Connecticut College: Campus Involvement

What made you decide on Connecticut College?

The campus seemed so warm when I visited. I was here for Explore Weekend and saw that the College was really committed to diversity. The campus is very community oriented, and people were really fun and welcoming. When I visited, I sat in on a philosophy class to see what it was like and I wanted to stay!

Have you found the campus supportive?

There are so many resources here. The Genesis and ALANA (African American, Latino/a, Native American) are just amazingly supportive of students of color. There are workshops and seminars to help you, and the ALANA fellows are older students who are there for you when you need them. The OVCS (Office of Volunteers for Community Service) has a fair in the fall to get students involved in the community. You just have to take advantage of the resources.

What are students like on campus?

They’re focused. They really care about their academics and they’re not afraid to be intensive about what they’re interested in. Students are really passionate about their work and activities, but they’re also friendly and welcoming.

How have your classes and professors been so far?

I love Marc Zimmer! I was in the “Glow” seminar with him, and it was an amazing class. Professor Afshan Jafar’s sociology class was one of my favorites too. I saved her homework for last so I was motivated to finish everything else. My West African dance class was really empowering too. It’s something I hadn't tried before. The projects we were doing were really interesting learning about what African countries and what they struggle with.

What do you think you want to major in?

I want to work for social justice, so I’ve been thinking of international relations, maybe with a minor in economics. I want to apply for either CISLA or PICA (two of the College’s interdisciplinary academic centers). I think I might like to go to law school and become a prosecutor.

What activities are you involved in?

I’m one of the diversity peer educators, and we try to start conversations about diversity on campus. I’m also in a few other groups: SHE (Share Hear Empower), Umoja (African American Students Organization) and SOAR (Students Organized Against Racism). I’m also really excited about Reflexion (spoken word club) and where that goes. It’s something I wanted to try, even though I don’t have a lot of experience with it.

Do you have any advice for prospective students?

I think the best thing to have is a sense of commitment and a desire to explore. The College is really here to support you and give you resources you need. They won’t let you slip up.

Learn more about:

Office of Volunteers for Community Service

Professor Marc Zimmer  Unity House programs