“I just got into Princeton,” a sentence I repeatedly uttered aloud in pure astonishment and bewilderment the night decisions were released — and those feelings still have not worn off! Opening my Princeton-acceptance letter will always be one of my most cherished memories, but I cannot gloss over the many uncertainties and ambivalent emotions that led up to and followed that letter. 

All throughout the second half of my senior year — and even while I put together my application — I had kind of convinced myself that there was no way I would get into a school like Princeton, often thinking, “Tens of thousands of amazing people apply every year. The acceptance rates are very low. Once in a blue moon does anyone from my high school go to an Ivy League school.” In spite of my doubts, though, there was always a slimmer of hope. I prayed about my college decisions, and I knew that wherever I ended up would be where the Lord called me to be, ultimately resting assured that I had done my best and He would do the rest. I applied to a few top schools just to see what would happen, and I had confidence that everything was going to work out according to His perfect plan. 

Well, after decision day and internalizing the fact that this whole Princeton thing was actually happening, my family and I signed up to attend Princeton Preview, which is a full day dedicated to introducing admitted students and their families to the beauty of Princeton. I remember the first time I set foot on Princeton’s campus was the evening before Preview. As my family and I walked through FitzRandolph Gate — NOT through the one big gate in the dead center! — and took in ol’ Nassau Hall, I looked to my parents and aunt, who spontaneously tagged along with us because she was off from work for a few days, and said, “I cannot believe I got into this school….” 

Overall, Preview was fun and really helped me envision what my life at Princeton would look like, but there was still one important question that needed answering before I could seal the deal on Princeton: How much is this school going to cost? About a week after Preview, my family and I received my financial-aid package from Princeton. Well, let me just say that when we saw the amount, we were so grateful that we could have probably done backflips off of each other. Words cannot express how generous Princeton is — do not let finances keep you from applying! In the following days, I officially committed to Princeton. 

Amid all the excitement surrounding my acceptance and enrollment into Princeton, though, there was just as much fear and nervousness. I was fearful of the unknown and nervous about what was to come and how people might engage with me, especially as a small-town Southerner going to an Ivy League school more than 10 hours from home and all the worries that entails. During this time, my faith definitely played a crucial role in dealing with all the thoughts, emotions, and decisions with which I was wrestling. The Lord never leaves us and is always there for us throughout the good, the bad, and all that is in-between. As Carrie Underwood would say, I just had to let Jesus take the wheel, realizing that He has a plan and a purpose for me attending Princeton. Although I was undoubtedly scared and completely clueless of what to expect, I knew I could find security in His everlasting peace and presence.

This blog is kind of a general summary of my “Princeton process” —  I will probably go more in depth on individual parts in future blogs — but I tell it to you in hopes that you may be able to relate to some of my experiences and can find some clarity despite all the chaos you may currently be facing. I said this in a previous blog and will say it again because it is so important to remember: everything is going to be okay. Your college decisions may or may not have turned out as you liked, but I hope you can find some solace in the fact that God has a plan and a purpose for your life — you just have to choose to give Him control and to trust Him. I know it is not easy, and disappointment definitely stings. Nonetheless, never forget that you are loved and will be able to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

You may not share the same beliefs as me, but I would like to leave you with a Bible verse that has always brought and continues to bring me comfort and reassurance:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

• Jeremiah 29:11

   

Wishing you nothing but the best with your college decisions!

One of my favorite pastimes is going for a walk around campus. Regardless of whatever is going on, I have found that a stroll through campus is always nice, never failing to present me with an opportunity to notice features I never had before and to take some time to reflect. 

