SC Connecticut News

Olivia Sally's journey at Yale University was marked by a variety of academic and physical challenges, one of which changed the course of her life. A year ago, she had planned to attend law school after graduation. However, a conversation with Mira Debs, executive director of Yale's Education Studies Program, during a polar plunge event at Madison Surf Club altered her path.

Debs shared her transformative experience as a Rhodes Scholar and encouraged Sally to consider applying for a similar fellowship. Inspired by this advice, Sally applied for and received a Marshall Scholarship. As the first member of the Yale Education Studies Program and Pauli Murray College to receive this scholarship, she decided to pursue a Master of Education and Master of Public Policy in the UK over two years.

While at Yale, Sally embraced numerous physical challenges. She was a starter on and recruiter for the rugby team, completed the "75 Hard" fitness challenge designed to improve sleep, diet, fitness, and mental acuity over 75 days, competed in pageants such as the Miss Volunteer America Pageant that included a swimsuit competition component, and trained for her first marathon - the San Francisco Marathon.

Sally found strength in these experiences. She also discovered community in her residential college - Pauli Murray College. The legacy of its namesake - an esteemed jurist, author, civil rights advocate and women’s rights advocate - resonated deeply with Sally who is a descendant of American enslaved people.

Sally's academic path initially leaned towards politics. Her internship with Vice President Kamala Harris involved writing tweets, arranging motorcades and meeting national leaders. However, after taking her first Education Studies class with Debs, she realized how much education needs champions.

As an Education Studies Scholar who attended a Title I school as a child where she was placed in classes for at-risk children, Sally felt compelled to give back and extend the educational privileges that Yale provided her. She designed innovative solutions to early inequities, aiming to empower children to achieve upward mobility.

After completing her fellowship, Sally is considering a career in education policy work and plans to attend law school. As she concludes her time at Yale, she cherishes each moment with the friends she made through rugby, Pauli Murray College, Education Studies and beyond.