Hello from Japan, as I write this blog post, I am still in Japan enjoying the last few moments of winter break with my family. In this blog, I wish to continue from my blog series of reflecting on my first semester, this time on the topic of extracurricular activities at Amherst College. In this blog, I hope to offer you a glimpse into some of the extracurricular activities I have been involving this semester. And as always, feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns at ttanaka28@amherst.edu!
Badminton Club
Joining the Badminton Club has been a highlight of my semester, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect with upperclassmen and students outside my grade or major. Clubs like this are invaluable for meeting peers you might not otherwise interact with, and even students from other schools. A memorable moment for me this semester was participating in the Yonex USA Badminton Northeastern Collegiate Badminton Tournament (D3) on November 2-3, where we competed as a joint Amherst-Williams team, with three students from Amherst and five from Williams College. Remarkably, students didn’t have to pay anything to participate, which highlighted how inclusive and supportive Amherst College is. This initiative ensures that students from all socioeconomic backgrounds can take part in such enriching experiences without financial barriers, truly opening countless opportunities.
Next semester, we are planning to participate in the collegiate badminton conference taking place in Philadelphia. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and can’t wait to share my experiences there with you!
Figure Skating Club
While I’m not deeply involved with the Figure Skating Club, they frequently host public skating events that are open to everyone. As someone who used to play ice hockey, I occasionally join these events, enjoying the chance to reconnect with the ice and meet others who share a love for skating. During the first semester, I participated in two public skating events and attended a skating concert performed by members of the club. It was inspiring to see their dedication and skill, especially knowing that a few students also compete in skating competitions. The club provides a welcoming environment for both casual participants and competitive skaters alike.
Amherst Debate Society
The Amherst Debate Society (ADS) is a vibrant community where students from all backgrounds and experiences come together to engage in spirited discussions. As a complete novice to debate, this semester marked my first-ever participation in competitive debating. Initially, and occasionally still, I found the debate format and rules confusing. However, with the guidance of our dedicated debate coach and supportive varsity members, I’ve gradually become more acquainted with the structure and strategies. During my first semester, I attended two competitions: the Boston University Novice and the Harvard Debate Competition.
Just like many other clubs at Amherst, ADS ensures accessibility by fully funding participation in these events. Remarkably, at the end of the year, selected team members represented Amherst at the World Debate Championship in Panama! This accessibility underscores Amherst’s commitment to providing all students, including those on financial aid like me, with the opportunity to explore their interests.
Beyond honing my debating skills, the competitions allowed me to forge connections with students from other schools and reconnect with my high school friend, James, who is also a freshman. The sense of community and opportunity at Amherst truly stands out through experiences like these.
Idea 2 Innovation
Beginning with an invitation from an upperclassman in the Badminton Club, I joined I2I, an Amherst student-led accelerator fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. I2I comprises several specialized teams, including the Finance Team, Engineering Team, Creative Team, and Catalyst Team, each working collaboratively on impactful projects.
I am part of the Engineering Team, where I serve as a Technical Product Manager. This semester, I contributed by programming the website and creating documentation to support other projects. These experiences have not only honed my technical skills but also given me insight into managing and collaborating within a dynamic team environment.
Beyond club activities, I am also exploring additional opportunities for growth and learning. Stay tuned to see the exciting projects we’ve been working on and what we have planned for the upcoming semester!
