Central MA College Standout: Clark’s Brenna Merrill
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Clark University's Brenna Merrill is taking what she's learned about herself and using it to empower others.
A Conversation with Brenna Merrill
SW: Describe the career and/or future you envision for yourself.
BM: I have been lucky enough to have a place in the world where the future can take me in so many different directions. I really want travel to be part of my life; I find that I learn far more about others the more places I have been. More significantly, however, I want to work in the community development field. I am particularly interested in community work that focuses on women and young adult empowerment.
SW: Why did you choose Clark?
BM: I chose Clark for so many different reasons, many that I can hardly remember. I recall being terrified about going so far away from home for school. But, I really liked the motto: “challenge convention, change the world.” I have genuinely wanted to make a difference in the lives of those around me, and Clark had programs that seemed like they'd be able to help teach me how.
SW: What leadership roles have you taken on campus?
BM: I've had a good handful of leadership opportunities while at Clark. My favorite, I'd say, has been working as a Resident Adviser (RA). It has been one of the most challenging positions I have ever had. On that same token, it has taught me so much about who I am as a leader and what I stand for. More importantly, the men and women I have worked with and work for have given me a greater perspective on the world we share.
SW: How have you been involved in the community?
BM: I have been in Worcester for almost four years now. When I first came out here for school I really wanted to get involved and so I tried volunteering at so many different organizations. Among the places I worked at, I loved being a classroom assistant at the Mill Swan Head Start. This past summer I also got to intern at Girls Inc., which was an incredible experience. The girls at the summer camp were full of energy and the office was filled with an inspiring and fun group of women.
SW: What are you passionate about?
BM: Ice cream...and really good music. I suppose a more “serious” answer would be that I am passionate about adventure. It provides the opportunity to live boldly and to grow—two things I could not do without.
SW: What is one thing you have learned about yourself since becoming a college student?
BM: This is a hard question to answer; there are so many. Hmm. Well, I used to be a very picky eater, in many ways I still am. But I have learned that when I try new things, some of them end up good. I guess that is the same for experiences as well as food choices.
SW: What’s your favorite place to go to on campus?
BM: The library, hands down. I love the staircases in the stacks, and I love the giant windows that display Worcester's seasons so well.
SW: Where do you go and what do you do when you leave campus?
BM: I love walking around Worcester—of course maybe not with all this icy wind. With their waffle on a stick, Straight Up Cafe is my go-to place.
SW: What is your favorite book?
BM: This has to be one of the most difficult questions. Today, I suppose, my favorite book would be My Place by Sally Morgan.
SW: What or who has had the greatest influence on you to date? Why?
BM: Oh man. I suppose studying abroad has influenced me the most. There are so many people involved in that experience. There are people who have believed in me, taught me, and challenged me to get there. Then there were those who helped once I was there and upon my return. The shores of the Indian Ocean still pull at my heart strings at times. Most significantly, however, the opportunity to study in Perth, Australia for a semester taught me just how capable I can be in achieving my dreams.
SW: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
BM: Hmm...well, fun fact: when I graduate from Clark, it will be the first time I have attended one school for more than three years.
SW: If you could do just one thing, locally, nationally or globally to make a difference, what would it be?
BM: Love. I think that is the answer to almost anything. I also find that it is one of the hardest things to do. Real, critical, and forgiving love includes a lot of trust. It means acknowledging your privilege. It means struggling within yourself, with others, and for humankind. Lots of changes can be made in the world. But I believe only important differences can be instilled within our society if we learn to love.
Central MA College Standout is a weekly feature that profiles college and university students in Central MA. Join us every Tuesday for a look at the careers and lifestyles of today’s local college student. If you have suggestions for a College Standout profile, please email [email protected].
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