As my first year at Amherst College comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on my experience. Moving from the Bay Area to Western Massachusetts was definitely a shift, and I remember navigating and processing the giant move during the adjustment period during orientation and my first few weeks of college. It was especially stressful to manage since my fall golf season also started at the beginning of the fall semester, but I’m proud of getting through it. During fall golf season, I grew closer with the women’s golf team and developed really strong bonds with them that I’m grateful for today since everyone on the team has been so accommodating and kind. I’m also really thankful for the friends I made during orientation who were patient enough with my busy fall schedule when I barely had time to spend with them outside of practicing golf, studying, and getting enough rest to do everything.
Adjusting to college classes hasn’t been as difficult. I found myself enjoying my spring semester courses more than my fall semester courses since my spring courses have been more discussion-based and my fall courses were taken to fulfill my major requirements. My professors are incredibly supportive, and I love spending time talking with them during office hours. I also love that the classes usually don’t have over 40 students as I’ve heard that at other colleges, some classes that have hundreds of students who never even speak to the professor once during the semester. Another benefit of the small size of the college is that the major departments are easy to access and there isn’t much bureaucracy involved in communications. I had some questions about the requirements for the economics major that I emailed the current chair of the economics department, who emailed me back the next day with answers to my questions.
I also love the abundance of events constantly happening on campus. I’ve watched incredible performances from student groups that my friends are a part of like DASAC, Bluestockings (one of the six acapella groups on campus), and Green Room Theatre productions. Additionally, I enjoy participating in clubs myself and meeting new people through that avenue. I’ve made lots of friends within the poetry club by volunteering for the local Words Together program. Being a part of affinity groups, such as ASA (Asian Students Association), has also allowed me to meet new people, especially upperclassmen who are willing to offer their wisdom and insights about college life. Overall, my first year of college has been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to start my next semester as a sophomore at Amherst.