Class of 2027’s First Thoughts on Hamilton
First Year Reflections
Flagstaff, Arizona
Northland Preparatory Academy
When I’m not in class, you can find me... at the rock-climbing wall, studying in Root Hall with my friends, or in the dance studio.
How my ALEX advisor helped me during my first semester: They helped me with scheduling classes and gave me advice about how to get involved on campus.
My orientation trip: An Adirondacks Adventure backpacking trip in the Seward Range.
Classes I took my first semester: Intermediate Ballet, Comparative Politics, Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology, and Introduction to Economics.
My favorite place to go off campus: Utica Coffee because the drinks are amazing and so are the bagels.
Teams, clubs, and programs I participate in: I’m a part of Model UN, club Nordic skiing, the Student Dance Alliance, On Pointe, and I performed in Hamilton’s Fall Dance Concert.
My go-to campus dining spot and meal: The grain bowl station in Commons.
The class I enjoyed the most: Introduction to Anthropology because the bulk of the class was spent conducting actual ethnographic fieldwork on a club or group we were involved in on Hamilton’s campus which was a great way for me to get hands-on experience with participant observation and meet so many new people.
My favorite Hamilton moment since arriving in August: Going to a hockey game for the first time.
Something I’ve done at Hamilton that "high-school me" would be surprised about: Run all the time in the campus glens.
Something I recently added to my Hamilton bucket list is… HamTrek!
Fairfield, Conn.
Fairfield Warde High School
My favorite Hamilton moment since arriving in August: Being awarded NESCAC Swimming and Diving’s Rookie of the Year at our championship meet. The support from so many peers and faculty on campus was unlike anything I have experienced before.
How being a student-athlete helped me acclimate to life at Hamilton: Being a student-athlete allowed me to step onto campus in August into a group that I knew already had a lot in common. From day one, the swim team has been my closest group of friends. I share classes with many of them, but without the swim team, I would not have formed such important relationships with some of my closest friends.
Something I’ve done at Hamilton that "high-school me" would be surprised about: How quickly I adapted to life on campus. Towards the end of my time in high school, when college became intimidatingly real, I got really stressed. Once I got here I got used to my new environment quickly.
My orientation trip: Ausable Hiking
Classes I took my first semester: Intro to Biology, General Chemistry, Philosophy: Critical Thinking, and Intro to Media
My favorite place to go off campus: I enjoy going off campus to get food with friends. Sometimes the social break from studying and athletics is exactly what I need on a weekend.
Teams, clubs, and programs I participate in: Men’s swimming and diving, DEI – NCAA Sports at Hamilton, and the Continental Magazine
My go-to campus dining spot and meal: A bacon, egg, and cheese from Howard Diner.
The class I enjoyed the most: Intro to Biology class because I found the material profoundly interesting. The material that I learned in the lecture, the lab, and the homework was rigorous and rewarding.
Something I recently added to my Hamilton bucket list is… Racing in the HamTrek triathlon.
When I’m not in class, you can find me... at the pool!
Miramar, Fla.
Miramar High School
My favorite Hamilton moment since arriving in August: The trip I took with CAB [Campus Activities Board] to NYC to watch Sweeney Todd on Broadway. It was such a fun and memorable experience.
The class I enjoyed the most: Women and Gender Studies with [Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies] Margaret Gentry. The readings were thought-provoking and it made me excited to go to class and discuss them with my peers.
Something I’ve done at Hamilton that "high-school me" would be surprised about: My radio show. I’ve always loved media and expressing my humor and music taste, but never thought I’d actually pursue it in college.
My orientation trip: Curveballs and Kanjam.
Classes I took my first semester: Women and Gender Studies, Psychology 101, Intro to Economics, and First-year Spanish
Teams, clubs, and programs I participate in: Heat Dance team, Feminists of Color Collective, BLSU, and the host of WHCL radio show “Serving Cont.”
My favorite place to go off campus: The mall in New Hartford. It’s a one-stop shop with Target, Journeys, a food court, bowling, Bath & Body Works, and so much more. I love going by myself to look around in stores and have a little mental break.
How my ALEX advisor helped me during my first semester: I meet with my ALEX advisor on a pretty consistent basis. Shout out to Logan; she’s the absolute best! She’s has helped me find internship and funding opportunities for my many interests.
