McCormack Scholars, Class of 2013
Caren Iliana Morfin
Elizabeth J. McCormack Scholar, Class of 2013
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: KIPP Houston High School
Intended Major: Business Managment
Intended Minor: Political Science
Possible Career: Business
Caren was raised in the district of Alief in Houton, Texas. The oldest of three daughters, Caren was always determined to excel. Through elementary and middle school she was an outstanding student, but it wasn’t until she was accepted into the KIPP world (Knowledge is Power Program) in the eighth grade that she became determined to attend college. Adjusting to the KIPP system was difficult because of the many academic demands and the high academic standards, yet Caren held on tightly to her dream of attending college in the New York area. As a freshmen in KIPP, she struggled with the extended freedom and extra homework, but by her junior and senior years she was managing a full load of AP and Honors courses. Caren also became passionate about dance which provided an outlet that aided her in handling both academics and leadership. She became first lieutenant of the dance team.
During high school summer vacations, Caren pursued a series of life-altering experiences. In 2006 she interned at the M.D. Anderson's Oncology and Radiology, Pathology, Family Therapy, Chemo, Dosimetry, and Nursing Departments. The following summer, she attended Rice University's Summer Enrichment Program where she studied poetry, analytical writing, and Calculus, and in 2008, Caren studied in Curico, Chile.
While most of her fellow students chose to stay close to home for college, Caren was determined to study in New York. Her dream came true when she was nominated and selected as an Elizabeth J. McCormack Scholar. Caren used the opportunity fund the summer after her freshman year to study Italian and Fashion in Florence, Italy. Following the course, she traveled through Italy, France and England. Last summer she traveled to Otavalo, Ecuador to volunteer with the Village Education Project, teaching Math, English, and computer skills to indigenous children in a rural pueblo. Caren will be studying abroad on Madrid, Spain for spring semester 2012. After her the semester is over, Caren is considering taking an internship in either Madrid or Barcelona for the summer. Her interests remain in fashion, dance, and sports. She hopes to somehow incorporate these in her career.
Chelsea Linehan
Elizabeth J. McCormack Scholar, Class of 2013
Hometown: Cape Cod, MA
High School: Sturgis Charter Public School
Intended Major: Sociology Anthropology
Intended Minor: Creative Writing
Intended Career: Author, teacher
Chelsea was born in Hartford, Connecticut and raised in Windsor, CT. When she was ten years old she moved to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She was accepted into the rigorous International Baccalaureate program at Sturgis Charter School and graduated with the full IB Diploma. She also wrote and directed a short play for her theatre class.
At Manhattanville, Chelsea started Untitled, the campus book club. During the summer after her sophomore year she interned at the Lower Cape Outreach Council, which provides short-term assistance for families and individuals struggling financially. She also volunteered for a program called Angels on Horseback, training horses to handle special needs children. She is now a member of the Manhattanville Equestrian Club. This past summer Chelsea used McCormack opportunity funds to study Gaelic in Ireland. She stayed on in Ireland for her fall semester abroad in Galway.
In addition to her studies at Manhattanville, Chelsea has worked two jobs in spring, summer and fall and continues to write for her own enjoyment. Her dream is to appear on the New York Times Best Selling list – more than once.
Kellie Ifill
Elizabeth J. McCormack Scholar, Class of 2013
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
High School: High School for Health Professions & Human Services
Intended Major: Biochemistry
Possible Career: Pediatrician
Kellie was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She attended a New York City Public School, immersing herself in challenging academic programs that included AP English, History, and Biology. She was chosen for the National Honor Society and the Pace University’s Liberty Partnership Program.
Early in her life Kellie became interested in becoming a doctor. She took the science and math programs that would prepare her for the field of medicine. She studied Organic Chemistry at the State Preparatory Enrichment Program at Columbia University, Genetics and DNA at the American Museum of Natural History, and physics and psychology at Hunter College. Kellie also volunteered as a patient care assistant at Maimonides Medical Center, where she realized that she was meant to help people as a doctor.
Since coming to Manhattanville College, Kellie has immersed herself in her studies. As biochemistry major her day is mostly focused on math and science, but she also takes the time to help others. Through the Duchesne Center she has been part of several community service activities such as Midnight Run and Free Speech Alley.
The summer after her freshmen year, Kellie used the McCormack opportunity grant to study abroad in Florence, Italy for a month, which had always been a dream of hers. She also participated in a 2-week internship at SUNY Optometry, where she learned of a different form of medicine. The following year Kellie participated in the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program at the Louisville School of Medicine. There she took a 3-credit course that encompassed the topics of biochemistry, organic chemistry, and physiology and gained hands on experience from stimulation labs, standardized patient care centers, and team based learning; she also shadowed a Board Certified Oncologist. After participating in this program, Kellie traveled to Cape Town, South Africa and volunteered in the Red Cross Children’s Hospital as a play therapist. She also assisted the Feeding Project in the Capricorn Township and tutored children in areas around Cape Town. This past summer, Kellie was accepted into the very competitive summer research program at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine. Now, back at Manhattanville, Kellie is focusing on her schoolwork and preparing for the MCATs. She is also volunteering in Montefoire Hospital’s Emergency Department, which is situated in the Bronx.
