Ethan Braswell is a Music Business major with an interest in recorded music and the music industry. His interest began at age 11 when he received a record player and a copy of Metallica’s Master of Puppets on vinyl, which sparked what would become an extensive and diverse record collection. This early exposure contributed directly to his decision to pursue music business academically.
Luke Bromley is pursuing a double major in History and Chemistry. At IU, he found a strong sense of belonging during the Wells Interview Weekend, where conversations with students and faculty helped affirm his choice to attend. Whether in the classroom or over a strategy board game, Luke values thoughtful dialogue and seeks to understand the systems that shape both individual lives and broader communities.
Natalia Ixmukane Brondo Peña is an English major with a strong interest in literature, education access, and student advocacy. She is most proud of being selected for the WSP program and independently applying to U.S. universities. As the first student from her high school to pursue higher education abroad, Natalia has since shared her experience publicly in hopes of encouraging other Mexican students to explore similar opportunities.
Aaron Ferkowicz is pursuing a major in Computational Linguistics. He values honesty as a foundational principle, believing that other values depend on it to function meaningfully. Outside of academics, Aaron is interested in origami, a hobby he began in elementary school through a classroom project focused on folding 1,000 paper cranes. He continues to fold them and often leaves tiny cranes behind in different places.
Grace Fridy is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Journalism. She traces her interest in storytelling back to a fourth-grade classroom newspaper project and has since pursued writing, photography, and journalism as tools for expanding perspective and promoting civic understanding.
Mackenzie Jerrold is majoring in Neuroscience and Community Health, with academic interests in neurodiversity, health equity, and research communication. She is especially proud of her published paper on shifting the social and medical models of autism, which not only strengthened her interest in neuroscience and advocacy but also shaped her perspective on inclusion in healthcare.
Sarah Krabach is pursuing a major in International Studies. She is particularly drawn to the writing of Ralph Ellison, citing Invisible Man as her favorite novel for its narrative complexity and ongoing relevance. She values literature that offers critical insight into social realities and continues to return to Ellison’s work for its intricate detail and honesty.
Adela Krenz is majoring in Microbiology and Data Science, with academic interests that include virology, language acquisition, and cross-cultural learning. A Bloomington native, she became involved with Indiana University well before enrolling as an undergraduate—taking on-campus courses, studying piano with university faculty, and working in a virology lab.
Noah Plodzik is majoring in Law and Public Policy. A first-generation college student, Noah’s connection to Indiana University began through the federally funded GEAR UP program. His early experience visiting IU and later attending its Precollege Academy played a formative role in shaping his educational goals and introducing him to the Wells Scholars Program. He credits IU with helping him find a welcoming academic community and a clear path to higher education.
Elizabeth Schuth is double majoring in Journalism and International Studies, with interests in cross-cultural connection and long-form storytelling. Among her favorite books are The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, and Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. She values each of these works for their insight into generational history, the structure of memory, and ethical dimensions of modern life.
Savannah Staggs is majoring in Biology and brings with her a strong sense of connection to family. Her three brothers have played a formative role in shaping her outlook. They have challenged her academically, modeled perseverance and offered steady encouragement. She credits them as her strongest influences and most consistent supporters.
Simon Updegraff is majoring in Cello Performance and Applied Mathematics. He is most proud of serving as first chair cello in the Illinois Honors All-State Orchestra, an achievement that reflects years of consistent effort and discipline. He began playing cello at age four and continues to value both the technical and expressive aspects of the instrument.
Simon Yeley enters Indiana University as an undecided major with a strong interest in service, communication, and community-building. He is actively involved with Habitat for Humanity, where he led his high school’s chapter and contributed to both fundraising and building efforts. He was introduced to the organization by a peer and quickly found purpose in the work and the community it fostered.
