Student Reporter Beat
Alums give firsties the lowdown
The annual First-Year event hosted by the Alumnae Association is frequently associated with the coveted free mugs (of the appropriate class color) that are given to the first-years in attendance. However, after spending their Sunday afternoon at the event on April 1, more than 200 students walked away with much more than just a mug.
The activities began with a welcome in Gamble Auditorium, followed by an alumnae panel. The panelists, Catherine Volle ’06, Brittany McCrary ’04, and Brooke Paige ’93, offered advice and insight into how they had navigated their way through their years at Mount Holyoke, branched out by taking trips off-campus and spending summers as interns, and finally started their careers with stable jobs.
The panelists highlighted study abroad and the importance of networking. “I wish I had had the opportunity to go to an event like this,” said Paige, noting that such an event was not offered while she was in her first year at Mount Holyoke. All three panelists encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities and enjoy their time at the college. Reflecting on her own feelings after her first year at Mount Holyoke, McCrary reassured the students that “every little experience in your first year is for something.”
After the panel, first-years were ushered to Willits-Hallowell, where they had a chance to speak personally with alumnae as well as Mount Holyoke faculty and staff representing various centers and departments across campus. Small discussion groups were organized around themes including “What I wish I had known toward the end of my first year,” “First-year advising and looking ahead,” and “Looking for your major.”
Other discussion groups provided first-years with information about things yet to come, such as internships, study abroad, and independent research. Informative handouts were provided at many of the discussion groups, which students particularly appreciated. “When we have questions later on it gives us something to refer back to,” said Mary Kay ’10.
Although some students confessed to being overwhelmed by the wealth of information provided at the event, many, like Kay, said they found comfort in having experienced alumnae available. Others, like Maureen Kemei ’10, said they “valued the feedback” they received. Perhaps the best illustration of the event’s success, though, was the number of students remaining in Willits after the official activities came to a close. Lingering around the discussion tables, getting in a few last questions, students continued their lively conversations with alumnae as the time marking the end of the event came and went.
