Renée Roundy ’19

By Nali Byrd '19 on December 6, 2018

Renée Roundy

Hometown: Lewiston, Maine

Major/ Minor:Educational Studies Major and LGBTQ Minor

1. What has been your favorite OUS experience so far and why?
One of my favorite OUS experience has probably been the joy that was felt during the OUS/ First Gala! I loved and knew everyone in the space and it made me so happy to remember the love that this community has brought to me over my four years here. Also, my study group to Philadelphia was made of mostly OUS/ First Gen students. It was the healthiest and most content I’ve been in my four years and I really attribute that to the small community I was surrounded with.

2. What are you involved in on campus?
I am involved in Konosioni Senior Honor Society, Lambda, Shaw Wellness and Alana through Virtual Alumni Mentors (sign up for a mentor HERE), as well as some other things!

3. What is your most memorable internship/ work experience?
My most memorable internship would probably be during my Philadelphia study group, working with the Delaware Valley Fairness Project! They gave me a lot of say in how we

interacted with the community, allowed me to be as involved as I wanted, and I made beautiful connections while also learning about the world of nonprofit organizations!

4. What is the best class you have taken and why?
Literally every Educational Studies class has been incredible. However, one my most challenging and critically engaging class has been Queer Outlaws! That course, Professor Barreto, and my classmates challenged me in every way imaginable– talking about my own identity, queerness, social constructs, and ideas of morality (even when it comes to murder). IT’S A WILD RIDE PLEASE TAKE IT.

5. If you could offer one piece of advice to younger students on Colgate’s campus, what would it be?
It’s not that serious. Actually. One grade is not life or death, your GPA does not run your whole life, and while this campus can feel isolating and simultaneously suffocating it’s important to remember that your mental, physical, and spiritual well being is far more important than anything else going on. Schedule that counseling appointment!! Also, people do genuinely care about you. Reach out, lots of people are secretly going through the same things as you.

6. Do you have any plans after graduation?

I will be at Colgate for one post-grad semester in order to student teach and receive my teacher certification! I will then (hopefully!) go to a Ph.D program or begin teaching elementary/ middle school students immediately.

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Adam Pettway ’19

By Nali Byrd '19 on December 6, 2018

Adam Pettway

Major: Computer Science/ Japanese

Hometown: Princeton NY

1. What are you involved in on campus?

I’m part of sushi club.

2. What has been your favorite Colgate experience?

My favorite Colgate experience was getting the opportunity to study abroad in Japan!

3. What lead you to choose to major in Computer Science and Japanese.

I had a deep interest in Computer Science before even getting to Colgate. I chose Japanese because my interest really grew as I learned more about the language/culture!

4. What has been your favorite class at Colgate?

My favorite class at Colgate was Computer Algorithms.

5. Do you have any plans after graduation?

I will be working in the American branch at Nomura, a Japanese investment bank.

6. If you could sum up your Colgate experience in 3 words what would it be?

Challenging, Opportunity, Ed Burger

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Muna Gure ’21

By Nali Byrd '19 on November 12, 2018

Muna Gure

Question 1: What was your favorite memory from your OUS experience?

My favorite memory is taking trips on Saturdays, specifically to the amusement park and mall. These trips helped me enjoy my summer, and get to know the other students.

Question 2: If you could summarize your OUS experience in 3 words what would it be?

An emotional rollercoaster.

Question 3: What is your favorite class you are currently taking or have taken?

My favorite class was my FSEM, Ethiopia, with Professor Etefa. I recommend taking him for any class if you are looking for a chill interesting class!!

Question 4: What do you do around campus?

I am involved in MAPS; I am a Senator on SGA, and I am also in the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Question 5: What are you most looking forward to throughout your Colgate experience?

I am mostly looking forward to finding a major that I am passionate about, and then I can start thinking about what life outside of college would look like.

Question 6: What advice do you have for first years?

You are not alone; everyone is here and rooting for you!!

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Amarachi Iheanyichukwu ’21

By Nali Byrd '19 on November 5, 2018

Amarachi

Major/ Minor: Political Science/Economics

Hometown: New York City

Question 1: What was your favorite memory from your OUS experience?

My favorite memory from my OUS experience was the final presentation for my Creative Writing Nonfiction course in which each of the students in the class gave a reading of their most polished piece in front of the rest of the program. This exhibition allowed me to not only hear what my peers had been working on but also was a very liberating experience as it was one of the first times I’d read out my writing to a group of my peers.

Question 2: If you could summarize your OUS experience in 3 words what would it be?

Challenging, exciting, frustrating.

Question 3: What is your favorite class you are currently taking or have taken?

My favorite class I’m currently taking is definitely a tie between American School and Politics in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Question 4: What do you do around campus?

On campus, I am a part of SGA as a senator for my class, Link Staff, an assistant editor for the Yearbook, a student representative on the Multicultural Recruitment Committee, and a member of KKG. Additionally, I occasionally write articles for the Colgate Magazine, formerly the Scene.

Question 5: What are you most looking forward to throughout your Colgate experience?

I am looking forward to continuing my political science studies abroad, perhaps in South Africa or the United Kingdom.

Question 6: What advice do you have for first years?

College can be a frightening and isolating place but at the same a wonderfully liberating experience so it is so important to put yourself out there and attempt to get out of your comfort zone but also be careful about spreading yourself too thin. Two things I’ve learned in since my first year have been the importance of doing things that scare you as well as learning to practice self-care.

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Meet OUS/ First Gen Intern: Enrique Nunez ’19

By Nali Byrd '19 on October 9, 2018

Name: Enrique Nunez

Class Year: 2019

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Major: Educational Studies

1. What is your job title? How long have you had the job?

Currently, I am employed through the Dean of the College as an Intern for First Generation Programs and OUS, a title I have proudly held since the beginning of my junior year.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job has been the friendship I have created with Drea, b, Frank, Romelia, and the students in both scholars’ programs. It truly has been a blessing to be able to get to know this vast community and to also share a part of me with everyone else. These relationships have allowed me to better support students because of that comfort that both the student and I may feel knowing that it’s just a check in with the “fam.”

Enrique welcoming the First Gen c/o ’22

3. How do you feel you are most helpful in this position?

The fact that I currently am a student taking classes and participating in extra-curricular activities while holding this position allows me to further empathize with the students I am helping because I hold that student perspective of understanding what students mean when they say they are having trouble with time management, getting enough sleep or which courses they should take for their CORE requirements or major.

4. What advice do you have for the class of c/o ’22?

Advice that I would give the c/o ’22 is to continue to be your awesome and most true selves, I would advise you to always trust your gut in any situation you find yourself in during your time here at Colgate, I’ve done it and it has not let me down. Lastly, I STRONGLY recommend reaching out to the amazing support systems that you have at the OUS-FIRST House because we’re family and want nothing but the best for you.

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Phuong Mac ’19 Abroad

By Nali Byrd '19 on January 7, 2018

Name: Phuong Mac

Major/ Minor: Sociology and Asian Studies Double Major

Q1: Where are you studying abroad?

I am studying abroad in Manchester, England.

Q2. What has been your favorite part of being abroad?

I honestly don’t know how to begin when so many things about studying abroad have been wonderful to me. If I had to choose one, it would be the Colgate students that I was fortunate to share my abroad experience with. We became a small family as we often looked out for one another as well as doing almost everything together. I have become great friends with many and I am sure that these friendships will last beyond my time abroad.

Q3. What classes are you taking?

I am currently taking three courses from the University of Manchester (UoM) and two half-credit courses from our study group director, Professor Frank Frey. Within the three courses at UoM, I am taking two sociology courses and one Asian studies course. University of Manchester Courses:

Social Network Analysis (Fun fact: My professor was the co-founder of UCINET, a software for analyzing social networks)
Social Change in China
Modern and Contemporary Japan: Social Dynamics

Professor Frey Courses:

ENST 233 – Global Environmental Health Issues
ENST 391 – Independent Study in Environmental Studies

Q4. What has been the most challenging thing about being abroad?

The most challenging thing about being abroad is being completely independent for the first time since I have entered college. Back at Colgate University, almost everything is provided for students to make their decision-making easier. These supports range from having easy access to meals for our first two years to professors consistently reminding us about upcoming assignments and examinations. With the case of being abroad, students are expected to manage their own schedule and make choices that would be best for them. This can be a challenge for many people to accomplish tasks without the same guidance and resources from our home institutions. On the other hand, I had to cope with other real-world problems that I have not yet experienced at Colgate. This can be something as small as planning when to cook my meals so that I would have time to meet deadlines to something like navigating my way around unfamiliar cities through different transportation methods. Nevertheless, although executing my own decisions were often nerve-racking, I am grateful that I have had the chance to experience what it is really like to be independent.

Q5. What advice would you give someone who is considering going abroad?

If you are considering on going abroad, I highly recommend that you take this opportunity that is offered to you as studying abroad is not commonly available at other institutions. While I love our home institution, studying abroad has been the best college experience for me thus far. It has enabled me to grow so much as an individual. I would encourage you all to arrive at your abroad destination with an open-mind and the determination to immerse yourself fully to all of the opportunities that will be available. No matter where you will be, you are capable of making some of the best memories in your life as long as you are engaged and are able to.

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Alex Valdez ’19 First Gen Student Profile

By Nali Byrd '19 on December 13, 2017

Name: Alex Valdez

Major: Peace and Conflict Studies

Hometown: Ontario, California

What clubs are you a part of at Colgate?

I am a part of First Gen, Senate (EAC Chair), LASO (External Communicator), Quizbowl Trivia Team (Secretary), University Orchestra, SASS (VP), Link Staff, DU (SAPAS Chair).

What does being in the First Gen program mean to you?

First Gen has been one of the most important aspects of my college experience. For students like myself, coming from public high schools with more than 80% students of color, the transition to an elite, wealthy, white school like Colgate can be tough and scary. First Gen gave me time during the pre-orientation to settle in and meet other people in the same situation as me. Even now, the program provides many resources for its students, and I know I always have a community on campus to fall back on for support when I need it.

