Ryan Yu: Living Life on His Own Terms

While Ryan Yu has made a lasting impact on The Student, what’s most notable about him is his unwavering commitment to finding his own path.

Troy Colleran: Quietly Setting the Standard

Despite a humble, understated presence, Troy Colleran has made an enormous impact in his two key areas: on the track and field team and in the chemistry lab.

Shikha Jha: Leading Through Dance

In her four years at the college, Shikha Jha has played crucial leadership roles for both Dance and Step at Amherst College and the Asian Students Association. Along the way, she’s found time to rethink her goals and find a path that’s right for her.

Kalidas Shanti: Finding Joy and Meaning Through Writing

Despite his understated presentation, those who know Kalidas Shanti know him to be a deep thinker and compassionate friend who has spent his time at Amherst exploring a wide range of interests.

Anna Smith: An Archivist’s Journey Through Amherst

Through exploring the Amherst archives, Anna Smith has uncovered Amherst’s deep rooted connection with slavery.

Sophie Koh: A Drive for Inclusion in Intellectual Spaces

Sophie Koh pursues her intellectual passions with a higher purpose. Her commitment to cultivating inclusivity encourages us all to contribute to meaningful change in the spaces we occupy.

Sage Innerarity: Creating Community and Championing Change

Throughout her time at Amherst, Sage Innerarity has made a name for herself through her ability to bring people together and raise the voices of others.

Teo Ruskov: From Religion Major to World Traveler

Teo Ruskov conveys passion and dedication for religious studies, earning the prestigious Watson Fellowship and winning multiple accolades for his thesis on Buddhism.

Ella Peterson: A Community Builder With a Love for Democracy

Ella Peterson has used her time at Amherst to avidly pursue her interest in the political sphere, effecting positive change and building community along the way.

Jorge Rodriguez: Learning and Teaching “the Art of Living”

Prioritizing self-discipline, service, and faith, Jorge Rodriguez has all the necessary tools to achieve his ultimate goal: living a beautiful life.

Angelina Han: AAS President and Extracurricular Extraordinaire

A double major in geology and economics, former AAS president Angelina Han had a busy four years at Amherst. Her commitments to public service and helping others shine through everything she says and does.

Scott Brasesco: Seeking an Understanding of Humanity

Scott Brasesco has always had a passion for the history of humanity and society. At Amherst, he has pursued that passion in every way he could — always with unending calm, constant brilliance, and a mug of tea to start the morning.

Juanita Jaramillo: A Track Star With a Passion for Policy

Juanita Jaramillo came to Amherst as a track recruit, but her time on campus has been about far more: She found a passion for policy-related research, which she will pursue as a predoctoral fellow at MIT.

Arzoo Rajpar: Crafting Art, Empowerment, and Agency

Arzoo Rajpar has created intersections between her passion for design and her interest in creating community-based solutions, uplifting herself and those around her.

Abner Aldarondo: Creating a Community of Love Through Culture

With an abundant amount of charisma, Abner Aldarondo invites love into his life constantly, whether it is in his academic, artistic, or community-based work.

Lauren Kisare: Critical Language Scholar With a Future in Publishing

A natural community builder, Lauren Kisare’s time at Amherst has seen her excel at everything from journalism to studying Korean — all while bringing joy to the people around her.

Cole Graber-Mitchell: Making His Voice Heard

Cole Graber-Mitchell is committed to civic engagement, whether it be as an AAS senator or an opinion columnist. The Marshall Scholar’s world revolves around three principles: persistence, community, and joy.

Jiajia Zhang: Teaching, Telling, Painting Asian American History

While Jiajia Zhang is on her way to becoming an Asian American studies scholar, her life has encompassed so much more: art, activism, and even social media management for a Belarusian rock band.

Alexis Scalese: Asserting Indigeneity at Amherst and Beyond

A dedicated researcher, thoughtful friend, and driven activist, Alexis Scalese has been an instrumental force in the creation of an assertive Native American presence on campus.

