Dear Reader,

Last week, residential college assignments dropped for the Class of 2028 and this prompted me to reflect on my experience living in the Mathey College community last year.

The Clash of the Colleges during orientation week is one of my first and fondest memories at Princeton. Everyone in the college dressed up in Mathey shirts and antler headsets (because our mascot is a Moose!) to compete against the six other colleges: Rockefeller, Whitman, Butler, Yeh, Forbes, and New College West. Marching to the stadium together, we supported our teams as they competed in different team games. The live broadcast showed our Mathey side—a large mass of maroon-colored shirts and deafening cheers—against the field.

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Great as Clash of the College was, the first week of school was tough. While the college is historic, with gothic architecture, it lacks air conditioning in the rooms, unlike Butler, Whitman, Yeh, and New College West. Fortunately, Princeton gave out window fans for students like me, so I was soon equipped with a much cooler room. Mathey’s central campus location also became my favorite part: Blair Arch, Nassau Street, East Pyne Hall, Firestone Library, and Richardson Auditorium—all of which are arguably the most picturesque spots on campus—are right next door. (And as an AB student, classes are a short walk away.)

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Throughout the semester, I grew only fonder of the Mathey community, particularly through Moose Monday, which is a weekly series of social time with free food, from acai bowls, to waffles, to chocolate fountains for Valentine’s Day! As a proud member of the Mathey College General Council, it makes my day to see others enjoying the delicious food and taking time to relax with their friends after a long day of class. Most of the Moose Mondays are open to everyone in the community, regardless of their residential college, so anyone can join!

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Speaking of food, Mathey houses a grand dining hall that most resembles the one in Harry Potter. Lit with golden chandeliers and long wooden tables, the atmosphere is a welcoming one, either for hanging out with friends at dinner or enjoying a peaceful morning breakfast.

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Finally, I must not forget to mention (from a totally unbiased perspective) that Mathey has the BEST residential college merch. Jackets, water bottles, beanies, bucket hats, and crewnecks, there is gear for all seasons and weather, all in fashionable maroon. As incoming Gear Chair for the Mathey College Council this fall, I am excited to create more merch for my fellow Matheyites and I am grateful to be part of this community. 
 

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Ever since my first year at Princeton, I knew I wanted to study abroad. I wasn’t entirely sure where it would be, but I was certain it would be a significant part of my Princeton experience. Hearing upperclassmen talk about their semesters in Oxford, Australia, Spain, or Kenya filled me with excitement and a touch of apprehension. While the idea of studying abroad thrilled me, the unknown aspects were intimidating. What would it be like to leave campus for an entire semester? How much financial support would I receive? How would I make friends in a foreign place?

Part of my anxiety stemmed from overthinking, but deeper down, I worried about how my identity would be perceived abroad. At Princeton, I had access to incredible resources that supported First-Generation Low-Income (FGLI) students, like the Emma Bloomberg Center and Latine students through the Carl A. Fields Center. These spaces offered me comfort and community and I was unsure if I would find similar support systems while abroad. 

Financial Aid

My first introduction to the DIS - Study Abroad Scandinavia (Copenhagen) program came during a meeting with the Scholars Institute Fellows Program (SIFP). A mentor shared their experiences in Copenhagen, Denmark, making it sound like an experience everyone should have. Inspired, I immediately researched the program and soon scheduled a meeting with Jordan, a study abroad advisor. Jordan was exceptionally helpful, addressing all my concerns about studying abroad. One significant issue was covering up-front expenses, such as the flight and enrollment deposit, before receiving my Princeton grant. I couldn't afford these costs, but Jordan worked with the financial aid office to arrange an early release of funds, allowing me to purchase my ticket. This kind of support was invaluable and I’m deeply grateful for Jordan’s help throughout this process.

