Drawing Conclusions (A Pomona Pals Retrospective)

cartoon images of Ben and Brandolyn
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 ...
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Q&A With a Transfer Student

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...
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Finding Home in Online Spaces

Lucy & 4 friends on grass with masks
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...
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Somehow, Some Way, Community Finds You

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’...
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The College Search: Sage(hen) Advice from Oluyemisi

Oluyemisi with a Princess backpack
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...
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My Favorite Places on Campus

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...
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How To Make Friends At Pomona

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...
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Admit Advice

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...
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Letters of L♡ve

Oluyemisi holding a blue card
By Oluyemisi Bolonduro ‘23 During Claremont Christian Fellowship’s (CCF) post-Friday Fellowship, two acronyms were dropped. The first was DMC, “deep meaningful conversation.” The second was H2HC (not a molecule), “heart to heart chat.” I had both of these that night. My original plan was to say hello for a short amount of time and vanish for the night (vanishing is me cur...
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It’s the Culture for Me

Spring POP students in shuttle van
By Sonam Rikha ’24 Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of going to Los Angeles and walking down Hollywood Boulevard. When, as a high school senior, I stepped out of the LAX airport, I was greeted by California palm trees and the L.A. heat. Even though Pomona is in Claremont, 35 miles from the glamorized city of Los Angeles, the laid back and sunny environment in Claremo...
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