Exit Letter: Theo Says Thank You

Senior Managing Editor Theo Hamilton ’23 reflects on his time with the Editorial Board as he says goodbye to The Student.

Where Was the Constitution in the Impeachment Trial?

Staff writer Tylar Matsuo ’24 reacts to the AAS’ presidential impeachment hearing, expressing his frustration with the Senate’s seeming preoccupation with personal conflicts between senators at the expense of actually considering the body’s constitution.

Experiencing Ableism in Amherst’s Infrastructure

Willow Delp ’26 explores the difficulty of movement around campus, detailing experiences of disabled students as they face an institution characterized by physical and rhetorical hostility toward accessibility.

In Praise of the Jones Library

2021-22 Language Assistant Valentin Guergueb recalls falling in love with the Jones Library at 43 Amity Street.

We Have a Problem With Paying Attention

Managing Podcast Editor Andrew Rosin ’25 uses the ongoing World Cup games as an entry point to interrogate students’ difficulties with paying attention in class.

Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness: Giving Thanks Away From Amherst

Staff writer Pho Vu ’23 recounts her Thanksgiving trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, and Chicago, a trip that allowed her to learn the joys and challenges of navigating unfamiliar places alone.

Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness: Languages as a Catalyst for Growth

Staff writer Pho Vu ’23 untangles how learning different languages has shaped her life experiences.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 returns this week with yet another new set of trading cards, at least lukewarm off the press!

Men’s Basketball Wins One, Loses Two, Falling to 3-5

The men’s basketball team lost an away game against Colby-Sawyer College on Thursday, Dec. 1, and blew a 15-point halftime lead at home against Springfield College on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Now eight games into the season, the Mammoths are 3-5.

Swim and Dive Goes 3-0 to Open Season

Both the men’s and women’s swim and dive teams have opened their seasons with three straight wins. The two teams beat Colby, Wesleyan, and Middlebury to open their 2022-23 dual-meet schedule 3-0.

People Like You More Than You Think

Isaiah Doble ’25 presents a toolkit for a friendlier campus environment, combating campus loneliness with strategies from enthusiastic greetings to sprinklings of compliments.

Kayah’s Korner: A Low-income Student’s Guide to Navigating “Success”

Kayah’s Korner columnist Mikayah Parsons ’24 advises that students expand their interpretation of “success” beyond quantifiable products.

What Does Amherst Owe Democracy?

Those elite institutions that send their alumni into leadership positions in our country have a responsibility to educate truly civic-minded leaders, Zane Khiry ’25 argues.

Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness: Adulting at and After Amherst

Pho Vu ’23 offers up her weekly dose of wisdom this week with advice about how to tackle that most difficult task left to Amherst students once they graduate: being a real adult.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 presents a brand new set of four new trading cards, hot off the press (again)!

A Columbus Conundrum: Experiencing el Día de la Hispanidad

Studying abroad in Spain, contributing writer Maddie Hahm ’24 reconsiders the complex legacy of colonialism in el Día de la Hispanidad, arguing that normative judgments on Spain’s National Day are always culturally situated.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 offers up four new trading cards, hot off the press!

Vandalize College Row!

The Editorial Board calls for more displays of student art on campus, arguing that our educational environment should reflect the vivacity of its student life.

My Fellow Freshmen, You Are Not Alone

Columnist Shane Dillon ’26 reminds his fellow first-years to take care of themselves as the semester gets tough.

The Elite Student’s Struggle for Integrity

Taking inspiration from James Baldwin’s 1963 talk “The Artist's Struggle for Integrity,” contributing writer Zane Khiry ’25 urges students to pursue fulfillment amid the pull of conventional notions of success.

The Global Importance of Brazilian Democracy

Contributing writer Oliver Polachini ’26 reflects on the global importance of Brazilian democracy in light of the nation’s recent presidential elections.

College Librarians Rethink and Reframe Research

Over the past decade, the research and instruction department has evolved from simply helping with assignments to thinking more broadly about the meaning and practice of research at the college. The Student spoke with six librarians to learn more about this shift and how they approach their work.

