Why Wes? I applied to Wes through the QuestBridge National College Match, and that’s how I got matched to Wesleyan. Even though I did not “choose” Wesleyan because of the nature of QuestBridge, the reasons I ranked Wesleyan are plentiful. The two major prerequisites during my college search were to remain in the Northeast so that I am somewhat close to family, and to be in a small school. I desired being in a smaller school because it meant that I can cultivate more meaningful relationships with my peers and professors. That is how Wesleyan initially landed on my radar. After doing more research and coming to campus for a tour, I saw the community Wesleyan fosters. I spoke with various current students, who all told different but connected stories of their time at Wes. Hearing that Wesleyan is a place where they discovered themselves sparked my interest. I always had somewhat of an idea of who I am but after spending three years here I can say that I rediscovered myself in ways I never thought were possible. All of this in combination with the ability to take whatever class I wanted because of the open curriculum encouraged high school senior Ahmed to rank Wesleyan and ultimately continue his college journey here.

Favorite class, and why? My favorite class has to be Borderlands in the African Mediterranean and Beyond with Professor A. George Bajalia in the Anthropology department. This class taught me to question everything, it taught me to critically think about different systems, schools of thought, theories, methods, etc., and pushed me beyond the class material. It introduced me to concepts that I would use in my other classes during the semester but also in my classes moving forward. Professor Bajalia’s knowledge of borders/borderlands in northern Africa allowed regional issues to transcend their geographical impact and be traced to other border/borderland issues across the globe. Teaching a course that enables students to think critically beyond class material is what makes a great course and I believe Professor Bajalia accomplished that with Borderlands in the African Mediterranean and Beyond.

Activities at Wes: Aside from being a Senior Intern this year, I am also the Head Resident for West Side, which has most of the Senior Woodframes as well as some program houses. ResLife has been a large part of my time at Wesleyan and I have been an RA for two years in Nicolson, and a summer CA in Bennet for two summers. In addition, I am the QuestBridge Chapter President and a researcher in the Padilla-Benavides lab which is a part of the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry department. In the past, I’ve also served as a Student Ombud with the Office of Equity and Inclusion, a Resource Center Intern, a mentor under the First Cardinals program, and a union organizer for WesUSE. When it comes to having fun, I like to explore Connecticut on my free weekends, often trying new restaurants and ice cream shops. I also spend a lot of my free time playing video games and watching movies with family and friends.

Activities off campus: Last summer I conducted faculty-mentored research in the Dominican Republic that explored Afro-Latinidad. I also work closely with the Revolutionary Student Collective, a program that aims to redistribute wealth and provide resources for the surrounding Middletown community. I have spent the last three summers working with NERA MedPrep in the greater New York City area as I prepare myself for medical school after Wesleyan. Aside from that, I am also a hospice volunteer at Middlesex Health which has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve had the chance to do while at Wesleyan. In the past, I’ve served as a tutor for high school students with the Upward Bound program, and as an Arabic translator for a refugee resettlement program in Putnam, CT.

Why Wes? Wesleyan offered a perfect combination of everything I was looking for academically, athletically, and personally. When I started looking at colleges, I had two main criteria in mind: I wanted to go to a small liberal arts school with a strong academic reputation and I wanted to continue playing hockey. Among the small list of colleges that fit that formula, Wesleyan's open curriculum and evident institutional commitment to offering students many avenues of academic exploration always attracted me. Everyone I interacted with when I visited, from the tour guides to the admissions officers, seemed to exude the intellectual curiosity that I wanted in a college. Ultimately, the opportunities I knew would be offered to me at Wesleyan and the culture I felt on campus made it an easy decision.

Favorite class, and why? Ancient Monuments, a first-year seminar in the Classical Studies department. I took it on a whim, based on no practical considerations and no information other than that I thought the description looked somewhat interesting. The first-year seminar format, with a small group of students engaged in lots of discussion, was so rewarding. I learned so much from both my professor and my classmates. The subject matter was fascinating, also; reading ancient sources and tracing the interpretations of monuments through history was deeply interesting.

