F&M Stories
Senior Spotlight: Kim Espinal
As they prepare for their May 15 Commencement Ceremony, Franklin & Marshall seniors look back at their four years on campus—and what's next.
Name: Kim Espinal
Major: Physics/Geosciences joint major
What town do you call home? Newark, N.J.
Activities at F&M:
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Your senior year has been unlike any other in F&M's history. What have you learned about yourself this year?
One thing I have learned about myself this year is the power of listening to my intuition. There will be many things that will happen that are outside of my control (from the pandemic to the social unrest affecting marginalized communities), though I am in control of how I choose to respond. To understand how I should respond to my circumstances requires listening to my intuition, becoming acquainted with what God is speaking, and moving authentically in accordance to what is true to who I am.
What has been your most memorable moment or time here at F&M?
The most memorable times at F&M have happened on the field in this photo. From playing soccer during F&M's College Prep program during high school, to sharing stories with friends during my first year, to participating in a Worship Night with F&M InterVarsity last semester.
What did you enjoy most about your time at the College?
Being relational with others has been the most enjoyable about my time at the College—whether this was going to Lyndon Diner with friends at 2 a.m., participating in Friday Night Worship events with F&M InterVarsity, or going to Central Market with faculty and students in the Department of Physics.
Why did you choose to attend F&M?
I participated in F&M College Prep, a summer program offered to junior high school students that equips first-generation college students with tools necessary to thrive at an undergraduate institution. Throughout this program, I was encouraged to be authentically me by some of the most kind-hearted souls, including Professor Kabi Hartman and the F&M College Prep 6.0 Facilitators. I chose to attend F&M because I knew these were the kind of individuals I would want to be connected with for a lifetime.
What advice do you have for incoming first-years?
I would advise incoming first-year students to be bold, resilient, and attentive to the activities/habits that are life-giving to them. Be bold to be yourself. Be resilient and learn from the different challenging academic or social experiences you may have. Be attentive to what is life-giving for you because although college can be academically rigorous and it may seem like you constantly have to do things, you can choose to take a break! These momentary pauses to hang out with friends, read that book you've been putting off, or go out for ice cream can bring the joy you may need to propel you forward.
What are your plans for after graduation?
This fall, I will begin a doctoral program in Yale's Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences.
Related Articles
May 15, 2025
Williamson Medalist Learns 'Growth Doesn’t Happen When We’re Comfortable'
Shayra Nunez, of New York City, is the 2025 recipient of the Williamson Medal, the College’s most prestigious award for student achievement. It has been awarded annually since 1922. She graduated summa cum laude as a joint major in business, organizations & society, and government. She received the medal at Franklin & Marshall’s Commencement May 10.
May 13, 2025
F&M Professor Awarded $500,000 Mellon Grant to Amplify Local Grower Voices Amid Climate Change
Franklin & Marshall College Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Eric Hirsch is the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to lead a transformative three-year research initiative titled, “The Agricultural Futures Archive: Rural and Urban Growers in the Shadow of the Solar Panel.”
May 12, 2025
‘The Door is Inside You,’ Speaker Tells Class of 2025 at Commencement
As F&M graduates find their footing beyond campus, they need only to look inward. “The door is inside you,” said speaker Sandra Cisneros, addressing members of the Class of 2025 at their Commencement May 10.