Uncategorized – Voices

The Intangibles

Posted on October 12, 2021October 12, 2021 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...

Reconnecting With My Mother Tongue

Posted on September 21, 2021 by Sonam Rikha

By Sonam Rikha’24 “You’re not Tibetan, you’re American.” If I could get a dollar for every time I’ve heard that phrase uttered to my face, I’d be a millionaire. It’s wild how it's often the people closest to you–relatives, community members, family–who constantly remind you that you don’t belong. I never felt as uncomfortable with my Tibetan-American identity as I did whe...

The Road to Pomona

Posted on September 13, 2021 by Leslie Paz

Leslie's little dog with a Pomona hat next to her

By Leslie Paz ’24 Out of thousands of universities and colleges, the fact that I landed at Pomona is honestly a miracle. After forming relationships with faculty and bonding with friends, I genuinely believe it is my perfect fit. However, it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when I almost dismissed the school altogether. I shudder now to think where I might have ended...

Q&A with a Geology Major

Posted on August 23, 2021 by Siena Swift

Dede in puffer jacket, kissing a stuffed bison, with snowy mountains in background

By Siena Swift ’23 This week I interviewed Bert & Rocky’s-loving Dede Chapline ‘23, who is one half of the iconic snake mom, OKC superstars duo with last week’s interviewee Lilly Haave (see “Q&A with a Transfer Student” for further explanation). This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Q: Can you please introduce yourself? A: My name i...

A Breadth of Fresh Air

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Leslie Paz

Leslie's small dog cuddling a copy of Hesiod

By Leslie Paz ’24 Enrolling at Pomona comes with a breath of fresh air. The lenient general education requirements and the vast array of courses mean that students are free to explore to their heart's content. As an undecided first year this past fall, I want to share how these two factors helped guide me to my current interests. It was 2:27 p.m. on August 12th, 2020, and...

Somehow, Some Way, Community Finds You

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Ben Baraga

group of 7 students attempting to do freeze frame jump

By Ben Baraga ‘24 Although I’ve finished my first year of college, just like the rest of my classmates, I’m mentally stuck in March of my senior year of high school! Indeed, nothing wakes you up out of a 15-month spring break like being called a “rising sophomore” and the wave of nausea that comes with it. But being bitter about a global pandemic is sooo last semester. I’...

The College Search: Sage(hen) Advice from Oluyemisi

Posted on May 10, 2021 by Oluyemisi Bolonduro

This is the fifth in a six-part series of advice for high-school-aged students about the college search process. Enjoy! By Oluyemisi Bolonduro '23 Salutations all, My name is Oluyemisi Bolonduro, and I’m a second year at Pomona majoring in Africana Studies. Some of you may have nooooo idea where you want to go to college and others of you have had an idea for years. Whet...

The College Search: Sage(hen) Advice from Bryce

Posted on May 4, 2021May 4, 2021 by Bryce Kelly

two students working together at a table, one seated, one standing

This is the third in a six-part series of advice for high-school-aged students about the college search process (and the only one to rhyme–Advice/Bryce). Enjoy! By Bryce Kelly ’23 For students just beginning to think about the college process, I have some tips to share. As long as you are doing something, you aren’t doing anything wrong. It could be joining a club, playi...

The College Search: Sage(hen) Advice from Nelia

Posted on April 27, 2021April 30, 2021 by Nelia Perry

Nelia with 2 other orientation leaders, all in red

This is the first in a six-part series of advice for high-school-aged students about the college search process. Enjoy! By Nelia Perry ‘24 As I approach the end of my first year of college, I have been reflecting back on my high school experience: What led me to a small, liberal arts college? How did I know Pomona would be a good fit? Why didn’t anyone tell me how valuable ...

I’m a Tom Boy

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by Bryce Kelly

Bryce holding a bunch of college brochures

By Bryce Kelly ‘23 My mother kept staring at me, trying to judge my feelings. We were driving away from an admitted student’s day at a university I’ll call Hardstone College, and I was refusing to share even an ounce of emotion about it. Not because I had none, but because I knew that if I showed eagerness or disapproval, so would my parents, which would only loop back to me...