Recent TBS Graduate McGraw '23 Shares College Experience

Recent Benjamin graduate Parker McGraw ‘23 returned to his roots, traveling back to campus to meet with students interested in Harvey Mudd College, where he matriculated. McGraw spoke with students considering a degree in mathematics and those interested in the Claremont Colleges in California (Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Pomona, and Scripps). 

He said Benjamin prepared him well for the rigor of Mudd, one of the most selective and prestigious STEM schools in the United States. 

“I didn’t feel as much stress with my classes the first few weeks of Freshman year. I was able to balance academics, sports, and a social life, thanks to the time management skills I learned at Benjamin,” he said. 

McGraw said he was excited to return to Benjamin and visit the educators who had a profound impact on him as a student. 

“Mr. Ruggie, Ms. Szeliga, Mr. Wik, Mr. Haley, all contributed to my passion for learning and were impactful right away,” he said.

McGraw encouraged students in every stage of the college process to trust the journey.  

“I was set on MIT as my dream school. I applied Early Action and was deferred. Ultimately, I got rejected which really hurt. But things work out how they are supposed to. Harvey Mudd is the perfect school for me. I am surrounded by people who want to learn, to learn more, and want to make a difference in the world,” he said.