Maddy Greene ’26 has always been open about her learning differences, but she’s never let them define her.
Growing up, her parents encouraged her unique point of view, supporting her as she explored new things and followed her own path. Maddy’s close relationships with her parents, twin brother, and younger sister shaped her choice to pursue college. She imagined her sister who looks up to her following in her footsteps, finding new friends and her own way forward. She wanted to set an example that would make her family proud.
Maddy spent two years in college but often felt lost and disconnected, struggling to find her place and feeling far from the comfort of her family.
When she transferred to Curry her junior year, she was looking for a new beginning and more support. Through the Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL), designed for those with learning differences, she found the belonging she’d been hoping to find at her previous school. Suddenly, she was making friends who understood her experience, joining new clubs, and starting to step outside of her comfort zone.
Right away, Maddy felt like she had found her place.
She was exploring new things, just as her parents had always encouraged her to do. She joined the choir club, Curry Sing!—not because she was an expert singer, but because she loved music. She also signed up for the Equestrian Club, inspired by family members who rode.
There, she discovered a sense of peace and control on horseback, where her learning difference could fade to the background. The rhythm of riding helped her feel centered and focused, just like every other rider. And the PAL program, with its resources and support, gave Maddy a level of confidence she had never imagined possible. For the first time, she felt comfortable enough to fully be herself at college.
When Maddy’s parents watched her perform with Curry Sing!, she realized how much she loved being on stage. Soon after, she accepted the opportunity to give a speech about her transfer experience to a campus audience, including the College’s president. Saying yes to new things helped her find her voice in ways she hadn’t expected.
“College is a moment in your life you don't want to forget, and it's short, so you want to live the most of it.”
Maddy has always embraced being herself, and now, her curiosity and fearlessness have found a home.
"Curry is special because you can be yourself. No one’s ever going to judge you. People are so friendly and kind here. And I’ve met the most amazing people I now call my best friends.”
She’s found a place where she can keep growing, take risks, and step into who she’s meant to be—surrounded by a community that celebrates her just as she is.