German Giammattei: A Legend on and off the Pitch

Though perhaps the best player in the history of Amherst men’s soccer, German Giammattei is better described as a humble teammate and a phenomenal friend.

Joelle Crichlow: Leading the Charge to Make Change

Guided by a passion for changemaking and a commitment to making Amherst a better place, Joelle Crichlow has done just that — and she will continue to effect positive change wherever her path takes her.

Audrey Rosevear: Leaping to Topology, Theater, and Transitioning

Audrey Rosevear has spent her time at Amherst devoted to her passions of mathematics and theater, all while embarking on a personal journey to come out as trans.

Sebastian Son: Storytelling Through Song

Whether he’s performing onstage, writing behind the scenes, or simply being a steadfast friend, Sebastian Son has made innumerable contributions to the Amherst arts community.

Rebecca Picciotto: Stewarding Stories With Care and Perspective

Rebecca Picciotto has a deep passion for connecting with people through journalism. But she also understands just where journalism can fall short.

Olivia Gieger: The Activist Behind the Byline

From the outside, Gieger’s path seems to decouple into two distinct threads: activism and journalism. But talking to Gieger, it becomes clear that, for her, those parallel interests are inextricably connected.

Eniola Ajao: The Noise Found in Silence

Ajao has presented her research on Black ASL via Zoom to an audience of over 200 Amherst students, faculty, scholars and artists around the world.

Sarah Montoya: How Family History Led to a Fulbright

Sarah Montoya has always pushed for Indigenous rights and recognition at Amherst as the president of the Native and Indigenous Students Association (NISA). As a Fulbright scholar, her plans beyond graduation will include traveling to Lithuania to teach about Indigenous identities and history.

Daniel Rendón: Not Your Classic Story Arc

Just as Rendón aims to portray unconventional narratives through his theatre, he has a unique story of his own. Photo courtesy of Daniel Rendón ’21.“There was no way I could genuinely recreate everyone. If I were to make an honest attempt — and this isn’t to say I don’t trust my writing — but theater never ends up being exactly like the sort of thing that it’s trying to represent.” Daniel Rendón said that to me while describing the writing process and character development in his theatre and da

Jea Adams: An Astrophysicist Finds Her Space

Adams is the first Black woman to graduate as an Amherst College physics major since 1982. Photo courtesy of Jea Adams ’21.When I first met Jea Adams ’21, I was unsure what to expect. From the research I had done before our interview, I knew she was extremely accomplished like many other Amherst students, but from the moment she started talking, I learned that there was more to her than accomplishments. Behind her accolades is a profound curiosity about the workings of the universe and a determi

Enoch Shin: A Teacher and a Storyteller

Shin has been awarded the Walker Teaching Award, a Five College Statistics Prize and the Beinecke Scholarship for his work in the history and statistics departments. Photo courtesy of Enoch Shin ’21.I’ve heard before that we don’t remember what people do, but instead remember how they make us feel. This quote seems to be perfectly crafted for my first interaction with Enoch Shin. As my interview with Shin approached, I could not help but be reminded of a story from a previous semester. I could

Ayodele Lewis: A Voice and Vision for Change

Through her academic and extracurricular work, Lewis has made an indelible mark on each community she’s touched. Photo courtesy of Ayo Lewis ’21.From conducting critical research to igniting change at Amherst and beyond, neuroscience major Ayodele (“Ayo”) Lewis has built a stellar track record over the course of her four years. While her accomplishments are undoubtedly impressive, they are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the depth that is Lewis’s intellect and character. The drivin

Toma-Jin Morikawa-Fouquet: An Interdisciplinary Thinker and Empathetic Leader

Morikawa-Fouquet sits on the first-year quad in Fall 2019, the year he began his journey at Amherst. Photo courtesy of Toma-Jin Morikawa ’21.In the words of his thesis advisor (Professor of Political Science Thomas Dumm), Toma-Jin Morikawa ’21, also known as Toma-Jin Morikawa-Fouquet, is “a brilliant example of a new generation of Amherst students with a truly international perspective.” Born in France but raised in the U.S. and Japan, Morikawa-Fouquet has had no shortage of opportunities to dev