Activities at Wes: I play for Wesleyan's Men's Hockey Team, which takes up the bulk of my time outside of classes, and I'm one of the team's two representatives in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. I've also worked on research with a few professors, been a peer tutor in the math department, and served as a course assistant in the government department and member of the Government Majors Committee.

Activities off campus: I spent my first two summers of college interning at environmental nonprofits, applying skills I've developed at Wesleyan to my interest in climate policy. I've also worked as a hockey coach with my old high school and youth hockey organization.

Why Wes? I think it’s funny when I talk about my decision in choosing Wesleyan. Despite living in Connecticut for half my life and Wesleyan being only 30 minutes away from me, I knew very little about Wes. After doing hours of research during my senior year of high school, I knew that Wesleyan was the right fit for me. Its open curriculum and commitment to providing need-based financial aid convinced me that Wes would be the ideal environment to freely explore my many interests.

Favorite class, and why? Undoubtedly, my favorite class at Wes has been Theorizing Religion with Zombies (RELIG264) with Professor McAlister. As a Haitian immigrant myself deeply intrigued by all-things Haiti, this class provided me with an opportunity to explore and challenge the topic of religion, Vodou, and Haitian culture. These are topics that have not been touched on in any of my other courses here at Wes, so it was nice to get exposed to unfamiliar topics/conversations. It not only opened my eyes to a wide range of perspectives, but also encouraged me to critically analyze and question my own preconceived notions.

Activities at Wes: I am involved in a few different organizations at Wes. I am the WSA Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair, I run communications and marketing on Wesleyan’s Black Student Union’s (Ujamaa) board, I am a flyer on the cheerleading team, and currently, I am working on bringing back Wesleyan’s Caribbean Students’ Association.

Activities off campus: Off campus, I spend a lot of time with my family at home, hobbies such as content creating and painting, and I usually have summer internships to look forward to.

Why Wes? When looking at schools, I wanted the ability to explore lots of different subject areas and be able to really try new things. I knew that it was most likely not possible for me to try so many different things at a larger institution. After touring Wesleyan, I knew that it was the school for me because of how passionate all the students were and how excited they were about everything they were doing. Wesleyan looks very different due to the pandemic, but it is still, at its heart, the school that I chose, and I am so happy to be at this school.

Favorite class, and why? The Economy of Nature and Nations with Professor Paul Erickson has been my favorite class so far. This was one of the first higher-level SISP/History classes that I had taken at Wes and I was very stressed about whether or not I was prepared and ready to put in the work that the class would demand. I ended up loving the class because it was so student-driven and discussion-based. Each class we had a set of readings and we would sit in the classroom for almost two hours every Monday and go through the readings in almost painstaking detail. At first, that was overwhelming, but I went to Professor Erickson and we came up with a plan for us to meet for fifteen minutes before class each week to help me organize my thoughts on the materials and it really helped me with my confidence and learning in the class. Each student was also writing their own independent research papers where they were able to take the topics of the class and apply them to whatever they wanted. Every student was writing something vastly different but we would come together in small groups each week to discuss our papers and peer review.

Activities at Wes: Outside of the classroom, I am a captain for the Women’s Crew team and also have represented our team on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) which has been such an amazing part of my Wesleyan experience. I work in the Office of Admission as a Tour Guide and at the Front Desk. I also work in our Athletic Department in the winter tracking statistics for Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Wrestling.

Why Wes? I first learned about Wesleyan through a Coursera class I was auditing, by Wesleyan’s English department. I was taken by Wesleyan’s commitment to the liberal arts - in maintaining an educational environment that was flexible, open, yet gently guided by sound general education principles. As an international, low-income student, I will admit that my foremost priority was attending a school with strong financial aid. I feel like Wesleyan came through on every front - not only is it an excellent school, its dedication to meeting the needs (financial and otherwise) of every student has been my favorite thing about this school.

Favorite class, and why? My favorite class so far has been MUSC103: Materials and Design. I came to Wesleyan with absolutely no prior musical experience; just a little bit of interest. I took MUSC103 as it was listed as a basic, introductory music theory class, and my interest in music skyrocketed. It was the first time I had experienced learning with absolutely no thought to my grades or performance - I just wanted to learn the material. The professor was wonderful, and spent hours with me in his office going over concepts and just talking about music in general. It was an 8:20am class, and nothing would make me happier than waking up early on Tuesdays and Thursdays just to go to this class and learn new things. Eventually, I ended up declaring the Music major, in large part due to the massive interest generated by this class.

Activities at Wes: On campus, I work as a barista for Bon Appetit, as a Calculus peer tutor for the Deans’ Office, and as a mentor to two incoming FGLI students a year through a program called First Cardinals, funded by the Wesleyan’s Student Assembly. I am also a part of the International Student Organization and Wesabi, Wesleyan’s anime and gaming club.

Activities off campus: I live in India, and for the past nine years I have been heavily involved in fostering and caring for abandoned or otherwise stray dogs and cats. This summer, I have been working as a volunteer with the National Service Scheme of India in order to facilitate the replanting of trees in heavily urbanized areas, as well as to help raise funds for neutering and vaccinating stray dogs and cats. I am also doing research for my thesis in video game music, which entails playing a lot of video games.

Why Wes? The reason I chose Wesleyan was because of the immense care and support I felt from the university. Even before joining Wesleyan, I had several questions and concerns as an international student regarding various documents and associated costs. Whenever I reached out to the Wesleyan Office of International Students via email, they promptly responded, not only providing concise answers but also going above and beyond by offering a list of additional resources and options that I could utilize. This level of responsiveness and thorough assistance made me feel incredibly welcomed even before setting foot on campus. It was evident that the University genuinely cared about me and was invested in my journey as a student.

Favorite class, and why? Political Consulting is my favorite class. Throughout the course, we engaged in real-world case studies, collaborating with fellow students in weekly group projects. Each week, we delved into these case studies, carefully examining complex issues and conducting extensive research. Our efforts culminated in a weekly presentation sharing our findings and recommendations with the class. It felt invigorating to tackle these challenges head-on, utilizing our research skills and anticipating questions from an audience unfamiliar with the subject. This experience not only enriched my problem-solving abilities but also honed my communication skills, which proved invaluable during subsequent consulting job interviews.

Activities at Wes: On campus, I have actively engaged in various roles and activities. I have worked as a course assistant for multiple classes across departments such as the Qualitative Analysis Center, Physics, Math, and Government. These experiences have allowed me to contribute to the academic development of my peers while deepening my own understanding of the subjects. In addition to my academic involvement, I have also taken on the responsibility of serving as a residential advisor, assisting and supporting fellow students in their campus living experience. This role has enabled me to foster a sense of community and contribute to the overall well-being of the residents. During my leisure time, I maintain an active lifestyle by engaging in activities such as going to the gym, swimming, jogging around campus, and participating in friendly soccer matches with my friends. These activities not only promote physical fitness but also provide a much-needed break and a chance to socialize.

Activities off campus: I have gained valuable experience through my internships at esteemed institutions. One of my internships was with the World Bank Treasury, where I had the opportunity to rotate across various teams. This allowed me to learn about the distinct roles and contributions of each team. Additionally, I worked as a research intern at the East African Institute for Fundamental Research at the University of Rwanda. During this internship, I was actively involved in a project focused on finding a cost-effective alternative element for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells, aiming to replace the expensive metal, Rubidium. These internships provided me with practical exposure and enhanced my knowledge in relevant fields.

Why Wes? I chose Wesleyan University because I was yearning to experience a progressive education in a progressive environment. Wesleyan fosters a culture of renaissance learning both within and beyond the classroom. I came to pursue my passions for the African Diaspora and film. But I also came to learn more about myself in an environment that accepts individuals from different walks of life and allows them to thrive academically, professionally, and socially.

Favorite class, and why? One of my favorite classes has to be “Writing the Moving Image: Crafting Visual Stories”, a film class I took with Professor Shepard. It was an introduction to screenwriting and gave me the tools and confidence to pursue an education in film. Within this class, students were encouraged to collaborate and encourage each other through fun and dynamic writing workshops as well as the crafting of short screenplays.

Activities at Wes: In addition to being a Senior Admissions Intern, I am the Treasurer of Ujamaa: Wesleyan's Black Student Union. I also serve as an adviser to the Committee for Investor Responsibility, a student organization tasked with advising Wesleyan University's Board of Trustees on ethical endowment expenditures. I am also the co-founder of Black Raspberry, Wesleyan's first all-Black ensemble band.

