Coming from a small school in Hightstown, NJ, I was worried that I wouldn't bond with my professors at Princeton in the same way I did with my teachers in high school. Having close relationships with my teachers outside of the classroom was such an important part of my high school experience. I was unsure if I'd be able to form the same kind of relationships with professors in an undergraduate population of nearly 5,300 students. But what I realized was that no matter how busy professors are with their own research or how many students they teach, at Princeton, professors truly care about the well-being of their students.

Princeton has 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, so even though the number of undergraduates seemed like a lot to me at first, there are also so many professors to balance out the students. As an English major, I take a lot of seminar courses, which typically have 10 to 15 students and are focused on a highly specific topic. Some of my best memories at Princeton are from those three-hour seminars, where we discussed topics like the continuities that create the female literary tradition, the authenticity of a ballad or even the use of photographs in graphic memoirs.

In my “Historical Fiction/Fictional History” course, co-taught by two professors, each week, they spend the first 15 minutes of class asking us about how we're feeling and any updates that we want to share. Since moving to Zoom, my professors wanted to do something extra special to cheer us up about leaving campus. They designed super soft fleece sweatshirts with our course name and our team name (we were split up into "teams" to discuss the readings before class: I'm part of Team Platypus!). They even mailed the sweatshirts to us, and I was so excited to receive that package.

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Professors also do little things to show that they really know their students. I often receive emails from my professors about cool events on campus that they think I'd like or new books that are coming out that they want to share with me. And if I ever want to discuss potential career interests or graduate school, my English and creative writing professors love to talk about options over coffee at Small World, eager to offer insights and share their experiences. Professors really want to get to know their students, so go to office hours and invite your professors to lunch in the dining halls. Professors are also more than willing to work with you if you're having a tough week and need an extension or just want to talk.

Professors at Princeton are passionate: they love what they teach and they'll convince you to love the topic just as much. But what I've come to learn is that at Princeton, professors go above and beyond the academics to show how much they care about their students. If you're considering Princeton, know that our professors contribute so much to the experience. They are always more than ready to support you in every way.

You did the work, you got the acceptance, and now you’re ready for the hardest part: packing. How can you possibly decide what to bring and what to leave behind? I remember being in your shoes. I thought, No one will use these things at home, so I may as well bring them with me. I’ll admit I severely overpacked. I must have brought every single article of clothing I owned, and then some. I brought photos, tapestries, lights, desk organizers, and more pens and pencils I had ever seen in one room. It was like I had packed for a family of four.

Thankfully, I’ve learned a lot about packing for college over the last four years, and I’m hoping I can impart some valuable wisdom to you in this post. First and foremost: if you haven’t worn something in the last year, you won’t wear it at school. Only bring clothing you actually use. This was definitely my biggest weakness when I packed for college for the first time, and the result was an overstuffed closet full of clothing I hadn’t touched in years. Do yourself a favor and pack the essentials. Packing is a great time for a spring cleaning of sorts; maybe make a donation pile while you’re at it!

My next tip is to be introspective. Figure out the type of person you are and the type of environment you thrive in. Personally, I’m a very visual person, so I purchased a small whiteboard calendar from Target. Honestly, this is the best purchase I’ve ever made in my life. Every month, I visually map out all of the events I’ve signed up for, the meetings I’ve scheduled, and the important dates I want to keep in mind. As the days go by, I cross them off on the calendar so it’s easier to see where I am in the month. Even now, after returining home due to COVID-19, I’m still using my whiteboard calendar so I can see all my Zoom meetings in one place. If you’re a visual person like me, do yourself a favor and get a whiteboard calendar!

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Storage is also extremely important. Because college dorm rooms are usually small, they generally don’t have a lot of storage space. My recommendation is this: underbed storage. Head out to the nearest Walmart or The Container Store and get some storage bins for underneath your bed. I got two plastic sets of drawers on wheels and filled them with sweaters and other clothing that didn’t need to be hung up. That way, I freed up space in my closet. This underbed storage was essential for me, since the space under your bed is pretty much wasted if you don’t use it for storage!

Another tip is to invest in a mattress topper, if you can. University beds are notoriously uncomfortable, and a mattress topper can really make or break your night. I was able to find a memory foam mattress topper on sale at Bed Bath & Beyond, and I slept like a baby from night one. The mattress topper was thick enough that it even doubled as a guest bed of sorts; when I had visitors, I’d take the mattress topper off my bed and use it as a second mattress for my guest so they wouldn’t have to sleep on the floor.

