This winter break, I had the opportunity to travel to Sicily, Italy with a group of students who all took the Humanities Sequence (HUM Sequence for short) in our freshman year. The HUM Sequence is a one year course that explores around 50 seminal texts from the Western literary canon from as Homer’s Iliad to Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway. The course typically starts off with 60 students, and rotates between 12 total professors from different departments. Upon completion of two semesters of HUM, students have the option to partake in a university-funded trip in two different locations — the choice this year being either Greece or Sicily. I chose Sicily because it was a part of Italy I had never visited before — and because I love Italian food!

After a grueling 24 hours of travel from my hometown of Sydney, Australia, I arrived in Sicily’s capital, Palermo. From there, the group embarked on a trip through time, moving from the ancient to modern. We first headed to the ancient city of Segesta, and saw a Doric temple (a Greek-style temple that has an unembellished and simple design, especially in relation to columns) that was immaculately preserved, likely as it was never actually finished due to war. We then went to the city of Agrigento, where we viewed The Valley of the Temples, home to sites like the monumental Temple of Zeus and a bronze Statue of Icarus.

We continued on our trip by visiting Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site decorated with vibrant and mosaics; a medieval castle carved on the side of a windy rock face called Castello Sperlinga; Villa Palagonia, a beautiful Baroque mansion filled with grotesque and beastly statues. When we arrived back in Palermo, we toured ruinous Norman castles, gold and mosaic-covered Cathedrals with Byzantine, Arab and Classical inspiration, and dressed up for a rendition of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in Palermo’s Teatro Massimo. Throughout these nine days, I loved learning about Sicily’s history and how it has become a “melted pot” of different cultures and traditions. 

Not only did we get to see and explore Sicily’s culture, we also got a chance to taste it too. Sicily is known for its cannoli (which consists of a crispy outer shell and a creamy ricotta filling), granita (a refreshing ice dessert), and its arancini (fried rice balls). Whilst we got to try all these dishes, and other sorts of pizzas, and mains, one restaurant experience sticks in my mind. For one of our lunches in Palermo, we were treated to a decadent charcuterie spread of sweet honey, crunchy bread, three types of meat, and five types of soft, sharp, and hard cheese — only as a starter. We then had a plate of pomodoro pasta, a massive rotisserie chicken thigh accompanied with a mound of fries, and tiramisu, to top it all off. This absurd meal experience lasted about two hours — and so did most of our meals on this trip!

Beyond planned activities, we also got some free time to explore by ourselves. I loved sketching Sicily’s unique flora–such as cacti, eucalyptus, orange trees, and more–with my friend, window shopping citrus perfumes and souvenirs, feeling the cool ocean breeze on my face when we went down to a pier in Palermo, and ordering a cappuccino at a crowded cafe.

When it was time to leave, I was genuinely shocked at how quickly time had passed by this trip. Coming back to Princeton, I reflected on how none of this would have happened if I had not mustered up the courage to sign up for a year-long humanities course even before the start of freshman year. None of this would have happened had I let my doubts about my unfamiliarity with the course content and fears of getting bad grades hold me back. For all those thinking of applying to Princeton and even the HUM Sequence, I say: take the risk! Who knows, one day you might end up strolling down the roads of Sicily, breathing in the aroma of street food, and listening to the hustle and bustle of street buskers.

As an entering Sophomore at Princeton University, I cannot help but reflect back on my freshman year and the absolute awe that followed my arrival on campus. It felt like a dream come true. However as I reread my journal today, two particular entries reminded me of how my dream to of Princeton has evolved into my reality as a student. Like many high schoolers, Princeton initially was a dream come true. But I soon realized that Princeton placed me in an exhilarating environment with beyond talented individuals, challenging academics, and inspiring opportunities. Princeton turned out to be much more than I had dreamed of. 

October 12th, 2022: 

“Every time I walk past Blair Arch, I remember that I’m literally living out my dream of going to an Ivy League [school]. This wasn’t supposed to happen. The odds were not in my favor. The acceptance rates are so small. Yet here I am. I never thought much of that, but now I realize how momentous it is! “

A month into school, and I am very clearly enamored with the “idea” of Princeton. 

