Scholars in the News
Reshma Tharani, 21, is part of a new breed of community college student
Murphy Temple
“People fascinate me, and I get a rush from approaching someone on the street, striking up a conversation, and leaving with a photographic record of my new acquaintance.”
- Program: 2008 College Scholarship Recipient
- Hometown: Jackson, MS
- Four-year College or University: Yale University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Finance / Economy, Literature, Media / Communications / Marketing, Writing / Journalism, Journalism, Communications, Economics, English
- Other Interests: Classics, Film / Photography, Honor Society, Mathematics, Visual Arts, Writing / Journalism
Biography
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUNG SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE: Murphy participated in numerous summer programs, including the Advanced Young Photographers course at Maine Photographic Workshops and a film studies course at Northwestern State University. She also took a Contemporary Ethical Debates course at Duke University. “The programs I have attended have given me the opportunity to learn about the vampire theme in literature, ethics, HTML, film noir, and photography.”
PROFILE: When Murphy entered public high school in rural Mississippi, she found that her passion for learning was rarely matched by her classmates or teachers. Through the aid of the Foundation, Murphy transferred to Phillips Academy where she embraced the fast-paced environment and challenging courses. She discovered a passion for art, literature, Latin and economics, and fell in love with photography, becoming the Director of Photography at her school newspaper. “My time at Andover has truly changed my life, and I have learned things there that I never would have at my old school.”
INSPIRATION: Murphy credits her parents with prompting her to go above and beyond. “After my father died in 2004, my mother did not falter, but made personal sacrifices to ensure that I could take advantage of all the educational and extracurricular opportunities she thought I deserved.”
ASPIRATION: Murphy plans to pursue a career in journalism or economics.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Murphy regularly participates in community service projects to benefit local elementary schools and soup kitchens, as well as Andover student groups that support new students.
ACCOLADES: Murphy is a member of the Honor Roll and a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. She was awarded the Translation Prize by the Phillips Academy, Andover for sight translation of Latin, and the Phillips Prize in first-year Latin.
INTERESTING FACT: Murphy plays classical guitar and is an accomplished critical writer.
Other Scholars Like Murphy
Paulina Ponce de Leon Barido
Graduate Scholar
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Tara Johnson
Graduate Scholar
Johns Hopkins University
Keely
Young Scholar
Thomas Jefferson HS
Elissa Jennings
College Scholar
Harvard University