Meet Emory’s Class of 2025

Members of the Class of 2025 share a passion for Emory and what it offers to its students. They want to be challenged by learning from world class teachers. They want to delve into research and explore a wide range of interests. Then they want to use that knowledge to make the world a better place.

“It’s a great class,” says Latting. “They are engaged and they are learning very well. I can’t wait for our teachers to get to know them.

Here are some of their stories:

Théa-Moné Bechthold

Aspiring surgeon, Téa-Moné Bechthold says that Emory is the school of her dreams. She still weighs in cardiothoracic and pediatrics, but knows she wants to provide quality medical care to people from diverse backgrounds like herself. Coming from a Métis family, Bechthold believes his perspective can benefit the world of medicine and beyond.

“Having been surrounded by a mixture of multiple worldviews in my own family and at home, I think I can assess issues not only through a biased or one-sided lens, but with a broader perspective that incorporates multiple points of view. different view, ”says Bechthold, who will begin his Emory years at Oxford College.

Her start was at Killian Hill Christian School in Lilburn, Georgia, where she volunteered at local food drives and organized blood drives and related health activities.

She also has a dual passion for athletics and the arts. In high school, she placed second in a national vocal music competition and captained her school’s varsity volleyball and basketball teams.

She is already involved in Oxford as part of the Ignite Leadership program. Over four days, Ignite students learn team building and community development skills that will prepare them for leadership positions while on campus. Bechthold is ready to start the semester and dive into Emory’s diverse community.

“I am delighted that the Oxford community is so diverse and that there are so many learning opportunities to understand different backgrounds and cultures,” she says. “I hope, along with others, that I can continue to develop a mindset that takes into account the beliefs of others while looking at the big picture when it comes to making decisions in the future. “

Sam goldstone

Participating in a debate tournament in his sophomore year of high school brought Sam Goldstone to Atlanta – and introduced him to Emory College.

“I actually hadn’t heard much from Emory until I got the chance to see the Atlanta campus,” says the Wayland, Massachusetts resident. “After walking around, talking to the students and seeing many smiles, I concluded that Emory was literally the perfect place for me.”

What factors make Emory her ideal person? Goldstone says it’s the university’s interdisciplinary approach to education, a world-class faculty, and a commitment and pursuit of justice in all its forms. “It stands out to me above all the other reasons for coming here,” he says.

Additionally, “having broad general education requirements gives me the perfect opportunity to explore a plethora of interests across many different classes. ”

Through his work on the North American Board of Trustees of the National Temple Youth Federation (the official youth movement of Reform Judaism), registering over 100 first-time voters, and lobbying Congressman three times, Goldstone is no stranger to advocating for causes he believes are important. And while he hasn’t narrowed down his many interests to just one area, he expects life in Emory to teach him ways to continue these endeavors.

“From what I’ve heard, every Emory student has a strong emphasis on helping others and going above and beyond what is necessary to do well,” says Goldstone. “Being part of such a caring community is where I see myself thriving the most.”

Angel Thompson

The prospect of combining a liberal arts education with the opportunity to take on academic challenges at a research university led Angel Thompson from Windsor, Connecticut, to Georgia. As a student at Emory College, he’s especially excited to have access to resources like The Hatchery, which he hopes will help him deepen his entrepreneurial efforts as a photographer.

Thompson has already used his love of photography and his interest in socio-economic issues to support others. He sits on the board of directors of ShopBlackCT.com, a nonprofit platform that provides marketing support to black-owned businesses in Connecticut. He uses his skills in photography, media marketing and data analysis.

“This platform has given me the opportunity to give back to a marginalized community, using my talents constructively to promote black success,” said Thompson. “Due to COVID-19, many of these small businesses do not have direct access to the quality of service we provide. For many of these businesses, it is the difference between bankruptcy or income during the pandemic. “

Thompson plans to hone his managerial and financial acumen by pursuing a business administration degree at Goizueta Business School. His goal? To make the most of all the resources Emory has to offer so that he can one day run his own business successfully and help others start theirs.

“I am grateful to have facilities that allow me to be successful,” he says. “Emory puts me in the best position for a successful academic and professional career. “

Beauttah wanja

“My mother always encouraged me to dream big,” says Beauttah Wanja, who was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. “She always said that ‘education can make the poor dine with kings’, and I believed it.”

But believing her mother’s words and applying them to her own life seemed to go a long way for Wanja until she was selected as the Robert W. Woodruff Fellow.

“As an international student from a low-income family, my options were few, almost non-existent,” says Wanja. “The Scholars program is what made it possible to join Emory. ”

She is the first in her family to attend university and does not take the job lightly. “To be the type to set an example for what is possible for my family and society is a great honor for me. “

“I am very excited to be exposed to such a diverse community of people inside and outside the school,” she adds. “It is an opportunity for me to learn, grow and develop a global mindset essential to shape my perspective of the world and its systems. ”

At Emory College, Wanja will graduate with a computer science degree while taking math, economics, and language classes. She is particularly intrigued by the field of artificial intelligence in computing: its interdisciplinary nature and its potential to revolutionize industries.

“I am also interested in the economic growth of developing countries and I intend to take courses to improve my understanding. I just allow myself to grow up.

Jack Wood

Jack Wood is looking for a place to call home. Finding purpose and a sense of belonging – and helping others to do the same – is her passion.

While the Alexandria, Virginia native was in high school, he mentored underprivileged children through the nonprofit Little Friends for Peace. As the oldest of four boys, he says he’s used to being a role model and wanted to give back to students who didn’t have the same stability and opportunities.

He also volunteered with the Father McKenna Center, a nonprofit social service organization located at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC, where Wood attended school.

“Like DC, I know Atlanta has a large homeless population, so I hope to get involved in this community,” said Wood.

In addition to his service work, he was also selected to serve as a Senate page for US Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York).

Today, he embarks on a new adventure which begins at Oxford College. Wood says he applied to Emory knowing little about campus, and that he only visited Georgia once before accepting his offer of admission. Receiving a Robert W. Woodruff scholarship sweetened the deal.

“Sometimes the unknown can be scary, but in this case, I look forward to all the Emory experience has to offer, and I want to receive it with an open heart and mind,” says Wood. “Emory gives me a real opportunity to forge my own path.”

ABOUT THIS STORY | Story written by Leigh DeLozier. Student profiles written by Leigh DeLozier and Kelundra Smith. Photos of the Emory campus by Kay Hinton. Video by Corey Broman-Fulks and Stephen Nowland. Infographic by Angela Vellino. Design by Linda Dobson.