March 22nd, 2023:

“I got an iced coffee at Campus Club today. The weather is still cold outside, and the crisp air kindly reminds me every morning that I live on the East Coast rather than Texas. The old wooden doors of Campus Club welcomed me in as I ordered an iced coffee. As I sat down, I found it odd that I’m currently sitting inside an old mansion: the only way I can truly describe eating clubs to my friends back home. Dark wood frames the diamond patterned windows, and I feel cozy inside here. The room is quietly bustling with student activity, and I eavesdrop on other students discussing math and physics. I observe the room around me, wondering what's happened in this room, a room with 100+ years of history. It’s odd that this room used to only occupy men, and now here I am, occupying this space. Drinking my coffee, a young woman, bright and curious, diving into my electrical engineering homework. “

By my second semester, I found a more accurate dream of Princeton. I recognized the privilege of this education on a deeper level. Princeton is not just a name or the face of our iconic Blair Arch, is a school with complex history. I take pride in being a woman in STEM, continually contributing to Princeton’s history--while drinking coffee in Campus Club. Since my first year here, I’ve realized that my dream of going to an Ivy League school has not really come true. As a woman in STEM, in an amazing academic environment, rich with history, I've been given a spot. I believe my dream has just started. 
 

Winter has a funny way of feeling like fall right about now.

I think it’s just new-semester weather:

The brisk mornings give way to trees that snap in the wind.

The sun is out, and students study outdoors in brightly-colored lawn chairs.

After a winter break that rid campus of most signs of life, it is once again teeming with activity.

Returning to campus, I made the decision to look into joining an eating club. Here’s a diary snapshot of what my experience has been like:

What is Street Week?

Well, first, what is an eating club? 

Eating clubs are honestly a Princeton social construct. Think of a co-ed social group (not unlike a frat or sorority) except it also doubles as a dining hall for many upperclassmen.

Street week is a series of events tailored towards recruiting new members to join an eating club. Some clubs require you to undergo a process called bicker (the equivalent of rushing a sorority/fraternity) and some allow you to sign-in and join based on a lottery system.

Why Am I Participating?

Since returning from study abroad, I’ve felt disconnected from the other juniors on campus. Last semester, I was independent–meaning I cooked my own meals. As a result, I also ate on my own.

As my time starts to feel more limited, I want to spend less time on cooking while having more structured opportunities to reconnect with friends.

The Perils of the Street

In a way, the Street (where all the eating clubs are) is a fraught place. 

As someone who wears the hijab and does not drink, I often have to choose which activities to sit out of and how I want to show up on the dance floor. 

As a person of color, the Street is a place that confronts me with the predominantly white nature of Princeton. (Who is looking for the pretty Black girls on the Street?)

Throughout my experience of Street week, I continuously need to ask the clubs I’m visiting about their financial aid policies. The crux of my decision is reduced into a math problem: do I want to make friends or do I want to save money?

Hopes 

I have found my conversations with club members to be less draining than I thought they would be. I have been trying to be myself, whatever that means. 

I don’t know if I’ll get into an eating club, and that’s okay.

I let my identities prevent me from exploring the street for so long, so this is me trying to put myself out there. This is me being open to the experience. 
 

As my plane touched down in New York City after a blissful winter break back home in Barcelona, where snow is very rare, the anticipation of experiencing my first snowfall at Princeton was palpable. The air was chilly, and the landscape was blanketed in a pristine layer of snow, transforming the campus into a winter wonderland.

Reconnecting with friends became an exhilarating adventure as we navigated the snowy paths, sharing stories of our travels and catching up on the latest happenings. Whitman College became our playground as we seized the opportunity to sled down its slopes, the laughter echoing through the frosty air. I also got to do my first ever snow angel; a spontaneous creation on the glistening canvas of white. The pristine snow became a symbol of the fresh start that awaited me in the upcoming semester.

However, my early comeback was to experience and participate in Princeton’s Wintersession, which is an oasis of possibilities and trove of experiences. Leading a group to Broadway to witness the amazing performance of "The Lion King" was a highlight, immersing us in the magic of live theater. Indoor skydiving and go-karting injected doses of adrenaline, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and forging unforgettable bonds. Watching “Carmen” at The Metropolitan Opera was a captivating experience that broadened my artistic horizons. Finally, Wintersession's diverse workshops, from drawing and crocheting to sketchbooking, offered a canvas for self-discovery and creativity.

What sets Wintersession apart is its unique ability to kindle passions, both old and new. The sessions are not merely a collection of activities, but a communal journey of exploration. Meeting fellow students with similar interests and diverse backgrounds added a dynamic layer to the experience, turning each event into a shared adventure.

Princeton's commitment to fostering this community spirit is evident in its generosity. The funding support provided by the university allows students to propose and lead their own sessions. This inclusivity ensures that everyone, like myself, can contribute ideas and actively participate in shaping the Wintersession landscape.

