For Kylie Toomes, a Mathematics major with minors in Chemistry and Social Justice, choosing Marist was about finding the right balance of academic challenge and global perspective. “Marist’s First Year Abroad program immediately stood out to me,” she said. “The chance to start college overseas was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that aligned perfectly with my desire to get the most out of my abroad experience.”

Her freshman year studying abroad in Dublin was life-changing. “The First Year Abroad program lets you use the country as a classroom,” she explained. Study tours, including a trip to Northern Ireland, brought the natural beauty, history, and culture to life, deepening her experience. The program also emphasized environmental responsibility, such as planting trees to offset their carbon footprint, grounding her in the importance of sustainability.

She credits these experiences with broadening her worldview and shaping her ambitions. “Without going abroad freshman year, I would have never gained the perspectives that led me to change what I want to do for the rest of my life.” Initially a chemistry major, after conversations with professors, she shifted to mathematics, a field that sharpens her critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to better prepare for her goal of becoming a government attorney and, ultimately, a judge focused on equitable justice.

To students considering mathematics at Marist, she advises: “It’s not just about numbers—it’s about learning how to think.” The faculty truly want you to succeed, so don’t hesitate to seek help. You’ll find a supportive community that celebrates your growth. she said.
Beyond academics, she is part of the Honors Program and Marist’s NCAA Women’s Rowing Team and actively involved in several campus organizations. Presenting at an international conference on mental health and media while studying abroad also helped her connect her academic interests with her passion for advocacy.

Her Marist journey, she reflects, “helped me realize I don’t just want a career. I want to leave a legacy of change, no matter how big or small. And it all started with a leap of faith in Dublin.”