Exit Letter: An Unforgettable Journey

For her last issue serving as editor-in-chief of The Student, Yee-Lynn Lee ’23 walks through the two and a half years she’s spent on the paper, and the meaning that it has had for her at each step.

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!

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.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Alice Burg ’23 introduces the first installment of “The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck,” a weekly comic strip of four trading cards.

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.

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.

Toward a Cuisine of Cultural Representation

Contributing writer Pho Vu ’23 recounts her experience tasting Val’s take on the Vietnamese pho dish, asserting that accurate representation of ethnic cuisines is a crucial step toward cultural inclusivity in the dining hall.

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.

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.

Red Herring: Marriage Pact Statistics

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

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.

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.

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.

Tractor Drivin’ Man Experiences Book & Plow

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland '25 reflects on a summer spent as a simple farm-hand at Amherst's own Book and Plow.

A Duty to Reproductive Justice

The Editorial Board calls for the college to make a statement on the possible overturn of Roe v. Wade, asserting that abortion rights is an issue of education access and must therefore be considered pertinent to colleges.

Who’s Really Running Amherst College?

Contributing writer Phoebe Neilsen ’25 argues that the Board of Trustees is ill-equipped to make decisions on campus, calling for abolition of the board.

Seeing Double: Who Won?

Seeing Double Columnists Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 and Thomas Brodey ’22 close out their long-running column with a debate of who is the better fledgling columnist.

Red Herring: Bigfoot Sighting

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Strieff ’24 reacts to the recent UMass Amherst Alert of a suspicious firearm-carrying individual.

Standing Against AAPI Erasure

Contributing writers Karen Lee ’25 and Eleanor Lee ’25 call for solidarity in the fight for A/P/A studies and against the erasure of the work of AAPI student activists.

Title IX Blind: How Amherst Mishandles Sexual Misconduct

Contributing writer Jared Kim ’23 protests the college’s attitude toward sexual misconduct on campus, urging the college to stop its over-reliance on the Title IX office and create a true culture of care for survivors.

Go Plant-based: For Yourself, for the Environment, for the Animals

Contributing writer Tim Carroll ’25 outlines the tangible reasons and ethical philosophies of why we should convert to plant-based diets.

Seeing Double: Tradition, Tradition!

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 reflects on his four years at Amherst, concluding his last solo column with a claim that the college is in need of more student traditions.

Rants and Raves: Stop Whining About Amherst Dining

Columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 claims that Amherst students should discard their privileged complaints about Val food in favor of more substantial topics of conversation.

In Students We Trust

The Editorial Board questions the Board of Trustees’ authority in the recent campus safety decision, calling for the prioritization of student experience and a more collaborative process for making decisions regarding campus life.

Seeing Double: Escaping the Rat Race

Seeing Double Columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 discusses pressure for career advancement, noting that it is in fact possible to romanticize the mundane.

The Amherst to Wall Street Pipeline

Staff writer Andrew Rosin ’25 addresses the culture of selling out into finance, reminding students of their potential to bring Amherst’s interdisciplinary principles to Wall Street.

Coping With Campus: I Rave About Val

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 raves about Val in this crossover column, a miniature ode to the ideal of a single unifying dining hall — especially a particular corner table in it.

It’s Not Working

The Editorial Board calls for Amherst to end the work-study component of financial aid packages.

Letter to the Editor: “Every Person for Themselves”

In a letter to the editor, Chair of Psychology Catherine Sanderson criticizes the new housing process, arguing that it only puts stress on close relationships in a time when students are most in need of social support.

Seeing Double: Getting Involved in Town

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 discusses his positive experiences working with the greater Amherst town community, and encourages students to join town committees.

Amherst Needs an Intro Econ Course for Non-majors

Staff writer Andrew Rosin ’25 outlines why Amherst needs to have an introductory economics course for non-majors, claiming that it would be more accessible to the larger community.

Who Makes History?

Contributing writers Zane Khiry ’25 and Isaiah Doble ’25 criticize how history is sometimes taught using the “Great Figures Approach,” which views major historical events as the result of a few highly distinguished individuals rather than the collective work of many.

Red Herring: Sophomore Housing

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 comments on last week’s housing process, where housing ran out for rising sophomores.

