Mackenzie Halterman. Buffalo Gap High School, 2020. Virginia Tech, 2024 (BA, Foreign Language major in Classical Studies, minors in Latin and creative writing).

How did GRASP and its advisors help you in high school/college?

In high school, my advisor was great about checking in with me and informing me about opportunities and scholarships. In college, I received monthly emails with prompts and I loved getting those because some would talk about things I’d never considered and it helped me look into more opportunities at my university. Being a first generation student, this helped me navigate these new experiences.

What are you doing now?

I have been teaching Latin! I’m about to complete my first year! I’ve had a really exciting first year split between two Augusta County high schools (one first semester, one second semester), and I got to take a small group of students to the Virginia Latin Convention last November.

What advice would you give to high school students?

Be curious and wonder about everything. Ask all the questions and look into opportunities offered by your school. If you’re looking into college, asking questions about anything and everything will be so helpful.

What is the biggest life challenge you faced relative to your educational path?

Anxiety was my biggest challenge in my education journey. It was making me doubt myself and my knowledge and what I could do. It led me down some dark paths but with the amazing support of friends, family and teachers, I learned to not let it control me or my thoughts.

What were your college highlights?

I was very fortunate in my time at Virginia Tech to participate in three semesters of research, all of my own choosing. I researched the modernization of mythology and the inspiration used by Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson book series; the use of dreams as a narrative; and Latin composition of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. In higher education, students chose to learn more and what they want to learn and I was very adamant about doing so when I attended Virginia Tech. I’m grateful for my time there and my Classics department. Don’t be afraid to branch out of your major, to nurture your mind, to explore your interests. It’s worth it.

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If you are a former GRASP student and would like to share your story, email Paula Buckley, pbuckley@grasp4va.org.