On Saturday, May 10, more than 500 Blue Jays will cross the stage at Elizabethtown College’s 122nd Commencement ceremony, joining a network of more than 24,000 living Etown alumni. The graduating class includes students who lived out the College’s Educate for Service mission, taking on leadership roles across campus, and leaving their mark on the Etown community.
Name: Camila Torres
Major: Data Science
Hometown: Lancaster, Pa.
Campus Involvement: Presented research at Scholarship and Creative Arts Day (SCAD) 2024.
Why did you choose Etown?
I chose Etown because of the impression the faculty made on me from the very beginning. I was in a big transition, moving from working full-time to going to school full-time in a field I didn’t know much about. I had talked to other schools, but none of them made me feel heard the way Etown did. When I met with my transfer advisor and academic advisor, they answered every single one of my questions with patience and care. That’s when I realized that the faculty at Etown genuinely care about their students, not just academically, but as people.
What do you love most about Etown?
I really appreciate how connected Etown is to the community. The college doesn’t just exist in its own bubble, it actively hosts events and creates opportunities that give back to the local community. I think that says a lot about the school’s values and the kind of impact students are encouraged to make both on and off campus.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll be attending Dartmouth College to pursue my Master’s in Health Data Science at the Geisel School of Medicine. I’m incredibly excited to continue advancing my education at the intersection of medicine and data science. My goal is to bridge these two fields to make a real impact in healthcare through predictive analytics, improving patient outcomes, or supporting medical research.
What advice do you have for future Blue Jays?
Say yes to things, especially when it comes to academics and opportunities that challenge you. There were so many times at Etown where I found myself doing things I never thought I’d have the nerve to do. I spoke on an artificial intelligence discussion panel, led projects I really cared about, and put myself out there even when I felt awkward. I didn’t take the easy way out on anything, even when it was stressful or anxiety-inducing, and I’m really proud of that. Those experiences shaped me the most and helped me grow both professionally and personally.
– Camila Torres ’25