Budgeting

Once I arrived in Copenhagen, budgeting became a priority. Known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, Copenhagen presented a financial challenge right from the start. The program provided a grocery card, but I initially made the mistake of shopping at pricier stores. I soon learned that Netto was the go-to market for budget-friendly groceries. Adjusting to the city's 25% sales tax and identifying the best places to shop and eat took some time, but I eventually found my way. Additionally, my program provided a transportation card covering two zones, which allowed me to explore different parts of the city. Despite the initial price shock, I gradually adapted to life in Copenhagen.

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Making Friends

One of my biggest concerns was finding people to connect with. The thought of being completely alone in a new country was daunting. Fortunately, I quickly met an amazing group of friends. These were the people I cooked with, traveled with and shared countless memorable moments. Even now, a month after our program ended, we still keep in touch. Making these new friends was one of the best parts of studying abroad. The DIS program attracts students from various universities across the U.S., and while some brought hundreds from their schools, Princeton had only five students, none of whom I knew beforehand. This pushed me to create new connections and build my community. I started a baking club and frequently hosted gatherings in my apartment, which helped me get to know people and form lasting friendships.

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Enjoying a New Experience

People often romanticize studying abroad and for good reason—it's one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. However, the worries and apprehensions that come with leaving the familiar are valid. It’s important not to let these feelings prevent you from seizing new opportunities, exploring new places and discovering new aspects of yourself. Studying abroad taught me so much and deepened my appreciation for everything I have at Princeton. The most important thing to remember is that no matter where you go, Princeton will always be there for you when you return.

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There’s sometimes a sentiment that Princeton is a small town with “not much to do," but I fundamentally disagree with that—let me convince you why. 

First of all, I will admit that, yes, Princeton doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of larger cities. If that’s what you’re drawn to, all the power to you to prioritize that kind of experience. And don’t get me wrong, there is something very enticing about being young and being in the center of all the commotion. Part of me does want that at times. The exhilaration. The grind. The possibilities.  

That being said, I believe many students feel this sentiment and view it as a binary scale. Princeton either fits into that category or it does not. This has resulted in many students putting Princeton into a box, limiting their own experience to the expectations that they’ve preconceived. If you believe Princeton is a small town with nothing to do, then trust me, it will feel that way. But if you don’t let your expectations trump your experience, there are countless hidden gems to discover. 

For example, have you been to the Mendel Music Library, the Architecture Library, or the Stokes Library? I’m always shocked when my friends haven’t poked their heads into every building on campus yet. I’ve learned to be an “explorer”—a title my dad originated and wears very proudly. He’s always trying to sneak into places that he definitely shouldn't be. His attitude has taught me to have an endless curiosity for my surroundings, and further allows me to take full advantage of whatever environment that I’m in. And through my own exploration during the past two years, I’m proud to report that I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite hidden gems on campus. 

1. The Radio Show (WPRM 103.3 FM)

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Did you know that we have a radio station?! I certainly did not. AND WHAT A COOL SPACE! This is my most recently found hidden-corner on campus. It’s located in the basement of Bloomberg and is probably the coziest place I’ve seen on campus. Access is limited—you probably need to know someone who works at the radio show. But ask around and add it to your Princeton Bucket List. It’s worth a visit.

2. Princeton University Press Courtyard

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This is one of my favorite spots to sit and escape the sometimes stressful environment of Princeton. This beautiful courtyard is right next to the Friend center, and in the summer is filled with beautiful flowers. 

3. My Secret Garden

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This was the first hidden gem I discovered on campus. I found it during my orientation week. Slightly/very overgrown, this garden not only feels hidden but also ancient. 

4. 1936 Garden

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Right next to Nassau Hall, and snuggled between Maclean House and Stanhope Hall, this garden is hidden behind brick walls and ivy.

5. Princeton Town Farmers Market

Most student don’t know, the town has a farmers market from May - November right next to the Princeton Public Library. They have fresh produce, pastries, and a great sale on books if that’s up your alley. While this is technically off campus, it shows how much there is to discover in town as well!

