MEET OUR ALUMNAE!

Hear what some of our alumnae have to say about Teen Voices.

Sasha Smith

Former Teen Editor, Summer Conference Panelist

I attend Emerson College and plan to graduate in 2011 with a B.A. in English, focusing on journalism. I worked for the Writing Studio at my previous university, allowing me to help other students improve their writing, and last semester I received the Dean's List Award at B.S.C for my academic performance. I feel that working with Teen Voices has improved my strengths in writing and journalism and has given me the tools to succeed in my future career.

Alyse Bigger

Former Teen Editor, Intern, Mentor

I am a sophomore at Bates College majoring in sociology and minoring in Spanish. I work with an organization called Volunteer Lawyers Project, helping low income families receive pro-bono help from lawyers. Although I now live in Maine, Boston is my home and I will always be trying to change it for the better. Last year, I met with Irvin Scott, the Academic Superintendent of Boston Public Schools, to talk about the lack of responsibility at my former high school. Teen Voices has taught me to seize the opportunities around me to help make the world into a better place.

Lauren Anderson

Former Teen Editor, Peer Leader

I am a student at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where I have a double major in journalism and English. In my first college semester, I took a class called "Introduction to Women's Studies." In this class we often discussed the effects the media has on women and girls. To be honest, after working at Teen Voices, I felt like an expert on this topic. I was able to share my experiences with my professor and fellow students. I am forever grateful for what Teen Voices has done for me and I will never forget the remarkable skills and life lessons that were gained within the walls of Teen Voices.

Toya Walker

Former Teen Editor, Peer Leader

I plan to graduate from the University of Massachusetts with a double major in psychology and sociology and a minor in criminal justice. I hope to pursue a master's degree in education after I graduate. Teen Voices has inspired my desire to positively influence youth.

Vanessa Dalmace

Former Teen Editor

I dream of climbing mountains that are hard to climb. I dream of trying something new. I dream of creating a better life for myself. I dream of making my parents proud. I dream of being a leader to my two younger siblings. College is just the first step in making these dreams comes true. Currently, I attend Mount Holyoke College, class of 2013! I write for the Mount Holyoke News, and it was through Teen Voices that I was able to recognize my love for writing, and to stand up for myself. I realized that these accomplishments would not have occurred without the help of God, loved ones, Teen Voices, and friends.

Aminata Dakowa

Former Teen Editor

I am a Psychology major at Bunker Hill Community Col"­lege, graduating in 2010. I started a non-profit organi"­zation with my brothers called Change Sierra Leone. I re"­member the discussions we had every Friday at Teen Voices, and when we had different people come to talk to us about their lives. Some of the people who came to talk to us helped me look at life differently, and the things I have learned in this program, I am teaching to my younger sister and cousins. I loved and appreciated working for Teen Voices and would advise any teen girl to work for this program.

Rennisha Connaugt

Former Teen Editor

I am a junior at Fordham University, double majoring in history and Middle Eastern Studies with a minor in economics. When I moved to NYC at the age of 18, I was overwhelmed with nervous excitement, but it is a decision I will never regret. My four years at Teen Voices gave me the strength I needed to overcome any adversity I encountered in the past 2 years. When I joined Teen Voices at the age of 13, I was a timid young lady with low self-esteem, incapable of sharing my feelings. Teen Voices taught me that I have a voice and that people were willing to listen to me. It taught me that relationships with other women are important to becoming a strong woman myself.