These are just a few packing tips for when you’re getting ready to move. Of course, every person is different, and what worked for me may not necessarily work for everyone. My final tip is to not stress out. You will learn more about what to pack as the years go by, and by the time you’re a senior, you’ll be a pro. Good luck, don’t overpack and have fun! Welcome to the best damn place of all.

Firestone Library underwent a transformation the summer before my sophomore year. As a first-year, I remember seeing entire swathes of the first floor under construction. When I came back last September, I was stunned. Immediately upon entering, on my left there was an entire new wing of the library: the Trustees Reading Room, a wide open space lit up by floor-to-ceiling windows and staircases along one wall of the room with bookshelves on the other wall.

Past the circulation desk, was another huge open space that I had known only as a taped-off construction area a few months before. Much like the Trustees Reading Room, this space is vast and seems to always have the perfect lighting, rain or shine. And beyond this lies the Tiger Team Room, a vibrant, clattery café encased in marble, with smooth stone tables in the sun where you can study with friends or just enjoy a cup of coffee. The tea room is probably the loudest and happiest place in Firestone, and it has become my new place to study.

Firestone’s new additions were a major improvement, but there was plenty to this library already. Although it’s a popular place to study, it’s also worthy of exploration in its own right. Whether you’re looking for small, comfy spaces or large sunlit rooms, there are dozens of cozy places that beg you to lounge and relax. Rumors of hundred-dollar bills discovered in random books. Hidden quirks and surprises waiting to be found. A mazelike lower level with a central atrium.

During one break when I was on campus, I wandered around Firestone for hours, looking for a way into its tower and finding other really wonderful places. These places aren’t quite as secret as I’d hoped, but they won’t reveal themselves to you on their own, you have to go looking for them.   

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Prospect Garden: One of my favorite places on campus. When you first walk through it, it’s like a pocket of complete calm. The garden feels like it’s in the very center of campus – right next to Frist Campus Center and the Art Museum, and just a three-minute walk to Dillon Gym or Firestone Library. But it’s more than just the location that makes it special. Hundreds of people walk through its main path during the day, past towering trees, a bubbling stone fountain, and bright, vibrant flowers. I often spare a moment to pause and look around me, and tour the circular path along its perimeter to fully take in the garden.

Prospect is beautiful in spring and summer, when flowers bloom, but it has its own charm in the winter too. In January, one of my close friends showed me another side to Prospect even further off the beaten path. Behind the trees and foliage lies another, more secluded route that I didn’t know about. It was snowing, and layers of white snow clung to the low-hanging branches and traced out the untrodden paths. Here, the evergreen trees are not just around but also above, and campus fades into the background with only the sound of our footsteps. Though people tend not to take this path, there are a few benches where you can sit in the quiet and watch the tips of the trees moving ever so slightly in the wind.

It’s hard not to walk through this garden when you first visit. It was raining when I first saw it, turning the walkway glossy enough to almost see my reflection. Since that day, I’ve spent afternoons sitting on the sloped lawn writing assignments, at café tables in the evenings, and sharing quiet moments with friends on a bench in midday.

Sometimes on my walk across campus, even though Prospect Garden isn’t along the way, I take a turn into and wander through. And I can’t wait to do that again.      

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An April month not so long ago (okay it was 27 years ago), I was trying to decide what college I would attend.  I was blessed with several options. Ultimately, Princeton felt like home. I found the thought of writing a thesis invigorating and was excited that I would be able to engage with professors from a variety of academic backgrounds. The director of the African-American Studies at the time, Cornel West, even took time out of his busy day to have a conversation with me. Even then, when Princeton still included loans as a part of its financial aid package, my offer was the strongest I received, and I knew my family would not have to worry about affording college.  While many things have changed about Princeton (like no loans) since my decision to attend, I chose to return to the University to work in the Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity to advance Princeton’s broad commitment to expand access and success for first-generation, low-to-moderate income (FLI) students at highly-selective colleges.

When I was a student at Princeton, I participated in a two-week summer program, Freshman Summer Orientation Program (FSOP) directed to students who may have been the first in their family to attend college.  Since returning to campus, I have the opportunity to collaborate with the Programs for Access and Inclusion (PAI). PAI offers several programs connecting FLI students with each other and with resources on campus to thrive.  As I reflect on my own challenges transitioning to college, it is a source of pride knowing that first-year and transfer students are able to benefit from the ongoing community they find through PAI programming. Some students may find community through their participation in the revamped and extended version of my beloved FSOP – Freshman Scholars Institute (FSI) or the four year leadership program, Scholars Institute Fellows Program (SIFP). 

