Deep In the Thesis Trenches


A hallmark of the Princeton experience is the senior thesis, a culmination of the past four years of your academic work and interests. All students, with the exception of BSE Computer Science majors, have to write a thesis before they graduate, though many BSE Computer Science students also choose to write one. As the weather begins to warm and more and more students make their way outside to bask in the sun, more and more seniors will make their way into the depths of Firestone Library, eagerly anticipating the day that they enter PTL (Post Thesis Life).

All departments also have their individual deadlines for the thesis, and at the time of writing, there are some students who have a month left till they have to submit, and others, such as me, who have nearly two months left. My thesis is due on April 24th, both a blessing and a curse because it means I have enough time to finish it, but also that I will be working on my thesis up to the last day of classes. 

Though everyone has a different process, I have found that the best way to approach my thesis is to work on a little bit of it every day. Initially I told myself that I would write a bulk of it in one day (say 5 pages), which became daunting, but not so much if I just spaced out those pages over the course of a week. I am also helped by the fact that my thesis is not that long, at least in comparison to some of my friends. As an East Asian Studies major, my thesis has the minimum length of 60 pages, and my adviser specifically requested that mine not exceed 80 pages. I have found this length to be quite manageable, while at the same time I have become a lot more intentional about all of the words I am writing, as I know I will not be able to keep all of them. 

Currently, I have a thesis draft due on the Friday of midterms week, March 8th, and am mostly done with all of my writing for that draft. Afterwards, there are no more ‘checkpoints’ offered by the department I have to work towards, which means that I will be largely left on my own and will be responsible for keeping myself on track. The good thing is that I will not be alone, as my friends will also all be working towards their final thesis submission. I expect many days in the basement of Firestone Library together, but all working towards the sweet day where we will exit the library, having passed one of the most important milestones of the Princeton experience. 


A Love Letter to Princeton in the Snow


One of the things I was most looking forward to when I committed to Princeton was experiencing the four seasons. Although it doesn’t snow too frequently during the school year, the few days that it does each winter are always some of my favorites.

My first time seeing snow was the spring of my freshman year when my roommate and I stayed up later than we meant to. We lost track of time working on our assignments, which meant that by the time the big snow storm of the season rolled in at two in the morning, we were awake to greet it. I remember opening the window of our small dorm room and feeling the cold air and snowflakes hit my outstretched hand. It wasn’t long before my roommate and I were rushing out the door bundled up in our coats and scarves. We walked around leaving some of the first footprints in the snow until the intensity of the snowfall got to be too much.

In the past week, I’ve gotten to experience a snow-covered campus once again. Ready to walk back to my dorm after an evening of catching up with my close friends, I stepped out to a peaceful snowscape. Because we were leaving at the same time, my friend Tara and I stood there in silence together for a few moments, taking it all in.

Snowy landscape

 

We turned to each other with big smiles on our faces—want to go for a walk?

It was three or four hours past my usual bedtime, but I couldn’t pass the opportunity up as I looked back at how special it had felt to leave behind my footprints on untouched snow two years prior. So, we split ways to layer up more and eventually met up near Whitman College. Residential colleges at Princeton often let students borrow sleds on snowy days, so when we saw a few of them laying around in the snow at the bottom of the “hill” near Whitman, we quickly grabbed them and rushed to the top. Of course, I’d never gone sledding before, but after a quick “How to Go Sledding” Google search (not our brightest moment), we were off.

A great item to add to any Princeton bucket list, by the way, even if I did fall out of my sled twice.

Two students smiling and sitting on two sleds

One short, two-person snowball fight later, we finally went on the walk we initially intended on taking. At Nassau Hall, we made a small snowman next to the iconic tigers, even though our hands were going numb and my hair was getting absolutely soaked. We waved goodbye to our snowman, whom we affectionately named Jerry, and made our way back to our dorms, chatting about everything and nothing all at once.