Restore the Student Activities Fee

In light of the Association of Amherst Students’ ongoing budget crisis, The Editorial Board argues for a raised student activities fee.

Kayah’s Korner: A Guide To Navigating Coursework

Kayah’s Korner columnist Mikayah Parsons ’24 offers sage advice on managing a large academic load given her experience as a quadruple-major at Amherst.

Let’s Talk About Israel and Palestine

Mason Quintero ’23 makes the argument that peace and mutual understanding are necessary to even begin conversations about the conflict in Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the necessity of “a nation for both peoples.”

Mass. Insider: On the Ballot

In preparation for next week’s elections, Mass. Insider columnist Shane Dillon ’26 provides a quick rundown of this year’s ballot.

Red Herring: Wisdom Teeth Recovery

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 gives some presumably hard-earned advice on the subject of wisdom tooth surgery.

Facing Drought, Book and Plow Farm Shows Resilience

Book and Plow Farm had a smaller yield this year due to a drought that affected the Northeast. Despite the challenges, the farm delivered a healthy harvest for many of its staple vegetables, thanks in part to its resilience and adaptation.

Editorial: Making J-Term Work

The Editorial Board reacts to the college's decision not to hold J-Term this winter by weighing the difficulties posed to staff against the value of winter programming for campus life.

Kayah’s Korner: How To Navigate Office Hours

Mikayah Parsons ’24 debuts a new advice column aimed at helping first-generation, low-income students survive the Amherst experience with her first entry, which provides recommendations for navigating office hours.

A Tribute to My Dear Friend, Franklin Odo

Associate Professor of American Studies Robert Hayashi reflects on the legacy of the late Professor Franklin Odo and his incredible contributions to the Amherst community.

The Case for Mask-optional Classrooms at Amherst

Poler Family Professor of Psychology Catherine A. Sanderson argues that the college’s current mask policy for classes makes little scientific sense and calls for in-class masking requirements to end.

What I Wish I Knew About Studying Abroad

Contributing writer Maddie Hahm ’24 discusses her current experience studying abroad and what she wished she knew before going.

Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness: Clean Up Your Drive Storage!

In the debut article of Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness, columnist Pho Vu ’23 uses the occasion of a policy change in Google’s Drive plans for higher education to remind students of the value of minimizing their storage use.

K’s Nutrition Is the Freshest Face (and Smoothie) in Town

K’s Nutrition is Amherst’s newest health bar. Pho Vu ’23 sat down with owner Bryant Keeney to discuss the menu and exciting upcoming plans and additions.

You’ll Fall for Liane Moriarty’s “Apples Never Fall”

Eren Levine ’24 reviews “Apples Never Fall” by Liane Moriarty, a multi-dimensional mystery novel that should be at the top of your reading list.

Say Yay to Mountain Day

In light of the cancellation of Farm Fest, The Editorial Board implores that the administration consider implementing a tradition that is longstanding among the college’s closest peers.

The Case for Five Class Slots

Managing Opinion Editor Tapti Sen ’25 argues for an expansion from four to five class slots each semester — and a slimming-down of average workloads to facilitate the change.

UMass Dining: A Comprehensive Review

Assistant Podcast Editor Andrew Rosin ’25 offers an inside look at UMass Amherst’s Berkshire Dining Commons, asking for himself the eternal question: “How good is it, really?”

Mass. Insider: Will Kim Driscoll Remember Western Massachusetts?

Mass. Insider columnist Shane Dillon ’26 advocates for the western side of the state, making the case that the political clout of non-Boston areas of Massachusetts is vital for politicians running for higher office.

Broken Hearts Abound in Ghostlight Triple Feature

Amherst’s newest theater group, Ghostlight, premiered their “Triple Feature” this week. Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 discusses the trio of student productions, which each featured original scripts and casts.

Celebrating Amherst’s Latinx Community and Voices

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Piero Campos ’25 highlights five members of Amherst’s Latinx community. They discuss their connections with their cultures and how they explore their heritage at Amherst.

