Out of the 10 colleges that accepted Grace Stein ’27, none of them could compare to Merrimack College.
“It sounds so cliché, but when I got on campus for a tour, it just felt like home,” she explained. “In my heart, I knew I was going to Merrimack, but I kept telling myself that I needed to keep an open mind – I had nine more tours! Ultimately, I could not have been happier with my choice.”
As a way to give back to the institution she loves, Stein joined the Student Government Association her sophomore year. Now, serving as vice president for the 2025-26 academic year, she will work alongside SGA President Mariia Diahilieva ’26 to advocate for student needs.
“I’ll be working very closely with student clubs and organizations,” explained Stein. “I want to create a united front and foster a positive and welcoming space for students and clubs to come to the SGA.”
Stein said she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life from a very young age – an elementary school teacher. Currently, she’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and human development and services.
“Preferably, I would like to teach in the second or third grade range,” she explained. “But honestly, I could be put anywhere and be fine. Part of my practicum for a semester was involved with first-grade students. I also worked with preschool and kindergarten kids through Jumpstart. I feel like that experience really helped shape my development and established who I am now at Merrimack.”
Merrimack’s School of Education & Social Policy was what initially drove her to apply. Ever since her freshman year, Stein knew she wanted to be fully involved with the Warrior community. In addition to Jumpstart, she joined the women’s ice hockey club team, women’s rowing team, the Mack Gives Back Committee, the Honors Program, First Year Seminar (FYS) mentor team and drove a van for the Stevens Center. Her friend, former SGA Vice President Eric Tarte ’26, saw potential in her as his successor.
“I thought it would be just another way to stay active on campus as well as giving back to the community,” she said, “but joining the SGA was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made here.”
During her sophomore year, Stein worked as the residence life committee chair.
“Being a committee chair was so transformative,” she explained. “I saw the front end of the operation as a student, but I also got to see the back end, which was really interesting. I was also able to make a lot of great connections with people who worked in resident life and members of my own committee.”
At the year’s end, she ran unopposed for vice president.
“I definitely have big shoes to fill,” she said. “I really want to honor Eric’s legacy properly. He did a wonderful job, and he gave me a full rundown on what it means to be a vice president. I feel very prepared.”