Location: Princeton Public Library Square

And while I’m happy to share a few of my discoveries, I will be keeping my absolute favorite corners on campus hidden. But I hope that encourages you to go and find your own. They’re sprinkled all around campus. 

The first drink I ever bought in downtown Princeton was a blueberry matcha from Junbi.

It was sweet and cold and a flavor combination I’d never tried before. After this came the strawberry and mango matcha lattes, which I knew I’d hate given my usual taste in fruit, but at that time, it was a part of my attempt to try new things in a brand new place. The madagascar vanilla matcha latte—which would become my sister’s favorite every time she’s in town—was another failed attempt for my lack of a sweet tooth, but I remember how sunny and warm that day was.

If freshman year was a drink, it’d be an iced matcha latte, ranging from bittersweet to sickly sweet. It’d be every flavor combination under the sun, sometimes perfect and sometimes not. My first semester at Princeton was filled with a million new and different experiences. Although I remember feeling scared and nervous at times, especially during my first few weeks on campus, I was also the most excited I’d ever been. That’s the thing with uncertainty sometimes—despite dealing with stressors I’d never encountered before, everything was a brand new puzzle to sort out. I was meeting new people, taking classes in as many departments as possible, and experiencing living away from home for the first time. By springtime, I had my usual at Junbi.

Sophomore year was the year of routine and familiarity. I knew I’d major in Politics by this point and had started finding my academic niche. I had my specific study spots, I knew exactly how to balance my time, and I’d settled into many fulfilling friendships. Truthfully, it was the most (relatively) relaxed I’d ever been at Princeton. Every exam season was fueled by hot chocolate from Small World, and on Declaration Day, when sophomores declare their majors and take pictures with their department banners, I returned to Junbi for a blended honey lavender matcha. Sophomore year was sweet and comfortable.

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And then came junior year, with its new challenges and tribulations.

Junior year was a search for the best coffee near campus. It was raspberry vanilla lattes from Small World on my way to an afternoon Politics class; cappuccinos from Maman paired with delicious pastries when on a study break with Anki; seasonal drinks from Coffee Club while I rushed from class to class; warm cappuccinos enjoyed right outside of Illy with my favorite chocolate croissants and iPad in hand; and a constant supply of NOLA cold brews from Small World during reading period.

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Truth be told, junior year was more caffeinated than I would have liked—and equally hectic—but it was a year of adjustment and growth within both my routines and myself.

From matchas to cappuccinos, I’ve learned my way around campus and navigated life as it has come. Go-to orders change, but the warm feeling of shared memories never does, and if you get at least one thing out of this blog, may it be a thoughtfully curated list of drink recommendations around campus and a reminder there’s something for everyone.

Unexplained chronic pain turned my life upside down in October 2023. I soon found myself staying overnight at McCosh Health Center, and asking some of my friends to help with basic tasks like doing laundry. 

It wasn't until winter break that I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia: a chronic illness characterized by "widespread pain throughout the body...[chronic] fatigue...and problems concentrating also known as fibro fog" (niams.nih.gov). 

Though I'm always in pain, I'd like to share ways that I've been able to manage it at Princeton. Let's get into it!

1. Requesting accommodations

For students who need academic, housing, dining, or testing accommodations, they must fill out the Office of Disability Services' online form. They also must provide medical documents explaining how their disability impairs their functioning, and how accommodations would improve their functioning. 

I found it vulnerable to disclose my chronic illness to ODS, but I remembered to not hold back in my application. I was as honest as possible, because I know myself better than anybody else.

I know, for instance, that going up and down stairs is difficult for me. So Forbes College was no longer accessible to me, because the Annex does not have elevators. Next year I will be living on the first floor of an upperclassman dorm building that is much closer to my classes. 

2. Communicating with professors. 

ODS requires students to submit Semester Request forms to notify professors about approved accommodations. 