Wintersession at Princeton is a celebration of curiosity; a tapestry woven with the threads of exploration and camaraderie. It's not just an interlude between semesters; it's a transformative experience that beckons you to embrace the unexpected, reconnect with your passions, and forge connections that will last a lifetime.

Princeton is a magical place. Yes, it is academically challenging and a break is nice, but there is something special about being back on campus after a long time away.

Princeton’s winter break is long--about a whole month off. Many of my friends from back home only have a few weeks to relax, and they return to school much sooner than I do. This is partially due to our academic calendars not aligning, but regardless by the end of break I feel like I’ve been away from Princeton forever. Now don’t get me wrong, this break is well deserved, but you truly start to miss the best old place of all.

Coming back to campus after winter break is a wonderful experience. In college, campus becomes your home – or rather, home away from home. The longer you are away, the more you miss it. Seeing your Princeton friends again and catching up is super exciting and fun! Hearing about their adventures like traveling to Iceland, interning for a senator, or just catching up on sleep, you never know what you are going to hear.

Another exciting aspect about coming back to campus is preparing for the new semester’s classes. By the time I get back, I have almost forgotten what classes I’ve signed up to take in the spring semester. Looking over what I chose again strangely brings me joy. Princeton has such a diverse and wide variety of classes, so there is something exciting for everyone. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment with how busy you may be at school, so the new year and new semester after a nice break allows for a period of reflection. Looking back at the fall semester and evaluating what went well and what didn’t go so well is super important. Setting up a game plan for the spring is both fun and rewarding. I personally look forward to trying to write out my notes instead of typing them – we’ll see which works best!

In all, coming back to Princeton after the winter break is a wonderful experience. The longer you are out of the Orange Bubble, the more you miss it (no wonder Reunions are such a hit). From catching up with friends, enjoying the architecture/ campus, to planning for the semester and picking out that first day outfit, it feels good to be back home – Princeton that is!

Navigating relationships at Princeton is inevitable when you are surrounded by people who have so much to bring to the table. There are geniuses. Comedians. Dancers. Creators. Visionaries. In fact, it can almost be overwhelming. However, college is a special moment in time where people from all walks of life are within your fingertips and it can be a truly beautiful experience taking advantage of this and getting to know them. That is why, from classes to club practices, there are so many opportunities to introduce new characters to your life. So many people at Princeton are willing to meet others and connect over a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. While it can be daunting taking the first step, you never know where your path might lead you and that is the exciting part of navigating adulthood and building relationships. 

It is true that in an institution that prioritizes rigorous academics, sometimes relationships can be an afterthought, but love is definitely here and it is certainly everywhere. In fact, relationships at Princeton can take shape in many different ways. Sometimes it is romantic and sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes love looks like the warm smiles and friendly chatter between people. Other times, it looks like the couple on the street who is tightly embracing one another. But most times, love looks like people who are kind to themselves. 

Especially at Princeton, there are so many ways to bolster love towards others and love towards yourself. From activities intended to foster positive habits, to tokens of gratitude, love is expressed in a myriad of forms. There are programs and events sponsored by the Residential Colleges dedicated to ensuring that people remain compassionate and connected to each other in times of hardship and difficulty; there are also lavish banquets and spa nights to ensure that people take care of themselves. There are mental health panels, student government sponsored activities, and plenty of other community events to ensure that the Princeton community as a whole can collectively persevere against any hatred or hardship together.

That is why I say love at Princeton is everywhere. Students, faculty, and staff at Princeton try to exemplify love through the intent behind their words but more importantly, their actions towards one another. That is why, approaching love at Princeton doesn’t have to be intimidating. It is in your dorm room, your hall, your classes, your meals, and your school at large. Regardless of its form, love at Princeton manifests itself in many unique forms — both concretely and abstractly. 

Civic service and engagement are a large part of what Princeton stands for. The Pace Center for Civic Engagement provides a very wide range of possible volunteer opportunities for Princeton students. Organizations range across a wide variety of interests and social issues. To highlight just a few, the list includes opportunities to tutor local K-12 students or incarcerated individuals in the NJ-NY area, involvement in a summer camp that supports children affected by a caregiver’s cancer diagnosis, and volunteering at blood drives with the Red Cross.