I was drawn back to Princeton because of its commitment to service and providing students opportunities to be engaged in the vital work of demystifying selective college admission. In my role at Princeton, I have the opportunity to partner with a number of amazing programs such as Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) and Matriculate. As a Matriculate Advising Fellow, Princeton undergraduates provide online mentoring and coaching to high achieving FLI high school students to support their consideration of highly selective colleges and universities.  This partnership aligns with Princeton’s informal motto, "Princeton in the nation’s service and the service of humanity."

During this “temporary abnormal,” as Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber '83 refers to this current state of affairs, try to enjoy exploring your college options. You will meet new people and learn about programs, activities and pathways that you may have never considered before. I encourage students to evaluate how a school fits your academic, extracurricular and other interests. I also encourage you to evaluate graduation rates, out-of-pocket expenses; and outcome data for colleges you are considering. Twenty-seven years ago, I chose Princeton as my home. I hope to see you on campus as a fellow Princetonian.

I often joke that I am completing my “senior year” at Princeton as I come upon my four-year anniversary in my role, at this institution, and within the local community. As I reflect on these past nearly four years, I think about how incredibly grateful I am to have partnered with countless students and committed colleagues in advancing diversity efforts at the University. I am equally appreciative of the community that I have built, as well as the community that has embraced me, during my time here.

I relocated to Princeton from my native home of St. Louis, a community where I have spent most of my life. A place that has reared me up, stretched me wide, and brought me both comfort and challenge. Princeton, as a community, continues to do these for me. It is my belief that we are to spread out and sprout up while navigating the winds along life’s journey. I chose Princeton University because I knew that I would be stretched in my perspective and understanding, and in my assignment. I would have the opportunity to connect with an array of individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, narratives, etc. who would help expand my knowledge.  I chose Princeton because of its commitment to access, inclusion, equity and service. Because WE, as a community, work diligently to create an environment for students that is welcoming and challenging, intentional and engaging, supportive and empowering.

It is because of these reasons that I call Princeton home. Home transcends space and locale. It is a feeling. A sense. An experience. A being. It is my hope that Princeton is home for you over the next several years. In Campus Life and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion-Campus Life, we work to foster the feeling and experience of home for all students. Some ways that we collectively do this is through mentorship programs, such as the Princeton University Mentoring Program and Q’nnections, peer education initiatives, conversation and dialogue circles, community support groups and supporting individuals’ paths to meaning-making. Our team is available to you and here to help make connections throughout the community along your journey.

Why Princeton? Why not?

Welcome home!

In an earlier blog, I wrote about joining a new club here on campus called Our Health Matters. Our Health Matters is devoted to making sure mental and physical health is at the forefront of our daily lives during this time of uncertainty, so we have created a handbook to provide support and resources.

The Healthy Hottie Handbook was handcrafted by the women on the team to help provide guidance and love. I am extremely excited about this because it consolidates a lot of information that is helpful for staying healthy at Princeton and may also be resourceful during the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that it can be a tough time, but we are here to help and support!

OHM’s Mission Statement is to create an environment and support system that encourages self-love and self-confidence within all our members in order to support their mental and professional wellness. And they've done just that! 

The Table of Contents include: 

• SECTION 1. PRACTICAL RESOURCES
• SECTION 2. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES 
• SECTION 3. PHYSICAL HEALTH RESOURCES
• SECTION 4. PROFESSIONAL HEALTH RESOURCES
• SECTION 5. SELF CARE IDEAS

A note from the team, 

“This book was created in order to continue our commitment in prioritizing and supporting black women’s mental, physical, professional and personal health. Over the past few months, COVID-19 has brought immense anxiety, disruption, and hardship. We have created this handbook to help our healthy hotties live their best lives during this unprecedented time. From mental health apps and fitness routines, to internship opportunities and ideas to pass the time, we hope this handbook provides you with a plethora of ways to take care of yourself amidst all this madness. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay beautiful, queens!

We are here for you! We believe in wellness. We believe in taking the time to nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits. We believe in the power of self-love and self-confidence. We believe in growth. Our goal is to be a part of your journey towards wellness. Follow us on Instagram @OHMprinceton!"

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Being low-income and first-generation heavily influenced my decision to attend Princeton, but there is so much more about Princeton that makes me stay. 