Activities off campus: I am a Risk Management Summer Analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and I am an ambassador for the Sadie Collective, a non-profit organization devoted to improving African-American women's economic engagement. Back at home, I volunteer at my church's bi-weekly food drives. In my free time, I love to sing, screenwrite, and play video games.

Why Wes? I chose Wesleyan because of its incredible community. When I first stepped onto campus, I was greeted with friendly smiles and met a group of passionate individuals who genuinely cared about their education and its practical applications beyond the classroom. People had spoken to me about the supportive nature of the community, and I soon realized they were absolutely right. Throughout my first year at Wesleyan, I personally witnessed how students and faculty were always ready to lend a helping hand. Their unwavering support has played a crucial role in helping me overcome the challenges that first-generation students like myself often face. By relying on the guidance and support of the community members, I have formed genuine connections that not only broadened my interests but also allowed me to pursue them with confidence. At Wesleyan, everyone is sincerely eager to assist and be there for you every step of the way.

Favorite class, and why? English Language Learners and US Language Policy with Professor Hepford stands out as my all-time favorite class. It played a pivotal role in shaping my passion for working as an English tutor. As a former ESL student, I was unaware of the intricate background work and the political dynamics underlying ESL curriculum development. However, Professor Hepford's unwavering dedication ensured that we explored the extensive history of ESL and its far-reaching impact on education and the pursuit of social justice for marginalized communities in America. Engaging in classroom discussions, my peers and I gained valuable insights into our own educational journeys and their contribution to the prevailing educational divide in our country today.

Activities at Wes: On campus, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in various areas. For two years, I served as a Residential Advisor in the Butterfields, forming lasting friendships with other RAs or my residents. When I'm not in the dorms, you can often find me on the athletic fields as part of the Game Management crew through athletics, or in the Wesleyan Advancement Office where I work as a student intern. I am also an active member in various clubs including the Women of Color Collective, Rho Ep, Wesleyan Women in Business, and SAWA, where I work as an English tutor.

Activities off campus: During the past summer, I had the opportunity to work from home as an Underwriting Intern with a specialized focus on risk assessment at Nationwide! Working alongside a small team, I gained valuable insights into the intricate and complex underwriting processes for large corporations in California and other states in the west. Throughout the program, I collaborated with other interns from different regions in the United States, working together to assist the larger team of associates in updating and refining financial data for pricing and premiums, evaluating policy renewals, and assessing the health and financial risk of new clients. During this time, I was also out and about with family and friends exploring new food and coffee spots in LA! If you know of any I haven’t tried, let me know!

Why Wes? Growing up in Connecticut, I knew about Wesleyan long before I started the college process. Knowing very little about what I wanted in a school, I knew that I wanted to be outside of Connecticut, so Wesleyan was off of my initial list. However, as I started to explore what I wanted in a college (other than location), I realized that I did not know exactly what I wanted to study or do. Wesleyan offered me the flexibility to explore all of my academic interests. With its open curriculum, I was able to bounce around different academic departments while solidifying my majors. Another driving factor was the community that Wesleyan fosters. Every individual on this campus brings their own passion and interests towards a numerous amount of subjects, and Wesleyan creates an environment where all of these are celebrated. Being surrounded by individuals who share an excitement for intellectual growth is something that makes this campus special and vibrant. The people are what make this school and community so special and ultimately what attracted me to come to Wesleyan!

Favorite class, and why? My favorite class that I have taken so far is my First Year Seminar (FYS), “Writing about Social Issues.” This class was a perfect introduction to the collaborative learning environment that is promoted in a Wesleyan classroom where every week, the 15 students would workshop their essays that they wrote. The class was centered around bettering writing and communication skills, and the professor paired weekly assignments with interesting readings about relevant world social issues. I also really enjoyed that I was in a class with only first year students at Wesleyan because it gave me a small community to connect with, and some of my classmates are still my friends today! I strongly recommend taking an FYS as it gives students an opportunity to experience a small, collaborative, and curious Wesleyan classroom environment during your first year!

