A red pegasus reflects on alums’ generosity

When I first applied to college during a global pandemic, I was uncertain of my next steps. Unable to tour campuses in person, I decided to take a gap year and spend time clarifying my vision for the next four years. I knew I wanted to attend a school that was academically rigorous but maintained small class sizes and could provide individualized instruction. It was also important to me that the college I selected had an inclusive environment and a strong campus community. During my gap year, I became friends with a first-year student at Mount Holyoke who loved the college and suggested that MHC had all the qualities I was looking for. I had never considered attending a women’s college before, but my first visit to campus left me with a gut feeling I couldn’t ignore. Over three years later, I’m so thankful that I followed my instincts (and the advice of a great friend) and applied. I was (and still am) taken aback by our welcoming and inclusive community, the natural beauty of our campus, and the wealth of opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have found anywhere else.

Now, I am a proud red pegasus of the class of 2026. As a junior at Mount Holyoke, I’m double majoring in Psychology & Education and English, and the College has been an excellent fit for me — academically challenging with incredible learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Since becoming a student here, I’ve started a book club, written a popular advice column in our campus newspaper and completed internships that have shaped my career path. I’ve had opportunities to connect with prospective students as an Admission Ambassador and speak with a number of successful and inspiring alums. Every day, I feel inspired by the wonderful students, faculty, staff and alums that I have the pleasure to learn from here. It’s a special feeling to know that you’re exactly where you are meant to be.

There hasn’t been one defining event of my Mount Holyoke experience; rather, I feel that it has been made up of many moments of laughter, warmth, companionship, pride and camaraderie that, when patched together, create a vivid memory quilt of my time here. However, there are many memorable adventures that I will surely hold on to long after my time within the gates has come to an end. One of my favorite days each year is the first snowfall. Students meet up on the Delles Hill the next morning with sleds (both actual and improvised) and hot cocoa. This year, it began snowing late at night, and when I ran outside, students had already descended upon Skinner Green in groups of friends, having snowball fights, building snowmen and making snow angels. My favorite part about this memory is that it was totally spontaneous — just college students in the middle of the night, taking in the world and community around them.

Another wonderful memory is the internship I was able to complete this past summer thanks to Lynk funding. I spent six weeks working in a Massachusetts school, learning the ins and outs of K-12 education. Through this experience, I feel more prepared and excited than ever for a career in teaching. In January 2025, I’m taking my first step toward getting my teaching license as part of my undergraduate program — another exciting step in my educational journey. My path wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and support of alums, who are the driving force behind Mount Holyoke’s position as a leading gender-diverse women’s college. By donating to The Mount Holyoke Fund, alums continue Mary Lyon’s mission to provide quality education to those who have traditionally been underrepresented in academia and ensure that many generations of Mount Holyoke students are able to reach new heights. Their contributions do not go unnoticed; current students look to our esteemed alums for a glimpse of the bright futures that await us.

My Mount Holyoke experience has been so much more than an excellent education. I have engaged in opportunities that will inform my career decisions for years to come. I have forged exciting relationships with faculty and alums that I’m certain will stand the test of time. Most importantly, at Mount Holyoke, I have made friends and memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.