While I'm not required to disclose my chronic illness, I find it helpful to give my professors more context about Fibromyalgia during office hours. This is especially the case considering that I have frequent flare ups. Flare ups occur when chronic illness symptoms worsen for a few days.

Again it takes courage to open up to your professors about chronic illness. It may be easier to hide behind a screen, typing about why you need to miss class or receive an extension on an assignment. However, I have found it very valuable to meet with my professors in person, so everybody is on the same page. 

3. Getting lots of rest

Fibromyalgia comes with chronic fatigue, as I mentioned before. No amount of sleep can remedy that symptom, but the paradox is that if I don't get enough sleep, I'll flare up incessantly. 

When creating my course schedules, I make sure to leave plenty of gaps in between my classes. This way, I can make time to not only complete homework, but also take naps during the day. And since I am an early bird, I make sure to go to bed consistently between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM. 

On the other hand, rest doesn't always look like sleeping. Some days it looks like drawing and journaling. Other days it looks like doing my readings from bed. I listen to what my body wants to do, and go with the flow. After all, I can't pour from an empty cup.

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Over spring break last month, departments and programs throughout Princeton offered a variety of funded trips for students. Among these trips are the TigerTreks, sponsored by the Princeton Entrepreneurship Club. Silicon Valley and New York City were among this year's locations. 

I was 1 of 20 students who went on the New York Tiger Trek, spending 5 days in Brooklyn and Manhattan having “intimate, off-the-record conversations with creatives, entrepreneurs, and game changers,” according to the NY TigerTrek site. The Prince also covered this, but I hope to bring more personal reflections on the experience.

I did not know any of the other Princeton students before going on this trip—a massive sleepover for a week straight in an Airbnb. Though I was originally a bit worried, we quickly bonded on the subway rides and food excursions. After all, we were in the city—there was always much to do!

I was able to meet peers from many different majors that I likely would not have otherwise, from Classics to Electrical and Civil Engineering. The best part: we got to traverse all parts of the city with our unlimited metrocards, from Times Square, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to Koreatown, and the Highline. 

Speaking of the Highline, we met incredible speakers from all sorts of backgrounds, one of whom was the architect of the Highline: Robbie Hammond. We were able to discuss anything: from balancing one’s personal life, to how he came up with the idea for the Highline, and how he carved an unconventional career path. 

At the MET museum, we met a conservator who specializes in recovering ancient artworks and toured the basement to view all of his current projects. The question of how much one should recover a piece without damaging its original authenticity was among our conversations of ethics, which we explored alongside the scientific side of art conservation. 

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This week was a transformational experience in exploring my career options. Going into TigerTrek, I had the misconception that all jobs had traditional paths with “stepping stones”, but almost all of the speakers I met had their own unique combination of experimentation, networking, and luck. It made me feel a lot more open to learning about other fields and more motivated to try out new things, especially at a place like Princeton. And it’s okay to not have a concrete career path—life will happen on its own.

One of the best hidden gems I have discovered during my time at Princeton is the Makerspace! Located in the basement of the Lewis Library, the Makerspace is a creative technology space which serves as part of Princeton’s library system. The Makerspace provides many different forms of equipment such as 3D printers, sewing machines, 3D scanners, cutting machines, large format printers, video production equipment, and so much more!

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I first discovered the Makerspace in my Sophomore year, after taking a podcasting class, during which I borrowed audio-recording equipment from the Digital Learning Lab. Fascinated by the technology that was made available to me, I eagerly inquired about other creative spaces that were available to students. It was then that I was referred to the Makerspace, and discovered all that it had to offer. 

In the second semester of Sophomore year, I would regularly borrow a DSLR Camera from the Makerspace to photograph Princeton’s cycling team during bike races. Over time, I was able to hone my photography and editing skills, as I learned how to use the equipment. My favorite discovery at the Makerspace, however, was the 4x3-foot Large Format Printer. These printers, which are available for students for one large print job per month, enable me to print out large-scale artistic creations at no cost.