Arielle Kirven: A Daring Pursuit to See Beyond the Image

Kirven’s intellect and ability to notice subtleties help her navigate the fast-paced world of digital journalism. Photo courtesy of Arielle Kirven ’21.In an increasingly turbulent and disorienting world, Arielle Kirven ’21 knows exactly what she wants and who she wants to be — and she will, without a doubt, make it happen. After a nearly two-hour long conversation outside the steps of Johnson Chapel, Kirven, with her unwavering focus, precise articulation and subtle, yet steadfast confidence, c

Sirig Gurung: A Commitment to Curiosity, Compassion & Care

Gurung has drawn on his deep well of kindness and curiosity to touch the lives of those around him and uplift the communities of which he is a part. Photo courtesy of Sirig Gurung ’21.Sirig Gurung’s ’21 unassuming and humble disposition belies the large impact he has on those around him. Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Gurung is a beloved member of the international student community at Amherst, which he has actively contributed to through his work with the Center for International Student En

Braxton Schuldt: A Future Neurosurgeon with a Runner’s Heart

Schuldt leaves behind a legacy in the lab and on the cross country and track programs. Photo courtesy of Braxton Schuldt ’21.Braxton Schuldt ’21 is the epitome of excellence and resilience. His intelligence, work ethic and drive to help others has molded him into an exceptional Amherst student-athlete. As a future physician, two-sport varsity captain, long-time Educational Director of Amherst College Emergency Medical Services (ACEMS) and neuroscience major, his resume and accomplishments are tr

Noah John: Shaping the Future of Music Through Journalism

After NYU journalism school, John plans to develop his music media platform into a self-sustaining business. Photo courtesy of Noah John ’21.At a college like Amherst, it is easy to follow the beaten path. The trail markers that guide most students are getting good grades, securing an internship that might lead to a job and maybe being lauded along the way. But to succeed in those things, and also to dedicate yourself to  a new path that’s entirely your own is much harder. Noah John ’21 is one s

David Rosa: Embracing Change and Building Community

Rosa helped implement the Center for Restorative Practices and hopes to receive his J.D. and M.S.W. to apply these skills outside of Amherst. Photo courtesy of David Rosa ’21.“Never stop advocating for other people, caring for other people, and trying to make this campus a better place,” said David Rosa ’21 as advice to underclassmen at Amherst before we finished our conversation. This also encapsulates how he leads his own life. Our hour-long conversation made it obvious how much Rosa valued c

Cy Nguyen: Taking Life by the Reins

Nguyen used her thesis to do a rigorous investigation of the transfer student experience at Amherst. Photo courtesy of Cy Nguyen ’21.A movie aficionado, frog figurine collector and demography enthusiast, Cy Nguyen ’21 is not your typical Amherst student. A Vietnamese American transfer from the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Nguyen only spent two years of her college career at Amherst. But looking at all she has pursued and achieved during her time here, you wouldn’t be able to

Margot Lurie: Championing Justice, One Question at a Time

For all of her accolades at Amherst, Lurie will be remembered not by what she won but the people she inspired. Photo courtesy of Margot Lurie ’21.As she walked the halls of her deeply segregated Colorado high school, Margot Lurie ’21 saw injustice everywhere she looked. The structural inequalities of American society were lived out each day in school, where only a few would go on to attend four-year colleges and the limited resources were filtered to the predominantly white International Baccala

Dylan Momplaisir: A Builder of Software, Stories and Community

Momplaisir used the experiences and independent thinking he developed growing up in New York City and applied them to all that he did during his time at Amherst. Photo courtesy of Dylan Momplaisir ’21.It was only fitting that my Zoom interview with Dylan Momplaisir ’21 started with technical issues. A double major in computer science and architectural studies who has served as digital director of The Student for the past three and a half years, Momplaisir is well-accustomed to jumping to the res

