Verto Alumni Series: Where are they Now? Téa van Linde

What has your life been like after Verto?

I graduated from the University of Vermont (UVM) this spring with a double major in English and Sociology and a minor in Theater. This semester, I started graduate school at UVM, pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESA).

After my year with Verto, I decided on UVM because I really liked the atmosphere on campus and how much nature there was around. It was also just the right size where I could make a lot of connections, but there would always be someone new to meet. One experience that defined my time as an undergrad student was working for the UVM Program Board.

The UVM Program Board is a group of about 30 students who plan, advertise, and run events on campus. I was put on the production committee, and I started running campus events ranging in attendance from 5 to 5,000 students. I became the Chair of the organization for my senior year, taking on the job of overseeing all committees and meetings. I loved having the opportunity to spread joy on campus, and that job is what ultimately made me decide to continue my education in Student Affairs.

During my undergrad, I was also able to study abroad again, this time in Barcelona, Spain, work as a Resident Advisor, and participate in multiple productions with the UVM Department of Theatre and Dance.

I feel so grateful for the opportunities that I had throughout my undergraduate experience. Even as a transfer student after Verto, I was able to accomplish so much in three years at UVM. As a HESA student here, I hope to learn how to encourage other students to utilize all of the resources that are available to them so they can have a well-rounded and fulfilling undergrad experience, just like I did.

How did your time with Verto influence your experience in undergrad?

I love Verto’s idea of “start college differently.” I feel as though starting my college journey on the other side of the world allowed me to go into a traditional undergrad program with a lot more perspective. I was so grateful that the people at Verto took into account the needs of undergrad students who weren’t necessarily ready to commit to a big university. They understand that some students are looking for other grounding and shaping experiences, and that’s exactly what I got out of the program. My experience in Fiji allowed me to see that the things we are taught to prioritize in the US aren’t always what are most important in life. It also taught me to continue to be patient, mindful, and curious. Another reason why I chose the HESA program is to encourage students to Study Abroad and do what I can to make studying abroad accessible to all students, not just those who can afford it.

What advice would you give to alumni who are just coming out of their Verto experience?

I would say that an adjustment period is an inevitable part of coming out of a Verto experience. The community that you build within those programs is not one that’s going to be immediately available to you at a bigger institution. I had a hard time with the fact that I made such a wonderful group of friends, but they were all scattered around the country while I was starting from scratch at a new school. I recommend finding the organizations on campus that offer you that same sense of community. Doing so led me to my best friends and memories.

What about advice for a student who is a high school graduate considering studying with Verto Education?

I would say that Verto led me to experiences that I never would have gotten anywhere else. The lessons that I learned about myself and others throughout my year with Verto Education are things that have stuck with me throughout my time as an undergrad student. The insight and the perspective that I gained are something that I could not have acquired at a school in the US. Also, the friends that I made are such a gift. And, even though it is hard to not have the friends I made close by, now I get to go to different states and visit really cool people that I met through a common interest in traveling and exploring new cultures.

Want to see if a Verto start to college can work for you? Apply today to get started.