If there’s one word I could use to describe my first semester, it would be adventure. And from classes, to community, to commuting, I’ve been exposed to new experiences, new people, and new perspectives. Students and faculty hail from across the globe, and I’ve met people from South Korea, Spain, Bangladesh, Ukraine, and even mainland China. In fact, Amherst boasts students from over fifty-eight countries!

My first year seminar, Democratic Backsliding, was my favorite class, but I also enjoyed in-depth classes on contemporary Russia and China, opening up my perspective to each nation’s strengths and weaknesses. This fall, Amherst hosted a forum with January 6 committee member Jamie Raskin, while a month later, I witnessed a student government impeachment! It made me feel fortunate to hear from someone involved in government and watch civic procedures up close. And on top of that, I took a computer science class, which jump started a new love for programming, as I delved into coding puzzle games, rudimentary artificial intelligence, and a Super Mario Bros. clone.

But ultimately, I was drawn to Amherst because of its community, and that made my experience special. The college is simultaneously insular and all-encompassing, with a club for every interest. I was involved with Quiz Bowl, Model UN, our outing club, and helped get our running club active. I’ve met several like-minded friends and some of my favorite times have been exploring the many roads and trails in western Massachusetts. I bike every weekend, and discovered the mysterious night-time run! Next semester I am taking: Data Structures, Computer Systems, Religion and Violence in the Roman Empire, and Empires in Global History, and I’m training for a marathon in May. I’m extraordinarily grateful for MVYouth’s support, and I can’t wait for my next semester at Amherst.