Bella Edo: Pursuing Justice with a Passion

In all that she does, Bella Edo approaches her advocacy with a sincerity, intensity and courageousness that has guided her efforts to make life at Amherst better for students and faculty. Photo courtesy of Bella Edo ’21.Sitting across from Bella Edo ’21 over Zoom the other day was a strange, yet familiar experience. As it would happen, Edo was actually my Resident Counselor (RC) during my first year at Amherst College. One scroll through my contact list, and you’ll find her listed as RC Bella Ed

Yaqui Montes de Oca: A Floridian’s Mission to Make Incarceration Humane

Yaqui plans to attend Florida State University in the fall to obtain a master’s in social work and criminology. Photo courtesy of Yaqui Montes de Oca ’21.On a typical day, you might find Yaqueline “Yaqui” Montes de Oca ’21 in room 018 of Keefe Campus Center, the Office of Student Activities. She’s worked there as an assistant to the Office Assistant for two years, and according to Student Activities Coordinator and Business Manager, Monica Soto, she has been “nothing less of a rockstar and a shi

Joe Palmo: A Star Seeking More of His Kind

Palmo has conducted research at Amherst, NASA, and soon at Boston startup QuantAQ through his data science role. Photo courtesy of Joe Palmo ’21.To the naked eye, a star is a beacon of hope, used by many as a guiding light in the sky. The amazement some feel when stargazing is rooted in the idea that stars burn brightly enough to bring joy to those millions of miles away. The radiance of a star, however, can sometimes blind us from finding its individual planets in orbit. With a closer look, sta

Manuel Rodriguez: A Cultural Scholar With a Knack for Building Community

After Amherst, Rodriguez hopes to benefit the next generation of first-generation and low-income scholars. Photo courtesy of Manuel Rodriguez ’21.Manuel Rodriguez ’21 has an incredible capacity to make those around him feel at ease. I know this from experience, having spent a sunny hour on the Valentine Quad chatting with Rodriguez about his four years at Amherst. Whenever Rodriguez speaks to others, his frequent smile and welcome affirmations relay an air of open-mindedness and an overwhelming

Seoyeon Kim: Transcending Fragmentation via Storytelling & Activism

Seoyeon Kim ’21 wrote a critical-creative hybrid thesis in the English department exploring how dislocation affects a sense of self. Photo courtesy of Seoyeon Kim ’21.I met Seoyeon Kim ’21 through Zoom in “Non-Fiction I” last semester. In addition to being impressed and inspired by her beautiful writing and brilliant insights, I also felt an indescribable closeness to her. Despite seeing her only through the rectangle on my computer screen, she became full and vibrant in my mind. In class, Kim l

Jeremy Thomas: “It’s A Beautiful Time for Change”

Thomas has spent college giving back to the Amherst community and has a future of change-making ahead. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Thomas ’21.Even before interviewing him over Zoom, the face of Jeremy Thomas ’21 was already familiar to me. Out of all the political science lectures and panels I’d attended, it was rare if I didn’t see Thomas’s name somewhere on the screen. Most of the time, in fact, his name was front and center. Effortlessly put together in a jewel-toned polo shirt and black-rimmed

Natalie De Rosa: Stewarding Stories & Schools, From Newark to Amherst

Natalie De Rosa ’21 has, in many ways, been shaped by her home city of Newark, a place in which she holds a lot of pride. Photo courtesy of Natalie De Rosa ’21. By her own admission, Natalie De Rosa ’21 is a shy person. She isn’t usually the first person to speak up in a class discussion, or the type of person who spends her nights out at raging parties. But beneath her reserved demeanor, Natalie shines like no other. To her friends, she is tenacious, inspiring and kind. To her professors, she i

College Plans to Host In-Person Commencement on May 30

The college intends to have an in-person commencement ceremony for the class of 2021, President Biddy Martin announced in an email to the college community [https://www.amherst.edu/news/covid-19/community-messages/staying-in-touch/node/796159] on March 19. All seniors, regardless of their current location, are invited to participate. Seniors may also invite two guests to the ceremony, though individuals arriving from off-campus must comply with an intensive testing protocol prior to the event.