Uncategorized – Voices

Study Break Ideas for Finals Season

Posted on December 9, 2022December 12, 2022 by Serena Lin

hand holding sketch journal with tree in background

By Serena Lin ‘25 With finals season in full swing, here are some of my favorite, easy ways to practice self-care during your next study break. Savor Stillness There are many quiet spots on campus where you can sit and just enjoy a few moments of silence and be present. One of my favorites is taking a tiny sketchbook and drawing in the Skyspace. You can also tr...

Harwood Lounge, a Pomona Gem

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Bilal Adamjee

By Bilal Adamjee ‘24 Harwood Lounge will forever be for me a place of fond memories, fun, and new beginnings in coming to Pomona College. After finishing my first year on campus as a sophomore (my first year was spent remote), I can only look back at the moments I’ve had with friends and see what I think is a microcosm of what Pomona College offers. The Lounge itself—the ...

A Letter to My First-Year Self

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Serena Lin

By Serena Lin ‘25 Tip #4: It's ok to fail … cut yourself some slack. (To be continued…) Throughout my first year, I started the practice of writing weekly letters to myself to celebrate, commiserate, and collect meaningful moments. As I completed my first month of my sophomore year, I decided to write a letter to my first-year self. Hopefully, you'll find some of thi...

My Manifesto as a Mother to My Unborn Child

Posted on July 26, 2022September 21, 2022 by Vidusshi Hingad

By Vids Hingad '25 I had the opportunity to take a gender and women’s studies class this semester. This was one of my final assignments for this class. This is a testament to the kind of learning we do at Pomona College. Dear child, There’s not a lot that I can say. There is nothing that your tiny hands can’t conquer: whether you decide to paint the world or hold...

The Wild National Parks Near Pomona

Posted on July 1, 2022September 21, 2022 by Emma Grace Howlett

By Emma Grace Howlett ‘25 While life at Pomona College can be invigorating, I still look forward to breaks for a chance to explore off campus and recuperate from excessive studying. I spent both fall and spring breaks this year exploring the two national parks within reasonable driving distance of Pomona: Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park. Coming from such a lush...

Reflections on Having a Roommate

Posted on June 24, 2022September 21, 2022 by Hasana Parker

An Ode to Blaisdell 119 By Hasana Parker ‘25 Before coming to college, having watched one too many college roommate horror story videos on YouTube, I was a little worried about having a roommate. I thought that, if I had one, I would be lying awake in my bed with one eye open, afraid that they would cut my hair in my sleep or pee in my shampoo. For me, the fear of potential...

Dealing with Stress

Posted on June 3, 2022September 21, 2022 by Porter Reyes

By Porter Reyes '25 As an eighth-grader, I went through the stressful New York City high school application process. Being thirteen, I had no idea how to manage my stress; I even broke out into hives. But now, after finishing the high school application process, the college application process, and my first semester of college, I have learned some valuable stress-management ...

Singing Through the Mask

Posted on May 26, 2022September 21, 2022 by Emma Grace Howlett

backs of three female singers facing Bridges Hall of Music stage

By Emma Grace Howlett ‘25 When I was ten years old, I auditioned for the Seattle Children’s Chorus with a blanket over my head. I was too shy to sing my audition song, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and hid underneath my comforting childhood friend, Blankie. With the choir director blocked from view and Blankie’s soft blue fabric creating a calming atmosphere, I was able to ...

An L.A. Adventure

Posted on April 7, 2022September 21, 2022 by Emma Grace Howlett

By Emma Grace Howlett ‘25 Last weekend, I found myself on an uncharacteristically spontaneous expedition to Los Angeles with my friends. Our day began with an hour-long train ride to LA’s Union Station, a grand, commanding building with arched, painted ceilings. The yellow ochre walls glowed golden, afternoon light streaming in through a wall of high glass windows. After tak...

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...