Toran Langford

My Experience Backpacking in Southeast Asia

Posted on June 18, 2020September 21, 2022 by Toran Langford

By Toran Langford '21 This past summer, I participated in Operation Groundswell. I was a “backpacktivist” in Thailand. Then, I explored Cambodia on my own. This coined term “backpacktivist” means to act as a guest in a place others call home. We were supposed to adhere to local traditions and customs, which allows us to understand the value of cultures different from our own...

Pomona and Entrepreneurship on Campus: My Experience

Posted on April 17, 2019September 21, 2022 by Toran Langford

by Toran Langford ‘21 This is a meditation on the roots of my entrepreneurship and what I aim to accomplish by creating a new brand. I’ve always been interested in researching the history of African countries. During a really radical stage in my life, I did extensive research on Ancient Kemet, or Egypt. There are many modern scholars like W. E. B. Du Bois, Chancellor Will...

Some Studying Tips (That Almost Guarantee You’ll Pass All Of Your Tests)

Posted on March 7, 2019September 21, 2022 by Toran Langford

By Toran Langford ‘21 In short, Pomona is really difficult. To this end, throughout your blood, sweat, and tears, you will have many papers and tests. All-nighters sometimes happen, but try to limit them—these tips should make your life easier. Also, remember that Pomona College has resources available to help students. Practice a little bit every day Example: review l...

The Spirit of Service

Posted on January 11, 2019September 21, 2022 by Toran Langford

By Toran Langford ’21 Building Leaders on Campus—affectionately known as BLOC—has come far since back on March 29, 2010 a band of four students launched one of the most affective organizations at the Claremont Colleges. BLOC’s founders are Salif Doubare '12, Brian Ssembajjwe '12, Martin Barrera '13, and Corey Jacinto '14. Today, BLOC has grown to more than 50 participatin...

Pomona’s Alternative Music Festival

Posted on August 6, 2018September 21, 2022 by Toran Langford

By Toran Langford ‘21 New to campus? Like music but can’t afford or don’t want to buy into mainstream festivals? Welp, Nochella is just for you! Let me explain a little background. SO WHAT IS NOCHELLA ANYWAY? The Nochella Music Festival was created by the Pomona Events Committee (PEC) which is under the Live Arts Committee that plans concerts and performances, in coll...

This Mystical Number 47

Posted on December 12, 2017September 21, 2022 by Toran Langford

By Toran Langford ’21 It’s a cool morning, and my room is dark. The first thing I see is “8:47 AM” on my clock. Then I look at my phone; it’s at 47% battery. “Ok, be cool … there’s nothing going on!” I want to explore how magical this number really is. Ever since I’ve come to this campus, it’s like that number literally pops up everywhere, and my friends say the same...

For Prospective Students of Color

Posted on October 31, 2017September 21, 2022 by Toran Langford

By Toran Langford ’21 First of all, no college has the perfect recipe for racial/ethnic relations. But, at the Claremont Colleges, there are support systems for students of the African Diaspora. Specifically, in my experience, the administration is happy to make adaptations to accommodate concerns. In regards to race-based concerns, Pomona has promised to increase mental hea...

Community Engagement … More Than an Adventure

Posted on October 24, 2017September 21, 2022 by Toran Langford

by Toran Langford '21 Just about two months ago, I left my urban home of New Orleans for the suburban community of Claremont. Upon arrival at Pomona College, I was shocked to discover that students had a drastically different mindset than where I came from. How was this possible? Is California really as liberal and progressive as the news told me? Ironically enough, just ...