Category Archives: Uncategorized

Written in the Fall of 2023 They say that sailing is a metaphor for life. I’ve learned a lot about the perfect pivot— in sailing they call this maneuver a tack.  Crossing the bow of the boat through the wind.  Perfecting it takes preparation, a steady skipper, and a good bow-swain. I’m a firm believerContinue reading “The Art of the Tack”

Remembering my Grandma, as told by my father Mark Andrew Eisel. Thank you everyone for making the time for today’s service. It means so much to me, my family, and my mother. For those of you who knew Judy I do not need to tell you how special she was; for those who only knewContinue reading “Remembering Judith Ellen DeGrinney”

When I think about past versions of myself I think of controlling the chaos. When I used to land in a new city and look out of the plane window, at all of the lights, a well of anxiety would bubble up in my chest. I would think of all the places, and sounds, andContinue reading “What do traveling, biking, and cold streams all have in common?”

Last year, I was elected to Student Government, and recently the entire group of students went on a short weekend retreat to the northern shore of Lake Champlain. The goal of the retreat was simple: setting expectations for the year. As a sophomore I wasn’t sure exactly what to anticipate, but I was blown awayContinue reading “Reflections on Student Government and Leadership”

I began the process of learning to seek and sustain healthy female relationships through the foundation given to me by my after-school running club in 3rd grade. Little did I know that what I learned then, wouldn’t have such a profound positive impact until I came to college. Since coming to school, I have hadContinue reading “Lessons Learned in 3rd Grade: Intersectionality of Healthy Female Friendships and GOTR”

When I look through the lens of my old Nikon 380, I must pay attention to the small light meter in the corner of my eye, as the F Stop numbers surrounding the lens have cracked away.  I have wrapped its leather strap around my neck so many times, inhaling the comforting scent of well-wornContinue reading “Ode to film”

I am happy. The warm sun is setting over the rows of red tiled roofs in Seville Spain. I am sitting with a table of absolute strangers, sharing a plate of food, enjoying the fact that I am connecting to people who are completely different than me. I sit with my two college friends andContinue reading “The argument for communal tables at restaurants”