Adjusting to College – Page 3

Three Seasons at Once

Posted on March 4, 2022September 21, 2022 by Emma Grace Howlett

By Emma Grace Howlett ‘25 One of my earliest memories as a child is of walking through a magenta archway of blooming foxgloves. Leaning my head back to look up at the tall ethereal flowers swaying in the gentle breeze, I dared to stick my finger into one of the conical flowers. Today, I still like to investigate the abundance of flora around me. For as long as I can remem...

Why a Liberal Arts Education Is Like a Thali

Posted on January 6, 2022September 21, 2022 by Vidusshi Hingad

By Vidusshi Hingad '25 A liberal arts education is like a thali. I promise you this analogy makes sense—just stick with me! Just like the thali is a large plate in which a plethora of dishes are served, a liberal arts education is like tasting different flavors of areas of knowledge which eventually develop your taste buds to their maximum potential. [At Pomona] you are requ...

Reflections on my First Semester…

Posted on December 21, 2021September 21, 2022 by Serena Lin

By Serena Lin ‘25 It's hard to believe that I am almost one-eighth of my way through college! Taking some time to reflect, I share a few of the non-"school-related" lessons I’ve learned: 1) Don't psych yourself out! Imposter syndrome is real, but don't sell yourself short. Your experiences and perspective are worth sharing. Don't underestimate your strength. I made ...

My First Year of College—Again

Posted on December 1, 2021September 21, 2022 by Sonam Rikha

Sonam with 2 friends, all holding fro-yo

By Sonam Rikha ‘24 Stress, excitement, and nervousness filled the air as sweaty sophomores dragged their luggage to their new home. As I watched Orientation staff and student workers enthusiastically wave their pom-poms while I walked toward my dorm, reality seemed to hit me. I’m here. I’m finally here. After an exhausting first year of Zoom university, I was finally able to...

There’s No Place Like Home

Posted on October 27, 2021September 21, 2022 by Sonam Rikha

Sonam as small child with brother on sidewalk

By Sonam Rikha ‘24 Home. For almost all of my life, home had been West Rogers Park, Chicago. It was where I attended my very first day of school, where I met new relatives and a baby sister, where I learned to ride a bike. In the spring of my first year in college, I officially moved with my family out of the city neighborhood where I grew up to a suburb in the Chicagola...

The Power of Sitting Alone in Frary

Posted on October 18, 2021September 21, 2022 by Nelia Perry

grass in background with hand holding card with painting of flower pots

By Nelia Perry ‘24 After 18 months of online graduations, classes, birthdays, religious ceremonies, and study sessions, Pomona finally opened back up in August! As a rising sophomore who had yet to live on campus, I anxiously awaited move-in day, in-person classes, eating in Frank and Frary dining halls, meeting new people, cartwheeling through Marston Quad, getting in the p...

The Intangibles

Posted on October 12, 2021September 21, 2022 by Serena Lin

trees and grassy area with building in background

By Serena Lin ‘25 What makes Pomona, Pomona? I distinctly remember filling out a "college and career planning" worksheet during my first year of high school and describing Pomona as having "quirky chill philosophical vibes." Having only been here for about a month now, I would say Pomona is many things. But I’m going to focus on three that stand out to me: Approachabi...

Looking Back: Academic Advice from a Transfer Student

Posted on October 1, 2021September 21, 2022 by Isabel Callahan

By Isabel Callahan (Dec. ’21) “Let me know if anyone needs help with their schedule!” As I peered up at our sponsor from my spot on the hallway floor of Harwood’s basement, I had no idea just how generous his offer was. “How complicated could a schedule be?” I wondered. As my sponsor and I soon realized: for a transfer student, sometimes more complicated than expected! ...

Move-In Day, Take Two

Posted on September 6, 2021September 21, 2022 by Lucy Pan

By Lucy Pan '24 Move-in day for first-year college students is often seen as a significant moment in one’s transition to college. It’s the day when we leave our families and truly step into adulthood for the first time, and it usually occurs at the beginning of our first semester. I’d watched videos of students celebrating this step in their journey with their families and a...

Return to Pomona?

Posted on August 16, 2021September 21, 2022 by Leslie Paz

Leslie giving peace sign in front of washing machine

By Leslie Paz ’24 Crossing through Pomona’s gates as a sophomore was weird to say the least. After a whole year online, my long awaited arrival to campus (and traditional entry through Pomona’s gates) was surreal and like a dream. My first few days were filled with excitement and just a little hint of confusion. To set the scene, I started the day by walking in circles a...