pomona college

Singing Through the Mask

Posted on May 26, 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 ...

Put Yourself Out There

Posted on May 14, 2022 by Bilal Adamjee

By Bilal Adamjee ‘24 I believe there is beauty in putting yourself out there, in trying new things. To be vulnerable is to set yourself up for success. There is a unique power in this, and I increasingly feel that the community and opportunities at Pomona College are conducive for that. Yes, there are a number of people who know how they want to use their time going into ...

Top Three Things About Pomona

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Porter Reyes

By Porter Reyes ‘25 If you’re a student facing the college decision process right now, chances are you’re being inundated with information about various schools. Not only that, but each college is probably providing you with numerous reasons why their college is the best. Speaking from personal experience, this can be intimidating. You might be asking yourself: which college...

How This Hen Found Her Home

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Linda Phan

By Linda Phan ‘24 As a first-generation, low-income student, I didn’t find the college admissions process to be centered around finding the ultimate academic institution that would best fit my needs as a student and individual. Instead, I was focused on getting into any college, regardless of location, size, or campus culture. I applied to a total of 37 colleges, terrified o...

Reflections on “The American Road Trip”

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Porter Reyes

Route 66 graphic with mountain background

By Porter Reyes ‘25 At Pomona, every first-year student takes one of around 30 unique Critical Inquiry seminars to hone their writing skills. My Critical Inquiry seminar, The American Road Trip, was transformative for me as a writer and a thinker. Taught by Professor of Politics, and Coordinator of the Pomona Public Policy Analysis program, Susan McWilliams, the class was on...

Three Seasons at Once

Posted on March 4, 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...

The Claremont Colleges: The Unrivaled Consortium

Posted on February 15, 2022 by Linda Phan

By Linda Phan ‘24 College consortiums—a cluster of academic institutions that share resources amongst their students, such as classes—are notable opportunities that attract students. Why not? Consortiums promote expanded educational specialization and exploration. Five Colleges (Amherst College, Smith College, U Mass Amherst, Hampshire College, and Mt. Holyoke College) and t...

Why a Liberal Arts Education Is Like a Thali

Posted on January 6, 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...

Life Happens Outside of Pomona Too

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Chris Meng

By Chris Meng ’23 tw: death This fall 2021 semester, Pomona College students finally returned to campus. Besides the initial COVID-19 anxiety, the first couple of weeks were a largely joyous occasion, filled with excitement for in-person experiences and joy over seeing friends again. However, this semester was my most difficult semester yet, and it wasn’t because my class...

Bagel Envy: Getting Creative in the Dining Halls

Posted on November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 by Nelia Perry

By Nelia Perry '24 Everyone arrives at Pomona with a different expectation for the food. Some people’s parents are avid cooks, so they are destined to miss home-cooked meals. Some people are avid cooks themselves and are sad to no longer be cooking (they luckily have the advantage of using Pomona’s residence halls kitchens). Other students are eager to try being vegan for th...