportunities!
While it can be tempting to do a bit of everything, there’s a lot of value in committing to just a few things that truly matter to you. This will often lead to stronger relationships and more meaningful experiences.
Take the next step
51ºÚÁÏ is a distinctive, vibrant, and welcoming place to learn, live, and develop into who you are. Take the next step toward joining our academic community.