Finances were the most important to me because I come from a low-income single parent household. My mother works for everything that my family has. Asking her to provide money for me to experience things like an unpaid internship or study abroad would be a lot for my family to handle, even though such experiences could help my academic, personal and professional growth. Princeton, however, provides many financially friendly opportunities such as Princeternships, study abroad programs, Breakout Princeton trips during breaks and PICS internships. Financial aid at Princeton is need-based, meaning the University awards students financial aid based on their individual needs. I chose Princeton because it afforded me and my family the financial freedom to help me further my academic endeavors. I could not in a million years afford to go to college without heavy loans, but with a generous aid package for undergrad, I can now think about attending graduate school.

Moreover, I also liked Princeton’s commitment to undergraduate education, the medium size of the school along with the student-to-faculty ratio. The resources at Princeton are unmatched. From the faculty who are hands-on in helping students cultivate their ideas and offering additional guidance during office hours, to the McGraw Center or The Writing Center; there is so much assistance, community and guidance tailored to each student’s needs. As a first-generation student, there is so much I do not know in terms of access, opportunities, finances, networking and even basic knowledge about jobs and fellowships. Being in a place with guidance and access to resources is important to me because it makes all the difference when you just don’t know what you don’t know. 

Why I came is important, but why I chose to stay is also of value. I chose to stay at Princeton because of the community, academic rigor and growth I've experienced here were unprecedented. I am very big on community and Princeton has provided me with the spaces where I am able to be myself while exploring different facets of my identity, the ways I learn and my academic interests. I feel like the spirit in the Black community here is truly special. We are all supporting each other and want everyone to win. I’ve met some of the most inspirational and motivating professors and students. I’ve also been able to travel to France and Puerto Rico during my time here even as a low-income student. Being at Princeton with financial freedom allows me to enjoy my college experience without worrying about money. I feel like I am where I'm supposed to be.

Have you ever wanted to know where you'd be sorted at Hogwarts? Princeton has its own form of houses; each first-year student is assigned to one of six residential colleges: Butler, Forbes, Mathey, Rockefeller (Rocky), Whitman and Wilson. I’m grateful for these small communities within the larger campus.

When you find out your rooming assignment over the summer, you also find out your residential college or "res college" for short. Each res college encompasses several dorm buildings, a dining hall and has unique characteristics. Want to live in a castle? Hope for Rocky or Mathey. Do you prioritize a central location? Wilson might be for you. Prefer more modern amenities? Cross your fingers for Butler or Whitman. Students joke that Forbes is far from campus, but as a non-Forbesian, I often envy Forbes’ delicious food (especially Sunday brunch) and its great sense of community. So really, you can’t go wrong.

The residential college system is designed to support and advise students in a more individualistic manner through dedicated staff, such as the director of studies and director of student life whose jobs are to support their students in academic and non-academic areas. All first years and sophomores have to live in a res college, but even juniors and seniors are associated with one. I plan to stay in mine, Butler College, all four years.

There are also social benefits to the res college system. It provides awesome gear several times a year. They also run amazing trips and special events. I’ve gone to four Broadway shows through Butler, and the trip included an extremely discounted ticket and transportation to and from the show! Every week, Butler also holds study breaks with delicious free food. While you can eat in any dining hall on campus, there’s always something nice about going to the dining hall associated with your res college. The people start to look familiar, from the friendly students to the helpful employees. I’ve made friends just by sitting down with people in the dining hall, only to find out that they live right around the corner from me.

The residential college system fosters friendships and community for all undergraduate students. I definitely don’t know all 5,000+ students on campus, but I do know many of the students in Butler. I have a lot of pride for my res college, and soon you will too! It truly makes a big campus feel much smaller.

During the summer before my first year, I was afraid of not finding my own community on campus. However, my fears were subdued when I realized Princeton does a great job of introducing you to students from different cultures and backgrounds. From the friends I made during first-year orientation, to those I lived with in Israel during a summer program, these friendships have carried me through Princeton. Everyone here is smart, motivated, and has something special that drives them. I am inspired by my friends on a daily basis and it's nice to have peers around you who are going through the same struggles and experiences. 

Princeton is a great place to nurture friendships because of the tight-knit community and small undergraduate population. Whenever I go to the dining hall or walk around campus, I am always greeted by familiar faces and people I know. There are many avenues through which you can meet new people, such as joining a club or creating a study group for a class. There are also countless activities to do with friends, like the weekly free movie showing at the Garden Theater, or grabbing a coffee at the student-run coffee club, The Coffee Club.

My message to prospective students is to cherish the friendships you will make. These will be the people that make your Princeton experience. I wish I could go back in time and change those moments in which I decided to stay in to finish a paper instead of going out with my friends. The problem sets will get done, the papers will get written, but the memories with friends that will last a long time are waiting for you.