Student Stories
Nicholas Loyd ’06
Yakima, Wash.
Major: Earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences
I grew up in the Yakima Valley of Washington state. I have been interested in environmental science, weather and climate ever since I was a child. Going to MIT was a dream that I assumed would never be realized growing up in the economically depressed agricultural region in central Washington. My mother and father work for the federal and county government.
I have been involved with music all my life, especially classical and jazz. I’m minoring in music and sing in the MIT Concert Choir. Being in the Boston area has provided me the opportunity to attend wonderful performances like Boston Baroque and the Boston Symphony. Last summer I worked at the Agricultural Research Station in Wapato, Wash., as a biological science aide. I worked on projects involving the use of natural entomological predators to reduce orchard pest populations. I’m also part of the MIT Weather Forecasting Team.
I’ve learned more during my freshman year at MIT than all my pervious school years combined. MIT has been challenging as my hometown schools had limited upper-level science and mathematics. Some day I hope I’m financially able to pass forward the gift of educational opportunities to other students. If not for financial aid from MIT, an education at MIT would not be possible for a student like me.
| Financial aid package | |
| MIT scholarship and federal grants | $37,300 |
| Student loans | $1,500 |
| Outside scholarships | $4,000 |
| Total aid package | $42,800 |
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