Hello everyone!! It’s been a minute since I’ve published anything. Last week, I coordinated with Amazing and Tony to publish a blog about our AHA experience (which you can read here). As I adjust back to life on campus after a while at home, so many things have brought me delight! I thought I’d chronicle some of them as I settle back in.
- Renee @ Val
There’s a lot to say about Val. I have my fair share of criticisms, but one thing stands out. The service. Specifically, Renee. This past weekend (my first on campus in a while), I was feeling cold and miserable after slogging through the snow just to get to dinner. Imagine my delight when Renee was there to give me a giant hug and welcome me back to campus!! Throughout my first semester, Renee was a stand-in parent (she actually met my family during Family Weekend), an advisor, and a friend. Seeing her again made my day.
- The sunsets
One thing about me is that I love it when there’s a gorgeous sunset to enjoy. However, when the sun sets at 5:00 PM (I wish I were kidding), it can be hard to catch the colors. Luckily, I’ve been free the past few nights, and the skies have been gorgeous. No matter how much my friends make fun of me, I’ll never stop taking pictures when I appreciate a sunset. In the gallery at the end of today’s blog, I’ve put some of my recent favorites.
- Weekly “Stand Up for Democracy” Protests ft. Professor Sarat
As a college student, it can feel impossible to get your work done, maintain a social life, take care of yourself, AND be politically engaged on top of it all. Professor Sarat (whom I took my first-year seminar, Secrets & Lies, with) makes it easy with a once-weekly 30-minute protest in the town square. One thing I find inspiring is that my friends and I are often the youngest people at the event. Professors, Staff, and people from Amherst (the town) outnumber us every time. A recent highlight was the Sunday before school started, when we protested even while it was snowing!
- Free Calm Premium
My final delight of the week is the most recent in an ongoing adventure. Amherst gives students SO MUCH access to different services. I’ve discovered a New York Times subscription so far, as well as a login to The Atlantic. However, this week, in the Daily Mammoth (a school newsletter), it was advertised that Amherst students can access the Calm App (for meditation and mindfulness) for free! So if you see me on campus (or in class) with my eyes closed, I’m definitely meditating (and not napping).