My go-to on-campus dining spot and meal: Commons Cajun shrimp pasta and Pub lunch pizza.
Something I recently added to my Hamilton bucket list is... to go to a game in every sport for both the women and men’s teams.
When I’m not in class, you can find me... Chilling on the 4th floor of Root or at the Sadove student information desk working a shift.
Mission Hill, South Dakota
Yankton High School
My favorite Hamilton moment since arriving in August: When I first got to walk into the Burke Library, the first thing I noticed was that it was a very quiet, yet comforting space. The second thing I saw was a collection of Calvin & Hobbes comics displayed on the shelf, which I love. Discovering Burke Library was probably my favorite experience on this campus.
The class I enjoyed the most: I really enjoyed Native American Studies for its open discussion format and friendly professor who was ready to answer my questions in and out of class. It seriously challenged me to expand my horizons of knowledge and to analyze texts critically.
My orientation trip: Philosophers’ Camp
Classes I took my first semester: Native American Lifeways, Computer Science 101, Drawing, and New Testament Literature
Teams, clubs, and programs I participate in: Gaming Club, Running Club, RPG Club, Chess Club, AppDev, Newman Council, JHS, and Writing Club
My favorite place to go off campus: On my first journey beyond the campus, I took my bike out to St. Mary’s Church. It is a lovely church with glorious Gothic architecture. It’s a very beautiful place where you can just sit in silence for hours and pray.
My go-to on-campus dining spot and meal: Chicken parmesan sub with fries at Howard Diner.
Something I’ve done at Hamilton that "high-school me" would be surprised about: Honestly, I never believed in spending time in a gym. Of course, back then, I lived on a farm. Even so, I’m surprised how many good, supportive friends you can find in the gym here.
How my career and ALEX advisors helped me during my first semester: They helped me sort out all kinds of little, unexpected problems, like travel and my resume.
Something I recently added to my Hamilton bucket list is... starting a pool/billiards club. In South Dakota, pool is kind of a big deal. I also have a new billiards variant from back home that I’m looking to share and promote with my peers. Moreover, I think having an official club is important for teaching people how to properly use cues and billiards table etiquette.
When I’m not in class, you can find me… reading on theology, tinkering with any piano I can find, or illustrating the next page for my comic. As a furry Catholic and cartoonist, I find a lot of value in learning and doing. I spend a lot of time alone with my own thoughts or considering someone else’s, but I also really enjoy meeting and conversing with other people, especially when they have unique perspectives.
Leesburg, Va.
The Flint Hill School
My favorite place to go off campus: It’s a tie between the village green [in Clinton] and Clinton Cider Mill. I love the village green because not only is it beautiful, but the events they have there are incredibly fun. I love the Cider Mill because of the great food, and the way you always see a friend when stopping by.
The class I enjoyed the most: Theatre 100 with [Associate Professor of Theatre] Mark Cryer because I took the course with the expectation of learning only about acting, but the course actually introduced me to the broader scope of theatre. We worked on technical aspects like lighting, costume, and set design, we learned about different styles of directing, and many other aspects of theatre. The professor is both an amazing teacher and a hilarious and warm person to be around.
My go-to on-campus dining spot and meal: My favorite campus food is the chicken parm from Diner (but cotton candy ice cream from McEwen is a close second).
My favorite Hamilton moment since arriving in August: Performing with my campus band, Yonic. The feeling of being on stage with good friends is truly amazing, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to join Band Club and meet these great people.
My orientation trip: Curtain Call.
Something I’ve done at Hamilton that "high-school me" would be surprised about: Not only did I take two theatre courses, but I am also taking a country music course. I am also considering minoring in education, which ‘high-school me’ would have never thought was likely.
Classes I took my first semester: Poetry and Poetics, American Society, Intro to Making Theatre, and Intro to Music Theory
Something I recently added to my Hamilton bucket list is... exploring all of the fun hidden spots on campus.
Teams, clubs, and programs I participate in: I am a member of the College Choir, the Hamiltones, and Yonic Youth Band. I also work as a Digital Media Intern in the Communications and Marketing Office.
When I’m not in class, you can find me... in the Barn/Annex practicing with my band, in List for choir or a cappella, or just hanging out with my friends around campus.
Watch: Life at Hamilton
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