There’s something eerily beautiful about how silent campus is when it’s snowing in the middle of the night. With how chaotic this semester has been, this nighttime snow was the relief that we needed, and the sort of night I’ll be thinking about fondly long after I’ve left Princeton.


Embrace, Explore, and Excel: Navigating the Adventures of Princeton's Wintersession


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.


The Last First Day


A chilly morning in late January, with gray but otherwise clear skies, marked the first day of classes of the spring semester. For the class of 2024, this first day was particularly special, as it was our LFDOC (last first day of classes). There is always a photographer on McCosh walk at the beginning of each semester to take FDOC photos, but our class government organized a special session with a unique poster to celebrate the particularly significant LFDOC.

This is indeed my last first day of undergraduate classes, but it's not quite the end, since I will continue to have first days of classes as a graduate student. Even when I'm no longer a student, though, there will continue to be first days: a first day at a new job, followed by a first day in a new position, and then a first day at a new institution or company. There are first days outside of career as well, like your first day in a new apartment or first day in a new city. While the LFDOC marks the end of the student era of your life, there will continue to be first days, in one form or another, throughout life.

To me, it is reassuring to know that there will continually be opportunities for fresh starts throughout my professional and personal lives. A new beginning signals a chance to break out of a particular rhythm, shake up your routine, and learn new habits. It's a chance to meet new people, learn new strategies and information, and expand your horizons of what you're capable of. Some aspects of a new role will be improvements from before, maybe a better schedule or more independence, while others will be less welcome, like a longer commute or a difficult boss. The novelty of the new challenges, though, is exciting in and of itself, and you may surprise yourself in your ability to handle the elements that are more difficult than those in your previous position. There is always hope for the future when you know that things can change over time, and that there can always be another first day.

Huzzah for the LFDOC, and here's to an auspicious start to the last semester!

Two students smiling and standing holding LFDOC banner


The Guyot Dinosaur and Other (Inanimate) Campus Companions


The most valuable aspect of Princeton is the community, because the people you meet and friendships you form are what truly make the college experience meaningful. In addition to my living and breathing friends, however, are several non-living ones located in various spots around campus. Here is a roundup of several of my favorite inanimate companions at Princeton.

1. Guyot Dinosaur

Author standing in front of dinosaur skeleton in Guyot Hall

This Allosaurus resides in Guyot Hall, home to the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department, the Geosciences department, and the High Meadows Environmental Institute. I have two classes in Guyot Hall this semester, so I get to wave hello to my largest friend on campus several times a week. He appears to perpetually be in a chipper mood.

2. Bronze Tigers

Bronze tigers outside Nassau Hall with orange, black, and gold balloons

The two bronze tigers standing in front of Nassau Hall are perhaps the most iconic Princeton statues, and nearly every student takes a photo with them at some point. They're decorated in the photo above for Orange and Black Day, the university's anniversary on October 22.

3. Car Lab Mannequin

White mannequin in beanie and black t-shirt in the ECE car lab

This mannequin is a constant presence in the car lab of the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department, where juniors in ECE take a lab course building and racing their own vehicles. I haven't taken the course, but the car lab is the first stop on my tour of the E-Quad, so the ECE man helps me graciously welcome campus visitors.

4. Dillon Gym Gargoyles

Four stone gargoyles on the exterior of Dillon gym

Keeping watch over Dillon Gym are four gargoyles. I can't say with certainty what each one is, but I believe the one on the right (unpictured) is a football player, and the next one in might be a monkey. Don't quote me on these identifications. Dillon Gym is currently undergoing a renovation and expansion, but I'm almost certain they'll keep these loyal guardians in place.

 

While these inanimate friends are very dependable in that I always know where they'll be, I would have to say that my human Princeton friends are even more loyal and reliable. They are the real stars in my campus experience, but I still appreciate my daily sightings of my non-living companions.


