GREEN TIES 2023

Pacific Lutheran University

Pepperdine University

Pitzer College

Princeton University

Purdue University

Rhode Island School of Design

San Diego State University

San Jose State University

Santa Clara University

Seattle University

Smith College

Stanford University

Suffolk University

Swarthmore College

Syracuse University

Tacoma Community College

University College Dublin

University of California Berkeley

University of California Davis

University of California Irvine

University of California Riverside

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut Stamford

University of Rochester

University of South Florida

University of St Andrews

University of Toronto

University of Washington (Bothell Campus)

University of Washington (Seattle Campus)

Vassar College

Washington University in St. Louis

Wellesley College

Whitman College

Willamette University

Sebastián Bush

Destination: Syracuse University

I chose to attend Syracuse mainly because of the program I was accepted into, Sports Analytics. This program will allow me to pursue data science in the field of sports, as one of my main interests is soccer. What drew me to this program was mainly my experience as the team manager for the girls’ soccer team in the fall of this last year, where I was able to keep track of statistics and work with the team; after the season ended, I knew I had to delve deeper into this interest in college. I am also really interested in studying abroad, and Syracuse offered opportunities to do just that. Overall, it felt like the perfect fit!

Alec Beck

Destination: Washington University in St. Louis

From its location to its emphasis on 1-on-1 advising and strong pre-med culture, I felt it was a great choice for me. Also, St. Louis is essentially the chess capital of the world, which was a tremendous positive for me since I’ve been playing competitive chess for years.

I’m looking forward to being able to go out and see the world. I’ve lived in Tacoma my entire life, and while I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel across the US and to several other countries, I’ve never actually lived anywhere else.

During my time at AWS, I was able to grow and understand more about myself, from what I wanted to study to the type of person I wanted to be. Now, I’m looking forward to applying that knowledge as I transition into adulthood, and to me, heading to college signifies one of the greatest aspects of this change.

Nadine Gibson

Destination: Wellesley College

(after a gap year in Brazil studying Portuguese, martial arts, and volunteer teaching!)

I knew I wanted a small college with a close-knit community; I wanted to be challenged and grow intellectually. Also, having access to amazing, accomplished women all over the world is a huge benefit and motivator, and it was simple to defer admission for a year—which was conducive to taking a gap year. I recently started working in the archives at AWS which led me to discover that Wellesley has a museum on campus with a thriving archives department! I will definitely be reaching out.

My teachers and peers at AWS pushed and supported me to reach personal and academic goals that allowed me to see myself at excellent institutions. I also learned where to blaze my own path, which has translated into developing my own gap year. One of the life-preparation sessions for seniors was self defense in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Since I liked it so much, I started training with the team that came to AWS. My curiosity led me to Brazil where I found nonprofits to volunteer with and communities in which to continue and expand my martial arts journey.

I am ecstatic about moving to Boston and going to college, but for me there is no rush; taking this year to focus on my physical well-being and learn how to build community where I know no one will serve me for my life. I am looking forward to constantly being reminded and shown how big the world is.

Emily Leise

Destination: University College Dublin

I chose University College Dublin for a lot of reasons, but the biggest one is that I really wanted to go to Ireland for college. After doing extensive research and taking part in a program at UCD over the summer, I knew that I had to go. It’s definitely a big change of pace from what I am used to, but that was part of the appeal for me. UCD had a lot of things to like about it, like the great opportunities for international students, the incredible programs, and the lovely location in the Dublin suburbs. I am very excited to be heading to UCD for college, and I know I have a unique and enriching college experience in store for me!

Shiyang (Angela) Wang

Destination: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Art is my abiding interest. As someone who has been drawing since Kindergarten, pursuing a degree in the arts or design has always been my goal, and I cannot imagine a better fit than RISD, which is a leading institution in these fields. I am grateful for my experiences at AWS, especially the artist laureate program, which played a significant role in my college application. This program gave me the opportunity to present my artwork and share my vision and process with others. It inspired me to create art with a broad reach to general audiences, instead of just being personal. I was also able to meet with local professional artists, including some who graduated from RISD, and this experience will undoubtedly benefit me in college and beyond.