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A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
Scholars in the News
Reshma Tharani, 21, is part of a new breed of community college student
J. Ashley Odell
“Although my experience so far in college has not always been easy, knowing that I have been able to accomplish my goals while overcoming obstacles has made it feel even more rewarding.”
- Program: 2008 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Manchester, CT
- Hometown: Manchester, CT
- Age: 26
- Community College: Manchester Community College
- Four-year College or University: Eastern Connecticut State University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Education / Academia, Government, Nonprofits, Philosophy, Politics and Diplomacy, Social Science / Anthropology, Writing / Journalism, Critical Social Thought
- Other Interests: Honor Society, Languages, Leadership Development, Literature, Religion, Student Government, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work, Writing / Journalism, Genealogy, Travelling
Biography
PROFILE: Ashley Odell knew she wanted to become a teacher after a professor invited her to be his teaching assistant for a developmental English course. “My interactions with students in that class helped me to see that teaching felt right, and that I was skilled enough to help make an impact on others.” As a History and Anthropology major, Ashley feels she will be able to explore all of her varied interests while developing a better understanding of the world around her and her role in it.
Ashley has dealt with health issues that have sometimes made attaining educational goals difficult. “Although my experience so far in college has not always been easy, knowing that I have been able to accomplish my goals while overcoming obstacles has made it feel even more rewarding.”
INSPIRATION: One of her professors has been Ashley’s teacher, friend, and mentor since she started college. He helped her find her calling as a teacher and discover her inner confidence.
ASPIRATION: Ashley aspires to become a college professor or student services specialist and continue working with disadvantaged students.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Ashley has received awards from the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for outstanding service. She previously served on the board of directors of the Manchester Community College Foundation and was student trustee for the Connecticut Community Colleges system. She also was a legislative intern to Representative Penny Bacchiochi of the Connecticut General Assembly.
ACCOLADES: Ashley was New England Regional President of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She was also named one of the 20 most outstanding American community college students for both academics and community service as a member of the All-USA Community College Academic First-Team.
INTERESTING FACT: Ashley was self-taught at home throughout her high school years. She is the youngest of seven siblings.
Other Scholars Like J. Ashley
Samuel Johnson
Graduate Scholar
Yale University
Kirill Miniaev
College Scholar
Yale University
Carmina Franchesca Del Mundo
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of Southern California
Jessica LaPlante
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign