Hi everyone! It’s crazy to think that I’m writing the article that will bring to an end my time at Hopkins. Some of you may relate to this sentiment, but when I was applying to colleges, Hopkins was a dream. And it is somewhat confusing and inspiring to realize that I have lived that dream for four years. As this chapter closes, here are some of the Greatest Hits™ from my time at the Nest!
Academic Highlight: PILOT Program
It is quite challenging to pick a singular highlight from my undergraduate academic experience. I have been quite lucky in terms of engaging professors and interesting courses, so I do not think I would do my program of study justice by highlighting just one. In lieu of that, I have chosen my favorite academic experience: the PILOT program. After participating in PILOT sessions for my freshman year introductory courses, I decided I wanted to apply for the program that had made such a positive impact on my acclimation to college life.
That choice has been one of the best I have made in the past four years. PILOT has been a transformative experience and an integral part of my student life during my time as a leader. The nerves and excitement at kicking off every semester with a new group are something I will really miss in my post-graduate life. Additionally, PILOT has given me the opportunity to connect with students from a variety of academic and personal backgrounds whom I might not have met outside of this context. Thank you to the Office of Academic Support for bringing the program to fruition and to my former students for having made my life more interesting each week.
Best On-Campus Event(s): The Hopkins Art Scene
I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed by a student group performance here at JHU. My first foray into the Hopkins Art Scene was at the behest of my roommate, who joined the Sirens A Cappella group during our freshman fall. It was an incredible production — I recommend their concerts even for people who do not have a friend in the group — and every time I go, I end up with four new songs added to my playlist.
My other roommate, an avid reader who rations Agatha Christie novels, then introduced me to the world of student theatre by taking me to the Barnstormers’ production of Witness for the Prosecution. I had no idea what to expect, but I was definitely not prepared for how much I enjoyed it. The shows are amusing, well-rehearsed and of undeniable quality, so much so that attending productions at the Arellano Theater has become a semesterly tradition.
Lastly, a discussion of our campus art scene would not be complete without mentioning the JHU Entertainers club, which is half of the reason why I attend events like Lighting of the Quads (the other half being my very convincing friends, of course). Last year’s performance to Pitbull’s Fireball is something I do not think I’ll ever forget, and it is definitely worth trying to catch one of their performances.
All that to say, the Hopkins art scene has been a strong source of community building for me, and I am very thankful for the talented students who dedicate their time to keeping it so active.
Hidden ‘Jewel’: Bouldering Cave
Not only is this place relatively unknown to a sizable portion of the student population, but it is also actually hidden in the basement of the Ralph O’Connor Recreation Center. The ‘climbing’ fever spread around my friend group fast during our junior year and became one of my favorite ways to decompress, see people and learn something new.
Every time I conquered a new climb or the routes changed and we got to explore a variety of tracks, it felt like a small victory. Exploring what the campus has to offer has really made my college experience all the more well-rounded; it has also made it very difficult to say goodbye.
MVPs: My friends
This is the part where I get to be a little bit sappy, but nothing that I described above would have been the same without the caring, consistent presence of my friends. They are truly the driving force behind all the wonderful memories I have during my four years of college. Good times, bad times, academically stressed times — all of these fade into positive memories if you have the kind of friends I had (and hopefully will continue to have) at Hopkins. College is a community, and I am deeply thankful to have found my place in it alongside you guys.
Signing off,
J.M.Q