As I go on each walk, I get to appreciate all of my surroundings. Outside Henry Hall, which sits along Blair Walk, there is a stone engraving of George Washington crossing the Delaware — it may seem kind of random but is very cool and intricate! I discovered this engraving pretty early on in the school year, so anytime I made my Blair Walk trek to my Writing Seminar in New South last semester, I tried to remember to give Washington a shout-out :). You may have also noticed there are two tigers forming the frame of Washington’s Crossing, so I cannot forget to mention all the engraved tigers across campus. Certain entrance doors to McCosh Hall and 1879 Hall have engravings of tigers that are engaging in a variety of activities, from roaring and prowling around to sleeping, and there are 100+-year-old tigers that welcome those who walk under the archway of Campbell Hall. However, tigers continue to dominate their architectural presence apart from engravings, as there is also a tiger weathervane at the top of each corner of Holder Tower. These are only a few of many small details I have observed from my walks, but I will leave it to you to find other little hidden gems! 

The buildings of Princeton have not just challenged my observational skills but also enabled me to appreciate the different seasons I have had here so far. When my family and I first set foot on campus — around the time of Preview — one of the first parts we saw was the area of New South, which neighbors Whitman College and is, as mentioned earlier, where my Writing Seminar was. If you have not been near New South before, there is a circle of animal-head sculptures right outside of the building. This art piece is really impressive and fascinating, but it definitely caught me off guard when I first saw it. I remember thinking to myself, “Where am I? Why are there just random statues of animal heads on a college campus?” So, when I walk by this art piece now, I cannot help but think back to this funny yet skeptical first impression of Princeton’s campus I had. Additionally, as I pass by the buildings I had my fall-semester classes in, I often reflect on the emotions I felt at the time and some of the lessons each class taught me: somewhat anxiously walking into New South for Writing-Seminar conferences, learning Spanish vocabulary in a classroom of McCosh Hall, getting to know other freshmen and more about literature in my freshman seminar in Blair Arch, to name a few. I laugh at how frequently I find myself falling into nostalgic episodes as I go on my walks — I am only a freshman, so there is really no tellin’ how much nostalgia I will be feelin’ when I am a senior!

With final college decisions being released, I am sure many of you are going to be walking around different college campuses, trying to see which one feels most like home. Whether you are here for Preview or not, I know that the campus of whatever school you go to is going to be even more beautiful because you are a part of it. The buildings and surroundings we walk by on a college campus may strike our attention and leave impressions on us, but what truly makes a campus great is its people. So, as you tour different schools, try to appreciate their architectural surroundings, but also remember that the people are what make the places special — and that you will end up where you are meant to be!

When I was a Freshman, everything at Princeton was exciting. There were always activities to do, places to go, and events being held. But by the time Sophomore year rolled around, the novelty wore off and I found myself constantly escaping to New York City. 

Despite my love for the school, I quickly found that there wasn’t much to do in the immediate area. I would frequent the same three coffee shops, cycle through the same six study spots, and end up back where I started: bored. Three coffee shops expanded to four, and six study spots expanded to eight, but still, there was nothing new, exciting, or anything to look forward to for the weekend.

Spoiler alert: there still isn’t much to do, but in my attempt to combat boredom, I found some not-so-hidden gems that I try to take advantage of whenever I feel that inkling to flee. Here are some of those gems:

1. The Graduate Hotel: Nested next to Sakrid Coffee Roasters, the Graduate Hotel has been a relatively new study spot that I enjoy spending time at whenever I want to feel the quintessential - dare I say - Princeton experience. 
2. Belle Journée: Located across from the Graduate Hotel is a new bakery offering iconic twists on classic pastries. From cookie croissants to coffee buns, the bakery presents exciting options when I’m craving a classic study-break but don’t want to frequent my usual croissant and coffee suppliers.
3. Jazams: Though Jazams has been around for quite some time, I’ve recently found myself obsessed with board games. Every now and then, I’ll host a game night with friends, which not only is a nice reprieve from studying, but also is a relatively easy way to try new activities. We’ll have beverages, snacks, and occasionally play some music in the background and it’s always a fun time.
4. New College West’s ceramics studio: Though only open to students, the ceramics studio is a great way to pass some time. Despite lacking skill in pottery, trying to create new dishes and trinkets in the ceramics studio is a good way to teach myself how to be more creative. Plus, I get to leave with a keepsake. 
5. Hoagie Mail: Though not a place, Hoagie Mail is a gem that has helped me combat the depths of my boredom when I’ve exhausted all else. There are always sales of some kind and it is interesting to see what I can find on rare occasions. From printers to lamps, to sweaters to shoes, you’ll never know what people are selling, and it offers a nice opportunity to find something new. 