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In my Junior year, I took a wonderful class which merged scientific teaching with artistic expression. For our final project, we were tasked with creating an artistic piece to express a scientific issue that we had researched. My group took advantage of the resources of the Makerspace to create a 6x8-foot collage detailing the adversarial health impacts of pesticide use. Dividing our collage into quadrants, each corresponding to one large-print poster, we were able to create a grand exhibition for our project, which is now on display at the Lewis Center for the Arts. It was so rewarding to present such a magnificent project knowing that we were supported in bringing our ambitious ideas into a tangible reality.

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Learning about the resources that Princeton offers to students has been an ongoing component of my experiences here. It feels like every month, I learn of something new that is available to me as a student. I hope that new students are likewise able to take advantage of the Makerspace and bring their creative visions to life!  

As a follow-up to my sophomore blog post about 7 traditions in my first on-campus semester, I now present to you 7 traditions from my final semester. 

1. Taking 3 courses + thesis

In the final semester, seniors generally take a lighter course load to have additional time to focus on the thesis. This spring I only took 3 courses plus the thesis (which counts as a course), giving me more time to focus on my project than when I have a typical 4-5 course load. This also gave me time for graduate school interviews, student visit days, and other tasks associated with planning for life post-Princeton.

2. Choosing a grad school program

Come March, I was notified of my acceptances to the different graduate school programs I'd applied to. In the fall, I'll be starting a doctoral program in Civil and Environmental Engineering at MIT working with Dr. Desirée Plata! Being able to share this news with my professors and letter of recommendation writers was exciting and rewarding.

3. Printing and binding my thesis

In mid-April, my thesis was wrapping up, and it was time for official printing and binding. Printing your thesis is optional, but it's traditional to present a leather-bound copy to your advisor. I chose to print my thesis and was incredibly proud to present the culmination of my project to Dr. Bourg.

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4. Stepping into the Fountain of Freedom post-thesis submission

Following submission of the thesis, seniors will step into the Fountain of Freedom to officially mark the beginning of the mythical "PTL" (post-thesis life). The water wasn't very warm on the day after my department's thesis submission date (April 15), but I still honored the tradition by stepping into the water.

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5. Wearing my class jacket

Formerly known as a "beer jacket," to be worn by seniors at the Nassau Inn to protect their day clothes, the class jacket is now the de facto uniform for Reunions. The jacket prominently displays your class year, making it easy to spot your classmates among the masses of orange and black that flock to campus for Reunions each May. Our class voted on the design in the fall, and I'm really pleased with the final design.

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6. Taking photos by the bronze tigers

Our class government offered free sessions with a pro photographer by the bronze tigers, and I also took photos of my friends myself. We brought numerous graduation props (thesis, class jacket, cap) to the session.

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7. Walking through FitzRandolph Gate

At Commencement, I'll walk through FitzRandolph Gate for the first time since the class of 2024 Pre-Rade in my first on-campus semester. Legend has it that students who walk through the gates between the Pre-Rade and Commencement won't graduate in four years. All appears to be on track for me to officially receive my diploma on May 28, but I certainly won't be taking any chances between now and then.

And with that, my undergraduate experience at Princeton has come to a close! I've truly loved my time here, and I'll forever be grateful to Old Nassau.

On campus, I am a part of the leadership team for the Princeton Latin American Student Association (PLASA). PLASA is the largest of the many Latine student organizations on campus. The leadership team consists of eight different committees and elected officers who work together to host a wide variety of events for Latine students. These events range from professional development workshops to informal brunches and other exciting social events.

Although a large focus for PLASA has traditionally revolved around programming during Latine Heritage Month at the start of the fall semester, PLASA recently organized the inaugural Latine History Series. This series aimed to increase the number of events hosted during the spring semester, as well as to commemorate the work of Latine activists who have paved the way for current generations of student leaders.

