Lizzie Eason '17

In high school, I didn’t think I would be able to afford college at all. Maybe community college, but certainly not anywhere like Grinnell. If it wasn’t for Grinnell’s need-blind policy, there’s no way I would be where I am today. I know how privileged I am to be afforded this opportunity, and I have made the most of it. I’m a math major and very involved in the department, I’ve graded for a few classes, I work at the science library, I tutor a few kids in town, I am involved in theatre, and I help lead the salsa dancing group on campus.

I started going to Salseros de Grinnell my first semester first year. During spring semester, I started coming more regularly, and I performed with them at a showcase. After that, I was hooked. Second year, I moved into salsa house with seven other people. Third year, I started leading the group when I came back from my study abroad program.

I think it was living together that made me feel like the group was a community rather than just an extracurricular activity. I’ve always been a bit of a homebody, so it was good to have people encouraging me to go out on weekends to dance. And we would all have breakfast on Sundays — there were some amazing cooks in the house.

Next year, I’ll be working for an insurance company with locations in Des Moines and Columbus, and they’re letting me pick between the locations. I have already found a salsa dancing club in each city. Your gifts give me a community.

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