Though sometimes it may feel like there might not be much to do, there is always something happening – even if you have to dig for that gem. These are the few that I’ve managed to find, but if you have any others, please feel free to send me an email so I can add them to my list. (Seriously, please).

Perhaps at some point or another you might have stumbled across Princeton’s beloved nickname of the “Orange Bubble.” For those unfamiliar with the term, the phrase refers to the relative isolation of Princeton’s campus. It is not by any means in the middle of nowhere—there is a small though lively town surrounding campus, and cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are easily accessible by train. However, because anything and everything students might need is either on campus or a short walk away on Nassau Street, the student body tends to exist in this phenomenon of seclusion. In the middle of a busy semester, it is easy to forget there is life beyond campus.

And yet, the “Orange Bubble” is not the end of the story.

I try to make a conscious effort to get off campus or interact with the local community as often as feasibly possible. Whether it’s engaging in service activities, doing schoolwork in the Public Library, or taking day trips off campus, doing so always helps me feel more grounded as a student. That’s why when one of my friends sent a picture of a flyer for a nearby cow parade to our group chat, it did not take long for us to make plans to attend.

I know what you’re probably asking yourself: what is a cow parade? To be honest, I’m still not entirely sure. On a community calendar, Cherry Grove Farms advertised the event as follows: “At our annual Cow Parade, we celebrate and honor our cows who provide us with fresh milk daily, from which we make all our farmstead cheeses.”

I had no idea what to expect when we arrived, but I enjoyed every second of it. The farm itself was about a twenty-minute drive from campus in nearby Lawrence. After parking, we made our way to a large field where people seemed to be lining up along a fence. Eventually, a long line of cows wearing strings of flowers around their necks and heads emerged from the barn. Slowly but surely, the cows made their way to the other end of the field, at times stopping to eat some grass and eventually dispersing. Trailing closely behind them, a small group of people played some instruments while they walked. I would have never anticipated attending an event where the main attraction consisted of standing along a fence and observing cows in the distance, but it was one of the highlights of my fall semester.

After the cow parade, we stopped by the various booths set up closer to the farm’s small store. There were vendors selling soaps, raw honey, earrings, wood carvings, bread, cheese, and many more items—all made locally in central New Jersey. After taking some pictures with the cows, we made our way back to campus and finished the day with jazz night at Small World.

Maybe we aren’t located in the middle of a bustling city, but we are by no means isolated from fun opportunities and events. (I mean, how many people do you know that can say they’ve been to a cow parade?) My only wish is that I’d found out sooner about this local annual tradition.

In my time at Princeton, I have come to love and appreciate a lot of things orange and black. This has no limits, as it is hard to find something about this school that I do not like. From the countless support resources to the wonderful and smart people, Princeton truly is a place of dreams. However, one of the most impactful experiences in my time here, among the support and the people, is the season—fall. 

The experience coming from Florida—where the seasons are wet and wetter, to Princeton where there are four seasons—has been transformative. I suppose those who have grown up experiencing seasons may not relate to this, but for those that come from a place like me, the first fall is spectacular. There is something about the changing colors on the trees, the enjoyable weather, and the apple cider donuts that make this time of the year my favorite. Autumn has an aura, especially at Princeton where it perfectly compliments the collegiate gothic architecture. 

One of my favorite things in the fall at Princeton are the weekly farmers markets stationed in between East Pyne and Firestone Library. At these markets, local vendors come and sell their products to university students. Just to name a few, some of the products offered are: local produce, flowers, honey, empanadas, pickles, apple cider, and matcha. One of my favorite booths/stands is the vendor who sells flowers because they come in a little flower truck which also displays their assortment. An added bonus, each week one of the class years (ie. ‘26) receive a voucher/coupon from the school! 