Partying on a Lawn?: A Favorite Princeton Tradition


If you ask a handful of Princeton students what their favorite Princeton memory is, the odds that at least a few of them will say “Lawnparties” is incredibly high. Now, what is Lawnparties you ask? A party on a lawn? Well, yes, but it’s much more than that! A beloved Princeton tradition, Lawnparties is a once-a-semester event filled with food, fun, and music. Let me take you through what it looks like:

The day starts off with students lining up in McCosh Courtyard in the morning to get their wristbands, a necessity for accessing all the events of the day. People will also be getting brunch with their friends at one of the dining halls or on Nassau Street (they also have bagels at the wristbanding tent!).

From there, students usually make their way over to the SPIA fountain area, which has become the go-to site for Lawnparties photoshoots every year. Friends and clubs will take group pictures together and sometimes even jump in the fountain! We also have awesome professional photographers that make their rounds on campus throughout the day, capturing all the fun and posting them for us to access later (check them out here!). And because of all these photo ops, it’s worth mentioning that students do tend to get a little dressed up for Lawnparties—sundresses, nice shirts, etc.—but everyone ultimately wears what they’re comfortable in!

Afterwards, everyone starts heading to the Street, which is our nickname for Prospect Ave and the home to our 11 eating clubs. There, students enjoy celebrations at all the different clubs and free delicious food from various food trucks. In past years, we’ve had everything from Nomad Pizza (a local favorite!), Taco Bell, Rita’s Italian Ice, and even an empanada truck. The day can get pretty long, so students are always grabbing a bite to eat and fueling up. There’s also water stations all over the Street so that people can stay hydrated.

Then, towards mid-afternoon, students will begin walking over to the main stage at Frist North Lawn to watch the opening acts. One thing that I love about Lawnparties is that we almost always have at least one student opener each semester, so it’s a great way for student artists to promote themselves and gain experience performing in front of a bigger crowd. And, vice versa, the community also gets to check out all their talented peers and cheer them on!

Finally, after the opening acts, what we’ve all been waiting for: the headliner comes on! Every year, the headliner announcement is highly anticipated. Our USG Social Committee works hard to get us well-known, well-loved performers. Since I’ve been at Princeton, we’ve gotten to watch the following artists perform live for us on campus: A$AP Ferg, Flo Milli, Hippo Campus, Waka Flocka, and, most recently, Loud Luxury! I was especially excited about the last of these, who headlined our Lawnparties on September 10th earlier this year—“Body” by Loud Luxury is definitely one of my go-to party songs. The fact that we essentially get to have all these amazing, famous artists give us a private concert for just our community is honestly really cool and really special; I look forward to it every year!

It should be noted that the past three semesters, it has actually rained on the day of the event. Now, of course, it’s always nicer to have Lawnparties on a day with great weather. It makes for better pictures, parties, and just overall better energy. But in my experience, Princeton students have really chosen to embrace it. The parade of rain ponchos over everyone’s Lawnparties fits is always a sight to see, and a concert in the pouring rain can be legendary. All this to say, it’s a rain or shine event, and the weather has never stopped students from having a good time!

I only have three more Lawnparties left while I’m at Princeton, so I’m trying to savor every last moment of them. I can’t wait to see who our headliner will be in the Spring (when we'll hopefully have some better weather)!


6 Small Pleasures of Living in Princeton


The start of the fall semester means returning to campus after a summer away, and with this move comes a change in your daily and weekly routines. While this change can be a little disorienting as you adjust, there are certain to be joys unique to Princeton and campus life to which you'll be glad to return. Here are six of my own small pleasures of the Orange Bubble.

1. Seeing My Professors in Town

Princeton is a lovely town, and many professors live nearby. It's very common to see your professors out and going about their daily lives. Sometimes I'll see Professor Bourg out on a run or say hello to Professor Myneni while he gets a coffee at Small World after biking to work. Seeing my professors in a more informal context reminds me that they, too, are human. 