Activities at Wes: Club Soccer Social Chair, Senior Community Advisor, Office of Student Involvement Office Assistant, South Asian Student Coalition (SHAKTI), Tour Guide, Club Tennis member, Intramural Sport referee and player

Activities off campus: Teaching Fellow for the National Education Equity Lab, Director of Summer Sleep-away Camp, Spanish Peer Tutor

Why Wes? My #WhyWes changes on a daily basis! As a high school student, I was attracted to Wesleyan after taking a tour of the vibrant campus and learning about the open-minded community here. As I go about my daily life on campus, I am constantly overwhelmed by Wesleyan students’ creativity and passion for their respective interests. My peers are very hardworking, but they cultivate a collaborative - not competitive - environment which makes academic engagement fulfilling. In addition, Wesleyan students are not bound by their majors - people tend to be involved in various communities and groups that may have nothing to do with each other (which is enhanced by the open curriculum). In short - it’s the people that make the place!

Favorite class, and why? “‘The History That Hurts:’ Reading Saidiya Hartman” with Professor Garry Bertholf is the most outstanding class I’ve taken at Wes! This discussion-based course is listed under African-American Studies, but is cross-listed with Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, American Studies, and English. The course combines literary analysis, critical theory, and history through the unique experience of reading subsequent works by one author. Throughout the semester, students work their way through Hartman’s “trilogy” and write three papers. The course had a logical thematic progression which maximized my understanding of each text, and a vibrant classroom dynamic which kept me on my toes. This class celebrates Black Feminist Theory and instills students with a new admiration for Saidiya Hartman (Wes ‘84).

Activities at Wes: On Monday evenings, you can find me at WESU - Wesleyan/Middletown’s freeform radio station - broadcasting my show “Wes Dissect” which I have co-hosted with a friend since freshman year. Along with being a Senior Intern in the Office of Admission, I work at the Admissions Front Desk and as a Scores & Recordings Student Assistant in the Music Library. Through these positions, I have met people outside of the Wesleyan community and been able to situate my experience and position as a student in greater context. Last spring (2023), I founded an informal “Capture the Flag” club with the inspiration of bringing recess to college. During my senior year, I’m participating in Wesleyan’s Center for Prison Education and am writing a joint sociology and English honors thesis.

Activities off campus: In my free time, I enjoy attending concerts, hiking, skiing, reading, and playing board games. This past summer (2023), I interned as the Administrative and Operations Coordinator for Tim “TimmyG” Gallivan (Wes ‘15) who is a DJ and producer in the Boston area. When I’m home, I pick up shifts at “Laurel Grove,” a small mother-daughter owned business in Massachusetts, where I have been working since high school.

Why Wes? As I began my college application process, I had a good sense of the type of school I was looking for: smaller, on the East Coast, and with a dedication to liberal arts. I chose Wesleyan because it not only met those requirements but was unparalleled in terms of student engagement, exploration, creation, and its inclusive environment. I was also very drawn to the caliber of the film department. Overall, the University’s emphasis on creativity, curiosity, and self-expression has provided me with abundant opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Favorite class, and why? BIOL 161: Science Materials for a Malagasy Classroom. This class is unrelated to my majors, yet profoundly impacted my approach to learning and understanding the importance of education in marginalized communities. Designing teaching tools that would be used within elementary schools in Madagascar, I rediscovered and developed my passion for graphic/product design. The hands-on approach to learning emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary thinking when addressing complex challenges. Wesleyan’s open curriculum allowed me to take a course outside of my primary concentrations that continues to influence me in the ways I view creation and creative problem-solving.

Activities at Wes: Along with being an Admission Senior Intern, I work at the ITS Help Desk and am an Events Coordinator for Cardinal Pictures, Wesleyan’s student-run production company. Previously I have been a course assistant for students in Elementary Italian and President of my frosh/sophomore residence hall, West College (WestCo).

Activities off campus: I studied abroad during my junior fall in Bologna, Italy. Over the summers, I have been a production/development intern at two independent film and television production companies and a documentary filmmaking group. In my free time, I enjoy graphic design, cooking, and doing the NYT crossword.