Another truly magical part of the fall at Princeton is Halloween. Being that the official color of Halloween is orange, Princeton fits right into the holiday. The weekend of Halloween at Princeton is filled with fall festivities—whether that be school sponsored events like ‘spooky’ study breaks, special dinners at the dining halls, or other Halloween themed events at the eating clubs—there truly is something for everyone! It is always super cool seeing groups of friends dress up in matching group costumes, or others who are so dedicated that they paint themselves as a part of their costume. Although it's not the same as trick or treating, Halloween at Princeton has the same vibes. 

In my time here at Princeton, I have enjoyed a lot of things, but nothing else has come close to how much fall has made me FALL in love with this school. As the leaves continue to change colors and leave their trees, I’m reminded of how I did the same when coming to college. As I find my true colors and grow as a person, I reflect on the journey that has taken me to this point. I might not have everything figured out, but I’m sure it will fall into place! 

October in New Jersey is signaled by the changing of the leaves to vibrant hues of red and yellow, and the cool air that brings in the fall season. It means leaving your dorm room in the morning freezing, but regretting having worn so many layers by midday. I have always loved fall, but there is something special about the season here on campus.

There are a million ways to enjoy the fall in Princeton. Often, residential colleges host trips to nearby apple orchards where students can pick their own apples. The Student Events Committee (PSEC) hosts its annual fall fest with crafts and fall foods. Last week, our student government held a screening of Twilight in one of our lecture halls (the quintessential movie of the season), and for Halloween, the Garden Theatre across the street from campus will be playing Nosferatu. Additionally, Coffee Club—our student-run coffee shop—never disappoints with its fall drinks, and it's not hard to come by donuts and apple cider from Terhune Orchards.

Of course, National Hispanic Heritage Month also takes place in late September and early October. The Princeton Latin American Student Association (PLASA) hosts a variety of events throughout the month, including its annual "Festival Sabrosura" and flag photoshoot. In early November, PLASA always returns with more events for Day of the Dead. Although I did not attend any of PLASA’s events this semester, I took advantage of the many other events taking place on campus.

McCarter Theatre is not directly affiliated with the University, but students can receive free admission to several performances per year. As part of its Hispanic Heritage Month programming, McCarter hosted an intimate performance and conversation with Mexican singer and songwriter Natalia Lafourcade. Growing up listening to her music with my mom made this an extremely exciting opportunity, and it was a heartwarming night of music.

The day after the concert I attended an art workshop hosted by a local community member and artist where I learned the basics of the repujado art form—a traditional Mexican technique in which designs are created on soft metals, like aluminum. We received materials and instructions while enjoying tamales, flautas, and aguas frescas from a nearby Mexican restaurant.

As the semester continues crawling towards finals, I am looking forward to continuing to enjoy the fall, even if it also means inching closer towards the winter. I’m looking forward to more strolls around campus while the leaves fall around me, celebrating my 22nd birthday, drinking more cappuccinos, and finally getting to pull out my warmer sweaters from the depths of my closet.

Image

As a fifteen year old browsing college options, perhaps the one mistake I did not make was deciding I wanted to move to New Jersey. Growing up in the Midwest (Michigan represent!), most big cities were little more than concepts and movie settings to me. New York seemed important, Boston was a historical college town, DC had politics. Since moving into Princeton last year, access to these places has been one of the most transformative aspects of my decision.

New York’s crowded streets and monumental buildings never fail to impress as a weekend or longer trip. Twice now, I have attended New York Climate Week, an annual September event acting as a convergence of the climate politics world. Beyond professional pursuits, there’s queer history, art museums, cozy local cafes, dazzling fashion, absurd wealth, monumental buildings, and the perennial, deafening roar of the city.