In addition to the opportunities listed explicitly on the Pace Center’s website, many students become embedded in the surrounding community and engage with organizations that are not necessarily affiliated with the University. For example, many students that I know volunteer with an organization called Solidaridad Central Jersey, which operates a pro se asylum clinic. A variety of individual clubs and organizations on campus also execute their own volunteering efforts. The options feel limitless.

From September through December, I spent my Tuesday evenings teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in the basement of Green Hall. Students for Prison Education, Abolition and Reform (SPEAR) works with the local non-profit, Familias en Resistencia y Acción (previously known as Unidad Latina en Acción NJ), to host around a dozen immigrants in the Mercer County area who are interested in reinforcing or building their English proficiency.

Every week, students are responsible for teaching one two-hour class, either on campus during the week, or in Trenton on Saturday mornings. During the days leading up to each class, co-teachers meet to create their lesson plans. Many times, however, teachers are required to adapt on the spot—we aim to be very flexible and responsive to ESL students’ needs during the classes themselves. There are three English levels taught each day.

SPEAR’s first semester offering ESL classes was in the spring of 2023, but my first time volunteering was not until that summer. Being fully transparent, I had initially been worried about my ability to manage my time well enough to undertake this additional responsibility. However, it was something I really wanted to do, so I joined the team of teachers over the summer to assist with the virtual classes being offered. Every Saturday, my co-teacher and I taught Level 1 English from 6 to 8 PM. It was a great experience, and I am so happy that I continued to teach ESL in the fall.

With the same co-teacher, we taught Level 2 English during the fall semester. It was extremely rewarding not only to see familiar faces from the summer, but also to build relationships with new students. Every class, students became increasingly confident and participated more and more. By the end of the fall semester, our small class felt like a small community and Tuesday evenings were the highlight of my week. As the spring semester kicks off, I look forward to continuing my involvement teaching ESL.

Volunteer opportunities are more than abundant on and around campus. Although it may feel intimidating to devote time to other extracurriculars, it is beyond worth it. Volunteering and engaging with people living in the surrounding community has enhanced my time at Princeton—it feels good to be a part of something bigger.

As winter break draws to a close and the spring semester approaches, Princeton students are gearing up for another Add/Drop! Also known as “shopping period,” this is basically a time when students are trying out various classes and finalizing their schedules. Over the course of the first two weeks of the semester, you can literally “shop” around by sitting in on the first lecture or seminar of different courses to see which piques your interest and which you’ll ultimately pursue enrollment for. I absolutely love Add/Drop because it gives me the chance to actually feel out the vibe of a class in-person—not just from a syllabus or a Canvas page—and make my decision accordingly. If you tend to be indecisive like me, it’s comforting to have the flexibility of this trial period, rather than everything being set in stone and potentially getting stuck in a course you don’t like. Classes that I found and shopped last-minute have sometimes ended up becoming my favorite one of the semester!

But what happens when a class is full and a student can’t get a spot?

Picture this: you’re frantically refreshing the enrollment page every five seconds, hoping and praying that someone, anyone will drop the class so you can be the first one to snag their spot. You don’t want to camp out by your laptop, but you’re scared you’ll miss it if a seat opens! 

Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be the case. You don’t have to guard the enrollment page 24/7 because your fellow Princeton students actually designed an app just for this purpose. In a previous blog post (which you can check out here!), I explored ReCal, one of the student-created TigerApps at Princeton. While ReCal remains my favorite, I’d like to share another TigerApp that I love: TigerSnatch!

TigerSnatch is designed for students to get real-time notifications when a spot in a class opens up during Add/Drop. As their homepage states, “With TigerSnatch, Princeton students can "subscribe" to full courses and sections and get instantly notified via email and text message when a spot frees up.” Not only that, but the site also provides helpful information, such as how many other people are waiting for a spot, if that class has reserved seats, and the last time a spot opened. 

Like ReCal, this is just another great example of the innovation of our Tigers. TigerApps were made for Princeton students, by Princeton students, so they know what the community is in need of most and can create apps that truly cater to our needs. As someone who uses these apps and websites often, I’m super grateful for them and their efforts to make student lives just a little bit easier! 

During the semi-chaotic, lowkey stressful process known as Room Draw that occurs towards the end of every spring semester, students (usually in groups) enter a lottery-like system to determine in what order they’ll pick their new rooms. Although first-years and sophomores are guaranteed dorms within their respective residential colleges, this is not necessarily the case for juniors and seniors. Once Princeton students approach their third year, they’re given the option to enter their residential college lottery—of which there are only a certain amount of spots allotted for juniors and seniors—and/or enter the upperclassmen lottery and live in parts of campus that are specifically designated for just upperclassmen. (Note: Most draw groups do end up entering both lotteries to see all their options!) 

