Litzy Castañeda ’28 — Introduction

Hello everyone! My name is Litzy Castañeda, and I’m a first-year student (Class of 2028) from Bridgeport, California. I am currently pursuing a major in Psychology. In addition to my academic pursuits at Amherst, I contribute to The Amherst Student as a features writer. Outside of school, I enjoy volunteering with leadership and journalism-focused non-profits,…Continue Reading Litzy Castañeda ’28 — Introduction

Packing Guide for International Students

Family members and administrators help Amherst students move into their dorms.

Hello! Welcome to my blog. First of all, congratulations on your admission to Amherst College! Now it’s time for the most exciting but sometimes overwhelming activity: deciding what to bring from your home country to your school in the US. There are so many things I wish I brought with me my first year, and…Continue Reading Packing Guide for International Students

Life As a First-Year in Charles Pratt Dormitory

Exterior view of Charles Pratt Dormitory

When I received my housing assignment and roommate the summer before my freshman year, I called my best friend jumping for joy. I was lucky enough to be assigned to the “hotel dorm,” the most hyped dorm amongst first-year students: Charles Pratt. Three weeks went by, and before I knew it, it was move-in day!…Continue Reading Life As a First-Year in Charles Pratt Dormitory

Things I Wish I Knew About Amherst Part 2

a lightning bolt strikes the Holyoke Range, viewed from the Amherst campus

For those who regularly keep up with my blog posts, this post is a continuation of my previous post, similarly formatted to this. I’m currently a sophomore, but I started this job during my first semester here at Amherst. At the time, I was still adjusting to college life, and before I officially started working…Continue Reading Things I Wish I Knew About Amherst Part 2

Fall Freshman Year vs Fall Sophomore Year

aerial view of the Amherst campus in autumn, with trees in vibrant colors of orange, red, and brown

As the fall semester approaches an end, I think it’d be worthwhile to reflect on how my fall semester experience during my sophomore year differed from my fall semester experience during my freshman year. Though these two experiences are only one year apart, I think that they’re drastically contrasting, especially since the first semester at…Continue Reading Fall Freshman Year vs Fall Sophomore Year

Reflection of First Year at Amherst College

The Amherst women's golf team

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…Continue Reading Reflection of First Year at Amherst College