Boston is another wonderful place and I am currently on the train back from a weekend excursion. In high school, I watched “Love Story” set in Cambridge and became enamored with the look and pace of New England. Notable are its dark wood churches, vibrant college life, brick architecture, historical charm, vast Charles River, and of course, the neighboring Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Finally, my one and only true love, Washington DC. Only a three hour train away from campus, DC’s concentration of political and economic capital merge with its vibrant nightlife to create the ideal work hard play hard destination. With endless free museums, governmental conferences, the White House and Capitol Hill, and a robust metro for getting around, DC never disappoints whether you’re attending to hang with friends or join a protest.

Some see Princeton’s suburban New Jersey location as a negative trait, but I’ve learned to view it differently. Living here has kept me close enough to tasting urban life while far enough not to disturb the thoughtful tranquility of our picturesque, gothic campus. 

It’s September 1st as I type this. 2:41 PM to be exact — 40,000 feet above the ground, smooth flying on a United flight. For me, this means my annual migration from Texas to the beautiful garden state of New Jersey has begun. It’s back to school. As a junior, I’m making this pilgrimage for the third time now, and that has me thinking about how much has changed over the years — or on the contrary, what hasn't. 

Some things never change. For example, the commute to Princeton never gets easier for me. As I grow older, I find that the more time I spend at home, the harder it becomes to leave. And I've realized those first-day of school jitters also don’t change. I still feel like a freshman at times. Walking into class I’ll always wonder, who I will meet? What will my classes be like? What memories await me on the other side? 

Some things I never want to change. The welcoming school-wide chaos that wakes you up at 9am on Lawnparties. The dogs that regularly play on Cannon Green. The soon to be married couples taking pictures on campus, or my avoidance the main entrance of FitzRandolph Gate (to skirt bad luck). Or how every time I pass that main gate, I imagine what life will look like the day I walk out of it . 

In some ways, you'll change. Princeton has a tradition where freshmen walk through the main gate of FitzRandolph Gate when arriving on campus for the first time. Students avoid that main gate until graduation, when they walk under it and out of the Princeton bubble. While many things stay the same here, other things are forced to change. Time moves us forward whether we want it to or not, and looming graduation is a kind reminder of just that. Not only are you getting older, but you will grow and change during you time here. For one, you’ll likely change your perspective on what is considered a “good grade.” Sure students still get As, but you become less phased by “bad" grades or challenges. You’ll likely lose the novelty of campus to some degree, which is normal and natural. Blair Arch is no longer a celebrity of landmarks, but just another building I pass by on my way to class. 

There's a quote that I often come back to that I think applies well to this idea of seasons of change: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man”. 

For a small liberal arts school hidden within the overgrown bushes of the garden state, I find that quite a lot happens here. You change, and so will Princeton. Sometimes, you’ll feel like a fish out of water. But remember that you are meant to return to the river. You were made for it. 

I hate to break this news to any incoming first-years, but Princeton is littered with construction. Our campus is quite beautiful, and most of the quintessential corners have been left untouched. However, it seems that Princeton is in a never-ending era of construction.

Even as I write this blog, my desk overlooks what should be a beautiful view to Poe Field—a grassy, well-kept lawn which welcomes the New Colleges. While Poe Field is commonly occupied by our frisbee team or by students taking in the sun, all of the grass has been uprooted due to recent construction. From my 7th floor view to the field, cranes and bulldozers look like small yellow play toys. Orange construction cones look like specs of candy corn amidst a bowl of worms and dirt.

Construction is not confined to Poe Field. Princeton is in the works of constructing a new art museum, residential college, Equad extension, and expanded gym all amidst implementation of more sustainable technologies. While this change promises an exciting future for Princeton, it unfortunately promises me noisy bike rides up Elm Drive. I distinctly remember one morning, the haze was so strong that I was coughing amidst the dust and abrasive sounds of progress.

While construction has its downsides, it’s important to see the bigger picture amongst it all.  Many students complain about our current surroundings, but forget that construction surrounds us because Princeton is trying to improve itself. We go to a school that strives for excellence - and so it’s interesting that we are often so uncomfortable with the sounds and looks of progress. Princeton has reminded me that progress is not always a pretty picture. 

