Makayla Schmid '23 smiles with family

Makayla Schmid ’23 is at far left

Majors: Neuroscience and Spanish

Co-curriculars: Marquis Players, Mar-Keys a cappella group, neuroscience research, Arts Society, Lafayette Choir, Chamber Singers, Laf-Kid Connect, POSP 

Post-graduation plans: I begin a one-year accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program at Thomas Jefferson University.

What's the most important thing you learned at Lafayette?

The most important thing I learned at Lafayette is to follow your passions while you’re there. Take the classes that inspire and challenge you, join the clubs that make you feel the happiest, and find the friends that will always be there for you, both during your time at Laf and afterward as well.

What one lesson or memory from Lafayette will remain with you for the rest of your life?

One memory from Lafayette that will remain with me for the rest of my life is when my a cappella group was practicing very diligently for a competition we were performing in that weekend. It was a rainy day, but the sun came out and along came a rainbow! We all ran outside and celebrated, knowing that although hard work and dedication is extremely important, what matters most is our love for music and each other. Moments like these remind me how important it is to create these connections with others, to share in even the smallest celebrations, as the memories that result from these times are the ones that you will cherish forever.

What advice would you give to high school students who are considering Lafayette?

To anyone considering going to Lafayette: No matter how alone you may feel at first, you WILL find your place there. Trust me, I wasn’t sure if Laf was for me during my first semester. Luckily though, the connections I made with both professors and fellow classmates, along with the wonderful experiences that soon followed after becoming involved in so many amazing groups, all proved me wrong, and I’m sure they will do the same for you as well. You’re going to do amazing things. Good luck!

Student Spotlight

Meet the 2023 valedictorians

Congratulations to these 15 academic stars, who are poised to take on the world and make a difference across a gamut of professional fields.

Read more
Categorized in: Academic News, Class of 2023, Commencement 2023, Neuroscience, News and Features, Spanish, Student Profiles, Students