friends – Voices

Move-In Day, Take Two

Posted on September 6, 2021 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...

What Is Research Anyway? (Don’t worry, I had no idea either)

Posted on July 30, 2021August 4, 2021 by Youssef El Mosalami

group of 9 students smiling for selfie shot outside

By Youssef El Mosalami ‘24 After a grueling online semester full of multiple spontaneous FaceTime calls, outings in NYC with other Pomona students who lived in the area, and turning off my camera during class to nom down on some lunch (don’t tell my professors), I definitely missed being able to give friends hugs when I saw them or just being in the physical presence of oth...

Drawing Conclusions (A Pomona Pals Retrospective)

Posted on July 23, 2021July 19, 2021 by Ben Baraga

By Ben Baraga ‘24 I don’t know how to draw. My hand’s way too shaky, it’s a lot of work, and half the time I don’t have the confidence to start on a project, let alone keep going after I make a mistake. But the funny thing about the pandemic, especially the pandemic during summer vacation, is that it forces you into such deep boredom that you’re willing to give every failed ...

Q&A With a Transfer Student

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Siena Swift

group of students sitting in chairs outside eating pizza

By Siena Swift ‘23 Transferring to a different college is a big decision. This week, I interviewed my friend and housemate, Lilly Haave, about her experience transferring from Barnard College to Pomona College. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Q: Could you please introduce yourself? A: My name is Lilly. I transferred from Barnard after my...

Finding Home in Online Spaces

Posted on June 25, 2021July 15, 2021 by Lucy Pan

By Lucy Pan ‘24 When the COVID-19 pandemic first started back in March of 2020, I could’ve never imagined that it would completely change the course of my entire first year of college. The abrupt transition from everyday in-person classes to Zoom school was uncomfortable, but I accepted this changing reality as temporary— a short phase from which we would eventually return t...

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...

My Favorite Places on Campus

Posted on April 19, 2021April 16, 2021 by Darien Corrales Barrantes

view of bare legs on lawn chair facing pool

By Darien Corrales ‘22 Coming from North Carolina, I found the Southern California atmosphere a warm welcome. Without the worry of freezing temperatures or heavy rainfall, most outdoor places lend themselves as study places or hangout spots. With this in mind, here is a list of places where you are likely to find me on campus. (1) The Library Honnold Mudd Library is un...

How To Make Friends At Pomona

Posted on April 12, 2021July 16, 2021 by Bryce Kelly

Bryce running with his classmates through the gates, beginning of his first year

Bryce Kelly ‘23 This is decision season! People from all over the world are making the final choice to come to Pomona. After so much confusion and anxiety, congratulations on completing a chapter of your life and beginning a new one. Since you no longer have to worry about which college you’ll get into/attend, your brain might find something else to feel dread about in its p...

Admit Advice

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Oluyemisi Bolonduro

dark photo of students with POM 47 in green

By Oluyemisi Bolonduro ’23 Salutations! This is a follow up to my blog Application Advice. I’m going to assume that you’re reading this as a Pomona admit (if I’m wrong you can cackle at your screen and enjoy the rest of your day with a smile). Continuing with this assumed audience, I offer congratulations on your acceptance! If you don’t know, we Sagehens have a huge thin...