Well, despite our love for our New College West home, my group was sadly unable to snag one of those junior spots in our res college draw, so we ended up drawing rooms in upperclassmen housing instead. Currently, I’m living with one of my best friends in 1901-Laughlin Hall, a dorm located in the northwest part of campus, among several buildings infamous for being not the most updated.

I’ll be honest—I was worried. I had heard the stories and rumors about living in this stretch of old buildings… cockroaches, lots of noise. Pretty much nothing you’re looking for in an ideal living space and a stark contrast to many of the air-conditioned, elevator-equipped newer dorms. But I decided to remain positive and open to all that my new dorm had to offer.  

I soon discovered that this network of dorms was not without its own charms. After living in it for nearly four months now, I can honestly say that its bad reputation is at least in part over-exaggerated. Sure, you see your decent amount of bugs and experience a fair share of noise on the weekends, but here are some pros (or at least things to take into consideration):

1. People aren’t lying when they say the summer heat only lasts for the first two or so weeks of the fall semester. After that, the heat really wasn’t that much of a bother. Just be sure to pack a fan or two, and I’d recommend trying to go for a room on one of the lower floors to help, too.
2. You can live with your friends from other residential colleges! One major reason that students actually choose to draw into upperclassmen dorms is because they can finally room with friends who belong to different res colleges, which isn’t possible for the first two years.  
3. You’re much closer to Nassau Street and many of the classrooms. This is a game changer for many students, particularly those whose original res colleges were far (sorry Forbes, NCW, and Yeh). It practically cuts the walking distance in half, so you can sleep in for a little longer in the mornings instead of rushing uphill to class! (Bonus: they are also equidistant from Dillon Gym and the U-Store, both of which students tend to frequent, as well.)
4. Speaking of comparisons to other res colleges, the architecture of these buildings is also a huge selling point. If you’re looking for that classic collegiate gothic style that Princeton is often known for, this is the place to be!
5. Lastly, in a similar vein to #2, because it only houses juniors and seniors, you’ll be surrounded by familiar faces. We love all first-years and sophomores, but it’s nice to have a little slice of campus for just our fellow upperclassmen.

So if you do end up living in the older upperclassmen dorms, bring your fans and bug spray—but also enjoy it! The vibes in this part of campus are honestly unmatched, and you’re sure to bond with your friends and fellow upperclassmen that live there.

At Princeton, there are several places to find community. In your residential college, in clubs, in classes. But when there’s a gap to be filled, and students can’t find exactly what they’re looking for, it becomes all the more important for them to make that community for themselves. 

This is precisely what I experienced over the course of the past year. Being a proud Filipino, I recall seeking out any sort of Filipino club when I first came to Princeton. I knew that there were fellow students here that shared my heritage, but it was just a matter of finding them and connecting with them.

I was so glad to hear that there were other students (shoutout to the Qua sisters!), who felt the same way and had already gotten the ball rolling. Thus, the Princeton Filipino Community (PFC) was born. Though versions of the club had existed in prior years, the club had been dormant for some time. The idea first started gaining traction again towards the end of my sophomore year, and it was at the beginning of my junior year when I saw these ideas really come to fruition. 

Over the past few months, we have made huge strides in establishing our tight-knit Filipino family on campus, and I’m honored to have been even a small part in that. This past semester, I served on the leadership team of PFC as the Social Media Manager and have gotten to help plan some of our first few events of the year. 

For instance, our kickoff dinner this past September was super successful. I remember walking out of it being so incredibly happy—“just good vibes” was the phrase that I used to describe the feeling to my friends. Even more significantly, it was also cool to meet a ton of other Filipino undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty alike. I’ve gained so many more familiar faces to say hi to around campus and, for that, I’m grateful!

During our club events, we partake in all the classic activities of our country: from Halo-Halo making; to creating traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns known as parols; and, of course, singing karaoke! Our meetings are also always filled with delicious, authentic Filipino food, so it’s the perfect time to experience a taste of home while at college. Not to mention, all these things are funded by the University! With monetary help from Princeton’s Projects Board, the funding branch of our Undergraduate Student Government (USG), student organizations like ours are really able to thrive.

Though I won’t be serving as an officer next semester, I’m so glad to have been involved in PFC’s revival, and I’m excited to see what else is to come for our club!