2. Getting the Newspaper in Palmer Square

Growing up, my family always received the daily and weekend New York Times. Some of my favorite memories of home include fetching the plastic-wrapped newspaper roll each morning from the driveway and lingering at the table after dinner on Sunday to read my favorite sections. Physical newspaper is still my favorite way to stay informed, and I love stopping by the newsstand in Palmer Square, a shopping center across from Nassau Hall, to pick up the daily paper several times a week.

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green-roofed newsstand with lamp post in front

3. Classes in a Castle

Princeton's Gothic architecture still awes me every day, even as a senior. Most of my classes are in the E-Quad, a more modern building on campus, but my humanities courses are usually held in one of the older buildings towards central campus. Dillon Gym is also located in a Gothic building, so I not only learn, but sweat, in a castle.

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large lecture hall with wooden seats and large chandeliers

4. Shopping at Whole Earth Center

I'm an "independent" who cooks for herself, and Whole Earth Center is my go-to grocery store. This hippie-populated health store has a wonderful selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and other surprising finds (cashew cheese crackers, anyone?) that make my day. Getting my weekly groceries here is always a real treat.

5. Runs and Walks on the Towpath

By the canal "down campus" runs D&R Canal State Park, a long gravel trail by the water perfect for running or weekend strolls. In fall, the leaves change colors and create a gorgeous tableau for my run. Zipping down the towpath is one of my favorite ways to unwind daily, and on weekends Kelvin and I will often go for walks to take in the scenery.

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wooded gravel trail with group of pedestrians

6. The Daily Princetonian on Fridays

Recalling my aforementioned love of physical newspaper, I look forward to picking up my printed copy of the Daily Princetonian each Friday. The Prince publishes online daily, but the Friday print edition is really when I catch up with the latest campus happenings. 

While there are any number of elements of Princeton life I could have shared, these are some of the ones most special to me and my lifestyle here. Ask any Princeton student for six small pleasures of Princeton life, and you're certain to receive a unique answer each time. Discovering what makes your time here meaningful is one of the best parts of moving off to college and living on your own.


Reunions Alongside Princeton's Oldest Living Alumni


When I first heard about Princeton reunions, I didn’t doubt for a second that I would stay the extra two weeks after finals to experience them myself. The roaring tigers’ returning glory, the flamboyant orange and black costumes, the night dances, the tiger paws and patterns everywhere you look, and the burning spirit, all sounded too good to miss. So I applied to the easiest campus job I could find— dining services. Little did I know that working as a waiter would turn out to be one of my most memorable Princeton experiences. 

Every year, on the second day of reunions, there’s a very special event: the Old Guard Luncheon. It’s a meal that brings together all the Princeton alumni returning for their 65th or more reunion. Some of them were here before the photocopier or Velcro even existed! Others were even here before World War 2. The point is, these guys are old and wise, and a lot has happened since they were flocking around the eating clubs, panicking over midterms, or avoiding FitsRandolph Gates’ middle entry (which you must not walk through as a student or else you will not graduate— confirmed by the frights of many generations of Princetonians). Serving this lunch, and seeing 90-year-olds in fluorescent orange suits and tiger-striped ties, showed me the timelessness of Princeton. 40, 65, or 80 years down the road I’ll be on the other side— sitting where they are, reminiscing on my time here. 

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crowded dining room filled with Old Guard Princeton Alumni

I especially enjoyed my brief but meaningful interaction with Joe Schein. During reunions’s P-Rade— the flamboyant and orange-struck alumni parade— Joe carries the leading baton for being the oldest living Princeton alum. He is 108 years old, and a member of the Great Class of 1937. I am a member of the Class of 2025: basically, a whole century after. Talking to Joe, and seeing him and all the Old Guard alumni come back to Old Nassau decades after their time here to cherish their memories, re-live experiences, and reunite with old friends, made me see what people talk about when they say that Princeton is for a lifetime.

