Madison Harakles '21

STORY CONTRIBUTED BY MEgan griffin, BAY PATH STUDENT NEWSROOM Editor

Madison Harakles is a General Psychology major with a Performing Arts minor. In her senior year, she served as the president of the Student Government Association, Gay Path Alliance, and Environmental Club.

How have you transformed personally in your time at Bay Path?

I came out at Bay Path and am now the President of the Gay Path Alliance. I have also grown in confidence in general and have come into myself more as a person. I know who I am, and I like her. She’s cool! My mom sent me this quote today that I think perfectly exemplifies my growth at Bay Path: “I will never have this version of me again. Let me slow down and be with her” - Rupi Kaur

Are there any faculty/staff members that were key players in creating a formative experience for you these past few years?

Yes definitely! The first one is Dr. Wallace. He has taught most of my psychology classes so I know him well. He really believes in me and what I can accomplish and has pushed me to believe in myself as well.

Professor Kevin Barlowski has also had a big influence on me. I have had the most fun being in the theatrical productions here at BPU. He made me feel like the star I am and also is one of my fashion inspirations.

What is one of your most cherished memories from your time here?

Going on the Broadway trips with my friends. I had never seen a Broadway show before coming here and as a theatre fan it was a big dream of mine, and Bay Path helped that dream come true. My Fair Lady was the first show I saw in the fall of my sophomore year.

What are your post-graduation plans and how will you take the lessons you learned at Bay Path along with you into your next phase of life?

One thing I learned about myself at Bay Path is that I thrive in leadership positions. I know wherever my professional journey takes me I will always feel comfortable taking the lead in any position I’m in. I plan to work as a case worker for DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) in my home state of Maine, then apply to PhD programs for Clinical Psychology in the Fall of 2022.

This article is also featured in the April 2021 issue of the Network News Student Magazine.