A Precedent for Pay

The Editorial Board commends AAS’ decision to pay its members for the potential it creates for increased accessibility across student organizations.

Seeing Double: How to Make Challah

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 reflects on his Jewish identity, his connections to the Amherst community, and a very special loaf of bread.

Coping With Campus: Rodeway Hospital-ity

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 contemplates familiarity in designed spaces and how repurposing a building might create dissonances in its use.

Rants and Raves: Imagine You’re a Sea Turtle

In this week’s “Rants and Raves,” Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 raves about his love for sea turtles.

Missing the Mark

The Editorial Board calls for ACPD to not only re-mark their police vehicles, but also initiate greater communication and transparency toward the student body and larger community.

Who Are “Climate Refugees”?

Contributing writers Tara Alahakoon ’25 and Mohamed Ramy ’18 discuss the importance of recognizing “climate refugees,” people who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to the increasingly negative effects of climate change.

Seeing Double: I Will Never Donate to Amherst

Seeing Double Columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 explains why he doesn’t intend on donating to Amherst after graduation.

Rants and Raves: Elevator Etiquette

In this week’s “Rants and Raves,” Managing Design Editor Brianne LaBare ’25 hopes for the Amherst community to observe better elevator etiquette.

Red Herring: On ACPD

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 humorously comments on the ACPD’s belief that unmarked police vehicles would help students feel safer.

Rethinking the Open Curriculum

Managing Podcast Editor Sam Spratford ’24 points out the flaws of the open curriculum and argues for more distribution requirements.

Coping With Campus: Dam Good Builders

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 takes a jaunt off of campus, finding tranquility and engineering in the local beaver population.

Seeing Double: The Adventures of Tom and Dick

Seeing Double Columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 recounts his positive experience conversing with an alumnus to showcase why students should build better relationships with alumni.

Rants and Raves: “Scrape Your F — king Plates”

Contributing Writer Priscilla Lee ’25 discusses her friend’s negative experiences working with Val due to people’s lack of communal responsibility for the space.

AmherstMaskin’

With an increasing number of colleges ending their mask mandates, the Editorial Board calls for increased community respect for one another whether masks go or not.

Seeing Double: For More than Zero Gazebos

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 discusses why Amherst should build a gazebo (or multiple) on campus.

Nuclear Power Really Is the Future

Contributing Writer Diego Rao ’23 responds to Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell's ’22 previously published article decrying nuclear power, arguing that it is necessary for a sustainable future.

The Key to a Constructive Contra

Editor-at-Large Scott Brasesco ’22 critiques certain aspects of Amherst’s newest opinion publication, The Contra.

Satire: The Bowdoin Orient Staff Bathroom

Reflecting on Two Years of Covid

The Editorial Board reflects on the two year anniversary of Covid on campus, acknowledging the nostalgia for a pre-pandemic Amherst, but expressing hope about the future of adapting to the pandemic.

Seeing Double: Nuclear Power Isn’t the Future

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 argues that using nuclear power as an energy source has more negative consequences than positive.

Coping With Campus: Style Over Substance

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 discusses the potential impact of the pandemic on the future of architecture, which he hopes is full of love and ventilation.

Rants and Raves: Crunchy Mom Hates Sumo Oranges

In the debut installment of the new series “Rants and Raves,” Managing Opinion Editor Kei Lim ’25 points out the offensive undertones of the phrase “no offense.”

Secret Admirer

Cartoonist Emi Eliason ’23 satirizes the impact of the financial aid process on students.

Red Herring: Snow Day

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 comments on how students usually spend their snow days.

A Better Amherst: A ‘New Curriculum’

Tessa Levenstein ’23 and Mason Quintero ’23 advocate for more service-oriented learning at the college, arguing for community to become a central tenet of an Amherst education.

To Support Ukrainian Students, Support Ukraine

The Editorial Board urges the college community to support its Ukrainian students by supporting Ukraine itself.

Seeing Double: Reflections on Amherst Activism

Seeing Double Columnists Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 and Thomas Brodey ’22 discuss what it means to participate in activism.

Satire: Amherst Mantra Advocates for Canceling Students

Managing Editor Liam Archacki ’24 investigates surprisingly uncontroversial takes published in a mysterious new paper circulating around campus.