As Princeton is in a seemingly endless era of construction, I have found some interesting parallels within myself. I, like many other students here, strive for excellence. We like to push ourselves in every dimention. And while this is often seen as a strength, I don’t think we view ourselves enough as we view campus—as a construction sight. Just as Princeton is always under construction, let this be a gentle reminder that we too, are always under construction. 

Amidst all of our goals and accomplishments, our internships and LinkedIn posts, we are all constantly trying to improve ourselves. From time to time, it’s okay if you find yourself coughing amidst the dust, if the haze makes it hard to see, if progress doesn’t always sound pretty. It’s normal for this to happen. While at times you may feel lost within your own construction site, never doubt your own foundations. Be your biggest supporter. Be conscious enough to put down the orange cones. Know when you might need some reconstructing. But also know that while you place the orange cones, you also wear the orange hat. You are the builder. You are the architect of your own life. 

If Princeton’s construction sites have taught me one last thing, it’s that sometimes, a bit of perspective is needed. Like my rooftop view of Poe Field, sometimes the bulldozers should be viewed as toys and the orange cones as candy. I believe that as people, we are all in an era of never ending construction. While this can sound intimidating, no one said construction has to be scary—it can be a positive process. You wear the hat after all. We all see what Princeton is constructing, now the question is, what are you? 

Returning to Princeton after a semester abroad, I was looking forward to conducting my senior thesis research over the summer. Princeton, where everything feels familiar. But I quickly realized that, like people, places frequently change over time. In honor of one of my favorite romantic comedies of all time, I decided to write my own version of 10 Things I Hate About You: Princeton Edition. 

I hate the hill. (There is steady incline from Yeh College to Nassau Hall) It's simple: going up this hill every time I want a cup of coffee or have a work shift on campus is an absolute pain.

I hate the weather. As a New Jersey native, you'd think I'd be used to it by now but I live farther north where we don't have this kind of humidity. The heat wave hitting Princeton this summer, with temperatures in the high 90s, is something I'm not particularly happy about.

I hate leaving Rocky, my residential college. For my summer research, I'm staying in the newer residential colleges, NCW and Yeh. I miss the charm of Rocky, the greenery and the peacefulness. Seeing people walk around or taking photoshoots, it's a distinct environment I've grown accustomed to. NCW and Yeh feel like I'm in a small isolated world.

I hate that my friends aren't here. Most of them are off in different parts of the world or the country working on amazing projects. I miss having people I'm close to nearby, especially after being apart for so long.

I hate all the new construction sites; every day, there's literally a new roadblock. But with each detour, I'm led to a new path I've never taken. I see a new side of Princeton that I wouldn't have seen before because I stick to the same routine. So, while it can be frustrating each day, I'm learning to be grateful for each new place I discover. 

I hate how much I love my lab. We have so many new people over the summer but that comes with the quick reminder that their presence is only temporary. So with each moment I grow closer to them, I know how much harder it's going to be to say goodbye.

I hate how much I love crocheting. I've picked up a hobby I've wanted to pursue for years but never had the time for. Crocheting is such a great, mindless activity and I know that soon I won't have countless hours to spend on my different projects.

I hate how much I love working on my thesis. These two months simultaneously feel like I've gotten so much and nothing done. Running a longitudinal study across different institutions takes a lot of preparation and organization. While I'm close to being where I want to be, I know I still have a lot to do. But I enjoy it because it's work I'm passionate about—work I feel is important.

I hate how time flies so fast here. I only have a few weeks left before the summer session ends and I'll be going home. I'm trying to soak in every moment, every time my lab comes up with a new topic to debate, like grapes vs. cherries or what constitutes a cake. These are the moments I won't forget.

So, in the wise words of Kat Stratford, “But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you. Not even close. Not even a little bit. Not even at all.” Just like with growing pains, I come to see everything from a new perspective. I see how change can be good and bad, but most of all, how I'm changing with it.