Senator Message
Hello! My name is Shyann Rampaul, and I had the pleasure of serving as the MKAP Senator for the 2024-25 academic year. A little about myself–I am Trinidadian from Queens, New York, and I am planning on majoring in Politics and Economics, with a minor in Legal Studies–on the Pre-Law track.
I applied to MKAP because of the inclusivity it offered to students–like myself–who were low-income, first generation college students. The students and advisors in MKAP work effortlessly to build the kind of environment where everyone can find their own place while managing the transition to college. Already, we have learned so much to help prosper, not just during our time here, but even far beyond college.
Our advisors have played a crucial role in the amazing experiences myself, and everyone in our cohort has had already. Not only have they supported us throughout this journey of navigating a new profound independence, but they have also made it a priority to bond with us on an emotional level, something I know we all appreciated.
Reflecting back on my first year, I think one of my favorite memories was our “Mystery Van Event” where our director, Aprilis, and Lily arranged a day to surprise us with an escape room event. It helped us bond and also destress during midterm season. Although this year is not over, the memories we’ve cultivated together will last me a lifetime, and I am even more ecstatic to grow together over the next four years.
Congratulations on all of our accomplishments already, and I am excited to continue growing with everyone!
Thank you,
Shyann Rampaul. MKAP ‘24-25, Brandeis ‘28