“The Bear” Reminds Me of My Outrage as an Amherst Student

“The Bear” has captivated viewers with a grounded, gritty depiction of kitchen work. Mase Peterson ’23E uses the show to reflect on their experiences in food service and their perspective as a student with marginalized identities.

“Thirteen Lives” Tells Story of Hope and Determination

Davis Rennella ’24 reviews Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard’s new movie, “Thirteen Lives,” a dramatized account of the mission to rescue a boy’s soccer team trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 2, Reviewed

Season 43 of “Survivor” is in full swing! Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the second episode, which revealed heartfelt backstories and surprising twists.

WAMH x The Student: Neko Case

Neko Case’s music transcends genre and generation. WAMH e-board member Sylvie Wolff ’25 reflects on two of the artist's albums, tracking their presence in her life.

The Indicator x The Student: “Till Some Blind Hand Shall Brush My Wing”

Originally published in The Indicator’s Spring 2022 issue “Break,” “Till Some Blind Hand Shall Brush My Wing” by Joe Sweeney ’25 explores a man’s reflections on loss while waiting for a flight.

The Indicator x The Student: “the breakfast date (break, fast!)”

Sam Spratford ’24 reflects on love, adolescence, and lost hopes in “the breakfast date (break, fast!),” a poem originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of The Indicator.

Mass. Insider: We Desperately Need West-East Rail

Mass. Insider Columnist Shane Dillon ’26 reviews the statewide struggle for a high-speed rail line running from the east to the west in Massachusetts.

Rants and Raves: Peering Out of the Fishbowl

Prospective student tours are a more than slightly annoying disruption to campus life, rants Senior Managing Editor Liam Archacki ’24.

I Delete Emails Every Day

Contributing writer Pho Vu ’23 reflects on the necessary inconvenience of deleting your emails.

Cartoon: Marriage Sacked

Cartoonist Miles Garcia ’25 riffs on potential Marriage Pact-inspired romantic libertinism.

Red Herring: Marriage Pact Statistics

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 pokes fun at unsurprising similarities among the Amherst student body.

Jason Moran Kicks Off Presidential Scholars Series

Jason Moran, the college’s first 2022-2023 Presidential Scholar, is an award-winning jazz pianist who spent the last week hosting a series of masterclasses and lectures on campus. Assistant Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ‘25 breaks down his final event, featuring a panel and concert.

“Poetry Isn’t Perfect,” And Neither Is Publishing

The Emily Dickinson Museum’s annual “Tell It Slant” Festival featured discussions and workshops led by acclaimed poets. Assistant Arts & Living Editor Sarah Weiner ’24 reviews one of the headlining events, “Poetry Isn’t Perfect: A Publication Panel with The Common.”

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 1, Reviewed

“Survivor” has returned for its highly anticipated Season 43! Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the season premiere, which highlighted the lineup of new players and their diverse backgrounds.

Grounds Department Expands Presence of Pollinator Plants on Campus

In a continuation of a project started last semester, gardeners at the college have installed a variety of new planters, boxes, and gardens around campus. The new installations support important animal pollinator populations in the local ecosystem.

Staff Spotlight: Hayley Nicholas

Hayley Nicholas is the director of the Women’s and Gender Center. They graduated from Bowdoin College in 2017 with a degree in sociology and education studies. Before working as the director at the WGC, Hayley worked at the Office of Admission supervising the diversity outreach interns.

Fall in Love With the Pioneer Valley

The Editorial Board offers suggestions on fun fall-themed activities and places to visit in the Pioneer Valley.

The Problem With the Bruce Bogtrotter Competition

In light of the cancellation of the women’s sports teams’ annual Bruce Bogtrotter cake-eating competition, contributing writers Nina Krasnoff ’23 and Emma Strawbridge ’25 call for public recognition of how the competition dangerously promotes disordered eating behaviors.

Mass. Insider: Our Politics Are Weird, But Changing

Mass. Insider Columnist Shane Dillon ’26 attempts to make sense of a central paradox of Massachusetts politics.

Rants and Raves: Frost Findings

Managing Arts and Living Editor Madeline Lawson ’25 raves about the abundance of resources at Frost Library.