The theme for this year was Women in Activism, and we organized three weekends of events. The first weekend centered around the role that storytelling plays within activism, particularly the power of sharing personal narratives within activist spaces. As the Chair of the Hermanitas Committee, my committee and I were largely responsible for planning and executing this weekend’s events. On Friday night, we hosted “Tiempo de Cuentos,” an intimate event that brought together students to share their own creative works related to the series’ theme. We listened to each other read poems and short stories while enjoying light snacks. The following day, we hosted “Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?: A Performance by Irma Herrera and Panel Discussion.” We welcomed Irma Herrera and her one-woman show, coordinated a panel discussion between her and other local activists, and hosted a reception immediately after. It was lovely to be in community with so many other students and engage in discussions about our collective experiences with Latinidad.

The second weekend consisted of a panel discussion and reception with Latine alumni whose careers center on advocacy and activism. During the last weekend, PLASA welcomed American labor leader and civil rights activist, Dolores Huerta, to give a guest lecture. Some of us even had the opportunity to attend a small reception with her before the lecture.

Although there were many logistics to consider when planning the series, it was also extremely fun to work as a team and explore the behind the scenes involved in carrying out these kinds of events. For the Hermanitas Committee, this involved applying for funding from the University, purchasing food and ordering catering services, coordinating with campus theater staff, reaching out to networks of local activists, and working closely with our guest to secure her travel and lodging. This is a testament to the sort of resources and support available to student leaders interested in hosting all kinds of functions.

The Latine History Series represents only some of many opportunities to come into community with other Latine students. Joining the PLASA leadership team and getting to help create events for the broader campus community has been one of the most rewarding experiences during my time at Princeton and has greatly contributed to my sense of belonging on campus. I look forward to continuing to work with this team in the upcoming year and welcoming new first-year Latines to campus in the fall.

Amor Fati. It means “love of one’s fate” in Latin. 

While a phrase I’ve studied well through stoicism, I’ve unexpectedly come across this phrase again through a conversation with a friend. It’s made me reflective about my time here at Princeton, and my “love of fate” thus far.

So where am I on my Princeton journey? I’m currently writing this blog post at 11:18pm on May 1st, 2024 - it’s the start of reading week which means a tremendous amount of work for most students here. My days recently have been void of classes yet filled with the slow and often frustrating pace of studying. It’s the end of my sophomore year, and the only word I can use to describe this year would be: unpredictable. 

This year has been filled with struggles I never encountered during my freshman year. My COS (Computer Science) classes have gotten harder. I’ve started to have more anxiety. Socially too, friends and groups have shifted. And that’s not something I expected - however it is part of fate that things change.

All of this is to say that my sophomore year has been overwhelming, and quite the contrast to the blooming, beautiful first year when I arrived at Princeton. I thrived my first year - socially and academically. Initially, this dichotomy between my freshman and sophomore year worried me. I wondered: “Am I not enjoying my time here?” “Am I getting the most out of Princeton?” 

I share this because I’m sure many students feel this way. But my perspective changed when I remembered the words of an alum that I heard during my orientation two years ago.

“Everyone moves through Princeton at their own pace, and on their own path.”

It is normal for things to change. And it’s normal for your path at Princeton to look vastly different from your friends, or even the path that you had the year before. It’s important to remember that Princeton will be unpredictable. You will likely face challenges you didn’t even conceive of facing. And that’s okay! I don’t actually believe in “fate”, but I believe in it as a general concept of the things given to you outside of your control. I find myself grateful for the fate I’ve been given at Princeton - whether the experience was positive or negative. And that is Amor Fati. A true love of one’s fate - a love for the good and the bad that happens. Because from each of these experiences, I’m given an opportunity to grow. And with this, I hope any incoming students can take something from my perspective. That the challenges you will face are valid and unexpected. But you must embrace it all, and simply go along on this wild ride.