Class of 2020: Maya Stephens
MASP Newsletter
From Your Mentor
What story do you want to tell? Think about it ... because the stories we tell often become the stories we believe and the stories we live out.
—Karen
CLASS OF 2021
Spring 2021
Major: Japanese & Linguistics
Other: Linguistics Undergraduate Research Award
Future Plans: In the future, I want to combine my interest in Japanese and in Linguistics, but for now I intend to start a career in foreign relations specifically in Japan; after graduation, I'm hoping to teach English in Japan starting in the Fall.
Favorite MASP Memory: My favorite memories in MASP come from when I have to stay in the office late to finish some work or to hang out with other MASPians. Whoever is sitting around in the office with me is inevitably dragged into a conversation about the mysteries of the world and about random funny things that (sometimes) make us laugh and cry.
Advice for younger MASPians: “There is merit in pushing yourself as hard as you can, but I think that you should always save some time to have a good talk with a friend maybe even once a week. Meet someone new around the office. Take a break and nap if you've got time. Basically do what you want but be careful not to overindulge. Keep a nice balance of fun and work!”
From David
Dear Maya,
Now is the end of the school year and while I’d like to say the time flew by quickly, in a way it also didn’t. Going back and remembering every little event spent with you shows just how much fun our little adventures have evolved. From spending hours hanging out in the MASP office to hanging out in the dorms, to visiting Tianna in Willville, to taking adventures around Boulder, every minute of it was incredible Maya! And I know you already know this but you should know you’re an amazing human being and friend. More than anything you feel more like my family than any other way that I can describe our relationship and I couldn’t ask for it any other way. Your passion and drive to dive deep into things you love, your opinions on life, and your desire to make the world better will take you far, without a doubt. I also know that if you truly seek it, you will reach all of your goals. Also always know that even if we’re far away, I’ll never be that far and I’ll always be there for my friends and family. Also know that you’ve accomplished a lot. You’ve grown individually in your ability to know yourself and read into others with empathy, you’re an amazing drawer (like really), you’re great at music (more than you know) and your laugh is contagious (if you didn’t already know) XD. Anyways, no matter when, even in uncertain times such as these, know that you can always lean on me as your close friend, no matter what, and I will stay in contact as much as you’ll have me to :-). Instead of ending a sappy letter like normal, I’ll say: Please don’t be a stranger, cause I’m sure more adventures are coming!
David Broughton