Hamilton College Admission Journals: Sade Oyalowo

Last Day of Classes!

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 04:44:46 GMT

Today was the last day of classes for the semester! I can't believe it. I also can't believe how long I've gone without writing a journal entry (sorry everyone!). It's so sad that the semester is finally coming to and end because that means the following:

2 days until Final Exams start.

7 days until I return home to Maryland

AND

30 days until I leave for Rome. (AHHH!)

Seriously, life moves too quickly for me.

I hope everyone is working hard on their Hamilton applications! The deadline is January 1st!

Early Decision Apps

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:37:17 GMT

ED I applications were due yesterday. Seriously, where did the time go? The ED II application is due January 1 so get started on those applications early! I never applied Early Decision but I ended up filling all of my applications last minute and it was the worst.

For most of you guys, you’re reaching the halfway mark of your senior year in high school and the thought of that can be terrifying. I know, because I was absolutely terrified. It’s been three years since that moment and I can’t even remember why I was scared! There are so many things to look forward to college.

After graduation, you’ll leave the nest to make a new home. You’ll meet new faces, and ask awkward questions, and find others who have the same quirky obsessions and interests that you do. You’ll create lifelong friendships and later laugh about how it all started in a cramped dorm room with no central air. You’ll learn in (co-ed!) classrooms. You'll study, discover more about what you want and how to get it. You'll travel, see the world. You'll crunch through snow-covered grass in the winter and sprawl out in sun-warmed green when the weather heats up again. You'll try things - some things that you’ll later wish you hadn't - and you'll learn from every new experience. You'll grow up. You'll grow older. And in some ways you won't change at all. Starting over is definitely a challenge - especially for babies like me who are terrified of change. But it's also very exciting and fun, especially at Hamilton!

Good luck to everyone!

Winter at Hammy

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:28:59 GMT

It’s that time again…time to bring out the winter coat because this past Sunday it snowed. Like full-on real snowflakes, not the kind the kind that’s feels like rain but nice fluffy flakes. None of it stuck to the ground though since it’s been raining for the past week due to Hurricane Sandy. But it’s official: winter has come to Hammy. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this considering I left my winter coat at home…

Growing up in Maryland, I thought I knew winter, but then I came to Hamilton and realized that all those winters at home were weekends in Miami compared to here. Don’t get me wrong, Hamilton is absolutely beautiful in the winter but I wasn’t expecting so much snow. So I’ve got some tips for you to survive your first winter at Hamilton.

1. Cafe Opus is your new best friend.
Nothing says winter at Hamilton like a nice Chai latte. Or hot chocolate and opus cookies. This student-run café serves coffee drinks and food as well (great for those nights when you’re stuck in the science center or KJ studying).

2. Get acquainted with your roommate.
There have been instances when the walk to the dining halls seemed impossible because of the unbearable cold or snow and my roommate and I would end up eating microwave dinners. Usually Easy Mac or Ramen Noodles. Not only will you avoid the cold this way, but this will also be a great opportunity to bond with your roommate! The extra bonus is that you can easily convince yourself that it’s okay to watch two episodes of (insert your favorite show here). Sounds like the good life right?

3. Get serious winter gear. This is an obvious no brainer but when I got to Hamilton I had no boots of any kind and realized that my converse were not going to cut it anymore. This is the perfect excuse to buy some cozy sweaters and hats, scarves and new shoes!

Trust Treat!

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:27:28 GMT

A few weeks ago was Trust Treat, a Hamilton tradition and celebration that brings children from Utica and children of Hamilton employees to campus for a safe and fun evening of trick or treating. Students in residence halls, academic departments and campus organizations dress in costume and decorate their spaces and handout candy to the little ones. Sponsored by the Newman Council, this tradition began with the class of ’92 after a member of their class died suddenly. Trust Treat honors this classmate and his genuine concern for others.

My sorority usually participates in this every year and I’ve never had a chance to experience it until this year. Not that many kids showed up during my shift because it was super early but the ones who did were absolutely adorable. It was nice to see them so excited and dressed up in their costumes.

In addition to Trust Treat, there are a ton of volunteer opportunities students can participate in. I think that it can be difficult to find time to volunteer or be motivated to volunteer on a regular basis but there are so many weekly opportunities that Hamilton offers, it’s almost impossible not to participate. HAVOC (Hamilton Association for Volunteering, Outreach and Charity) provides numerous volunteer opportunities such as trips to animal shelters, nursing homes and soup kitchens.

There’s also the Greek Philanthropy Union, a new organization consisting of the philanthropy chairs of each fraternity and sorority, that comes together to give back to the Clinton and Utica communities. A few weeks ago, they sponsored a Powderpuff football game to raise funds for breast cancer. If you can’t find time during the semester to volunteer, there are opportunities during Spring Break. Alternative Spring Break is another service opportunity during Hamilton’s Spring Break with weeklong service trips on construction/disaster relief, environmental preservation, and community outreach. There are so many activities that encourage students to get off campus and get into the community to make a difference.

Extracurriculars Galore

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:58:55 GMT

Hamilton is more than just great academics and a beautiful campus. Not only are the classes amazing but so are the student organizations and clubs are great too! Being involved on campus is a really great way to make new friends and develop leadership, problem solving and communications skills – all absolutely necessary through life (especially when after graduation). I personally I have met so many people I wouldn’t have met otherwise through different organizations and it’s a really great thing!

There are so many clubs that will meet your interest; you will be overwhelmed by choice. If you’re interested in performance groups, for example, there’s a series of a capella groups and there’s also dance team, HEAT (hip hop group), tropical Sol (ballroom dancing), Finesse Step Team, Yodapez (Comedy group) and so much more. See the complete list of activities here. There’s definitely something for everybody and if ther’s not, it is so easy to start a new organization.

This semester I started a chapter of Her Campus, an online magazine catered to women (think an online version of Seventeen but for college women). The process was extremely easy; all I had to do was fill out a student organization application and attend student leadership training. I love how Hamilton is encouraging of students' creating new opportunities for other students.