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Jayda Ma ’28

Managing Arts & Living Editor

Secret Life of Amherst Pets: Guppies

Secret Life of Amherst Pets: Guppies

For the Secret Life of Amherst Pets (SLAP) column debut, Managing A&L Editor Jayda Ma ’28 introduces Tempest and Flame, her two guppies, whose companionship brings routine and unexpected joy to her dorm life. Take a peek into how even the smallest pets can make college feel a little more like home.

Loving Amherst Enough to Demand Better

Managing Arts and Living Editor Jayda Ma ’28 critiques Amherst College’s staffing cuts and budget priorities, arguing that administrative cost-saving measures undermine equity and student support.

New Semester, New Mood

The start of a new semester can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and sometimes the best therapy is a good book or show. Thankfully, the A&L editors have you covered — whether you’re romanticizing, spiraling, or mentally on vacation, there’s something here to match the mood.

Festive Ideas to Wish Away Winter Worries

Festive Ideas to Wish Away Winter Worries

As the semester tightens and winter settles in, Managing Arts & Living Editor Jayda Ma ’28 charts out the small delights that make Amherst bearable in the cold. Lace up your skates, grab a donut, or sled down Memorial Hill, and you might just stumble into the perfect winter reset.

Mammoths Read: Fall Book Recommendations

Mammoths Read: Fall Book Recommendations

As autumn begins next week, the Arts & Living team has your next cozy read covered. This week, our editors are sharing their top fall book recommendations, which are the perfect companions for the spooky season and a cup of warm cider.

Gabby Avena: A Kind of Knowing

Gabby Avena: A Kind of Knowing

Anyone who encounters Gabby Avena will be instantly struck by her genuine warmth, her ability to listen intently, and the way she makes every conversation feel both meaningful and inspiring.

The True Meaning Behind Being a “Bad Activist”

The True Meaning Behind Being a “Bad Activist”

Artist and activist Mai Khoi brought her electrifying performance “Bad Activist” to Amherst, combining music and political defiance in a gripping set. Managing Arts & Living Editor Jayda Ma ’28 recounts Khoi’s journey from pop stardom to exile, examining how art and activism remain inseparable.