Student Cinema Stuns at Premiere Showing

Piper Mohring ’25 and Caden Stockwell ’25 showed their short film this past Saturday, Sept. 17, to a full house in Keefe Theater. Jacob Young ’25 reviews the film, which was narrated in French by Community Service Officer Merouane Daffar and filmed in Paris.

Val Hacks: Pho’s Frappe

In this edition of Val Hacks, Pho Vu ’23 whips up a frappe in an effort to emulate Starbucks’ classic and delectable drinks.

Retrospective on “The Sandman”

“The Sandman,” a comic series written by Neil Gaiman, recently received a Netflix adaptation. Ross Kilpatrick ’24E reviews the comic, which thrills with cosmic ideology but sometimes suffers from a slow plot.

WAMH x The Student: “BREAK THE CURSE”

Arlie’s “BREAK THE CURSE” is the band’s debut album, taking listeners on a journey full of nostalgia and relief. WAMH Publicity Director Helen Feibes ’23 reviews the album and relives her beloved band’s live concert in Cambridge.

Disney’s D23 Expo: Sequels, Shorts, and Spinoffs

Disney’s 14th annual D23 exposition featured exciting announcements of upcoming projects but left fans unsatisfied with disappointing omissions of highly anticipated updates. Vaughn Armour ’25 breaks it all down, analyzing casting choices and new trailers, and predicting future announcements.

Three Stories Down: Reflections From the Catacombs

Senior Managing Editor Liam Archacki ’24 shares a piece he wrote during one of his long study sessions in the bottom level of Frost, which makes the case for C-level as, improbably, the best place to work on campus.

Mass. Insider: Maura Healey’s Bid For Governor

Columnist Shane Dillon ’26 begins his new column with a discussion of upcoming Massachusetts general election and the Democratic nominee Maura Healey, who, unusually for a Democratic candidate, may be poised to win.

Caring About the Queen Is Fun: A Hong Kong Story

Contributing Writer Priscilla Lee ’25 reflects on the cultural impact the royal family has had both in her life and in her hometown of Hong Kong in the aftermath of Elizabeth II’s death.

Red Herring: You’ve Got Mail!

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 implores the student body to check their mailboxes more frequently.

“The Spread of Covid-Lite”

Cartoonist Miles Garcia ’25 illustrates the precautions taken by many students when it comes to ensuring the health and safety of the campus at large.

Ghostlight: Amherst’s Newest Theater Haunt

Amherst’s newest student-run theater group, Ghostlight, is currently preparing for their first production, a “Triple Feature” later this month. Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 sits down with Matt Vitelli ’24 to discuss the founding and future of the group.

“Tuca and Bertie”: A Comedic Look at Modern Adult Life

Adult animation has had a resurgence on Netflix, including cult hits such as “Bojack Horseman” and “Tuca and Bertie.” Joe Sweeney ’25 reviews the latter, which follows two birds as they deal with adult problems, such as relationship issues.

The Indescribable Beauty of “Mad God”

Visual effects artist Phil Tippett shines in his sophomore directorial project, “Mad God.” Miles Garcia ’25 takes the reader through the lovingly crafted film, which features incredible practical effects and a transcendent story.

Don’t Say “Nope” To Jordan Peele’s Newest Film

Cole Warren ’24 breaks down Jordan Peele’s new horror film “Nope,” criticizing the movie’s spectacle and suspense, antithetical to the film’s theme of exploitation in Hollywood, while still declaring it the summer’s best blockbuster.

“Where the Crawdads Sing”: The Cinematic Marsh

The anticipated movie adaptation of “Where the Crawdads Sing,” a novel made famous by Reese’s Book Club, was released this summer. Eren Levine ’24 recommends the film for fans of the book, as well as for those who have not read it before.

The First-year’s Survival Guide

The Editorial Board offers the Class of 2026 advice on how to navigate Amherst.

Meet Jules: Trailblazer, Educator, and Val Worker

Contributing writer Jeanyna Garcia ’23 profiles a Val worker, documenting their life and challenges, and reflects upon her time in the Amherst Labor Alliance.