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Joe Schein '37 wearing a Princeton blazer poses with Ian Fridman '25 wearing a Princeton t-shirt

In the 1879 Hall archway on campus, there’s a plaque I really like. Its inscription says, “Princeton is a part of you. You are a part of Princeton.” Working this luncheon made me see Princeton with new eyes, and the plaque took on new meaning— your time at Princeton lives in you until the end of your Old Guard days, and after being here, you join a community of Princetonians whose legacy transcends generations. 

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Plaque that says "Princeton is part of you. You are part of Princeton"
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Princeton shield plaque

Working Princeton's 65th Reunion


Last summer, I was fortunate to receive a highly coveted spot as student crew member for Princeton reunions. My crew worked Princeton’s 65th reunion, setting up headquarters in Forbes next to the Old Guard Crew. As a crew member, I had several jobs and responsibilities, including check-in, table set-up, bartending, and transporting alumni around campus. As student employees, we had permission to engage with certain reunion events such as talks from famous alumni, group meetings, and fun activities.

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Reunions crew sitting together at the bar
The 65th Reunion Crew and our Bar

Over the course of reunions, I grew close with my alumni group, greeting them with a smile every day as they showed up for activities. Transporting alumni across campus in golf carts was my favorite part of the job. Golf cart drives were great opportunities to get to know alumni through deep conversation. I learned about what it was like to attend Princeton in the 1950s. I thoroughly enjoyed conversing with the 87-year-old alumni, and was fascinated to learn about their experiences and memories from Princeton.

As a first-year student, it was incredibly rewarding to experience Princeton reunions. Witnessing Princeton’s close-knit alumni community has endowed me with a strong sense of belonging at Princeton. It was moving to see that so many people hold such a love for this school and still return to visit, sporting their finest orange and black attire, many years after graduation. Reunions quite literally ending with a bang, as we all gathered in the football stadium to watch a grand fireworks display. Looking up into the brightly-colored sky, I reflected on my work over the weekend, the alumni I had met, and the friends I had made. I take these experiences with me, knowing that one day, I too hope to return for the festivities of reunions as an alumna myself.

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A group gathers to watch the fireworks
Alumni Gathering to Watch the Fireworks

Reflecting on Reading Period


The arguably busiest week for all Princeton undergraduate students is most adequately titled reading period (a time in between the end of classes and the day all written work is due, Dean’s Date). You will likely think that the campus has been completely abandoned, while New Jersey’s cold weather may add to this effect, it is mainly a result of the impending deadline that nears the end of the week. Most students will be scattered throughout all of Firestone Library’s six levels or at Frist Campus Center. Depending on my mood, you’ll either find me in a cubicle on the B-level of Firestone or grabbing a burrito bowl at late meal with friends. There is usually no in between because I’m either ranting about the latest movie I’ve watched or I’m writing a 10-page paper for my Zen Buddhism class. 

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A desk with an open book and an Apple MacBook Pro displaying an opened Google document.
One of my many study sessions at my favorite B-level cubicle reading Buddha Nature: The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra.

I’ve successfully completed my third reading period during my time here at Princeton and I’d like to say I’ve got a bit of a handle on it now but that would most certainly be a lie. I’d like to normalize not having everything figured out when entering a stressful time and I’m glad I’m surrounded by people who make me feel like I’m not completely insane for feeling that way. While every friend group is different, I think the community I’ve found here is truly amazing. I’ll enter a shift at work and have a long conversation about my day, even the smallest details being shared. I’ll send a long chain of texts to my friend about my worries and minute inconveniences and I’ll be met with so much motivation. I think that’s what keeps me going during a time where it feels like everything is on the line and there’s a lot of pressure. The free snacks and fidget toys handed out by our Peer Health Advisors also really help (I fell in love with a squishy stress ball). 

Most importantly, I really want to emphasize why self care is so crucial during a time like reading period. I’ve learned to not allow one week out of the 52 in the year determine my future or happiness. While future reading periods will continue to be daunting, I’ll continue to do my best and prioritize my well-being over a really difficult Neuroanatomy exam (fingers crossed that I did well).