Tess Mulder

Tess_mulder

“The decision to attend Lesley College would be a pivotal moment that affected my career ambitions. In my time there, and through the school’s commitment to social responsibility and engagement, my desire to pursue a career serving others has been reconfirmed.”

  • Program: 2011 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Cambridge, MA
  • Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
  • Age: 22

Biography

 

Profile:  Like many of the 2011 Graduate Scholars, Tess Mulder’s connection to the Foundation began in high school when she earned Young Scholar status.  In the first years the program sought to identify pre-teens across the US who at an early age demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and a keen interest in community and extracurricular activities.  Tess was one of those teens that showed up on the radar, and she didn’t disappoint ... herself, her family, or the Foundation.  Social Work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning, and that’s exactly what Tess is hoping to do with her life.   Her parents instilled in Tess a strong desire to serve others.  “Growing up, I have faced a variety of challenges, but have been blessed by being surrounded by a group of people who have been able to support me in ways that I could not support myself. Because of these challenges and the help I have received from others, I find myself uniquely suited to the demands of a career in social work,” said Tess. 

Inspiration: In a biography that appeared on the Foundation’s website after she was named a College Scholar in 2007, Tess told of the heartache of losing her mother.  That tragedy made Tess resolve to appreciate each day and live life to the fullest.  “Every success I have in life, I have paused and given thanks to my mother for the inspiration she has given me,” Tess said in 2007. “I know I would not be where I am were it not for her encouragement and advice.”  Fast forward to 2011 and her words are even more poignant now.

Aspiration:  It’s her immediate goal to stay in the Boston area, attend Simmons College, and earn a Masters in Social Work.  Tess said she finds herself compelled to “pay it forward,” to repay the assistance she’s received through service to others.“  I also feel my experiences have kept me humble, and have given me a great capacity to empathize with others.”

Making a Difference: Tess has been active for over a year with a non-profit called “Baking Gals” which creates care packages for members of the US Armed Forces deployed overseas.

Accolades: Tess graduated Cum Laude from Lesley in the spring of 2011.

Interesting Fact: While her main passions are counseling and psychology, Tess said she is also interested in computer technology.

 

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