What has been your highlight of Colgate so far?

The highlight of my Colgate career has definitely been the experience of navigating unfamiliar spaces. Knowing that I have spaces like First Gen and LASO has made me more comfortable trying things I’m unfamiliar with.

What advice would you give to younger students at Colgate?

Something I would say to younger students at Colgate is to find your balance. Find places, people, and communities that support you and make you comfortable, while also experimenting with new things. Know your limits. It took a while, but once I found my balance, my experience became much better day by day.

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Jimmy Anim ’19 Abroad

By Nali Byrd '19 on December 13, 2017

Name: James (Jimmy) Anim

Hometown: Bronx, New York
Major/Minor: Economics/Political Science

Q1: Where are you studying abroad currently?
I am studying abroad in Manchester, England.

Q2: What has been the most memorable part of your abroad experience so far?
The most memorable part of my experience has been visiting Amsterdam. It’s a gorgeous city and I wish I could live there in the near future.

Q3. What is one new thing you have learned while being abroad?
Once you mention you’re from the United States, people bring up Trump, gun violence, or the insanely high cost of college education in the United States. Basically, even the country that voted for Brexit without knowing what it’s about laugh at us.

Q4. Have you tried any new foods/ drinks?
I’ve eaten a lot of great Indian and Southeast Asian food during my time here. I’ve also had fish and chips (an English staple) about 3 times. However, I’m already tired of it because I am not into thick-cut fries.

Q5. What was one unexpected aspect about being abroad?
I feel less stressed while abroad. I thought I would have the same amount of stress, but I feel relaxed. Maybe too relaxed (lol). I’m ready to go back to Colgate, but I’ll certainly miss the pace that comes with being abroad.

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Enrique Nunez ’19 First Gen Profile

By Nali Byrd '19 on December 13, 2017

Name: Enrique Nuñez

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Major: Educational Studies

Minor: Latin American Studies

What clubs are you a part of at Colgate:

I currently serve as the Intern for OUS and First Gen Programs. I am a part of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Link Staff, and a Bystander Intervention Intern.

What does being in the first gen program mean to you?:

Being a first-generation college student has been hard, my experiences in navigating Colgate without much support from my family is different in comparison to students whose parents did go to college and somewhat know what their child is going through. Being in the first- gen program means the world to me because it has given me a support system that I can lean on

whenever I need to. I have been allowed to meet some of the most amazing people through First Gen and OUS who are now my best friends.

What has been your highlight of Colgate so far?

My favorite Colgate moments have been when I was able to travel abroad to Ecuador on a service-learning trip sponsored by COVE. On this trip, I was able to reflect on my past two years at Colgate and gain a better sense of what I want from my Colgate experience. Since the trip, I have dropped my International Relations major to major in Educational Studies because that department suited more towards my passions.

What advice would you give to younger students at Colgate?

Do what you are truly passionate about whether that be joining a club sport, majoring in Economics or wanting to become fluent in a language. I believe that if you pursue what you desire most only then will you be able to make Colgate yours.

What would you change about Colgate if you could?

The reason that I came to Colgate was due to the financial aid package that I was offered — something that I would not have known about if Colgate did not send an admissions counselor to my high school. I wish Colgate focused more energy on sending admissions counselors to underrepresented schools throughout the country, schools like my own that mostly consisted of low-income students of color who, if looked at, could also take part in the opportunities that Colgate has to offer.

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This Is Not A Play About Sex

By Nali Byrd '19 on October 29, 2017

This Is Not A Play About Sex (TINAPAS) is a play written by Colgate alumna Poppy Liu ’13. She originally wrote this play as her senior thesis and conducted various interviews with students, faculty, and administrators on campus about their experiences and stories with regards to Colgate’s sexual climate. The play combines real experiences and words from the interviews she conducted as well as new voices! Many find the play as an important conversation starter amongst friend groups, classmates, and really, all people.

Many of the topics discussed

The TINAPAS cast!

in TINAPAS are deeply personal and hard to discuss, especially in front of a room full of strangers! All of the actors and actresses, crew, tech and directors deserve a huge applause for their hard work, bravery, and commitment to making an amazing show!

The OUS and FIRST GEN programs are lucky to have 12 of its members involved in the show. We want to offer a special shoutout to Eric Alvarado ’18, Jade Basem ’19, John Bermudez ’20, Sydni Bond ’18, Tenzin Dickyi ’20, Diana Dimas ’20, Patrick Grijalva ’20, Nicole Jackson ’18, Jeustin Navarro ’20, Enrique Nunez ’19, Lücién Reubens ’18, and Chelsea Santiago ’19 for their amazing roles in TINAPAS!

One of the actors, Enrique Nunez ’19, discussed his feelings after TINAPAS concluded. “It’s more than just a play; the words said in TINAPAS are words actually said by people who were once Colgate students. It’s a little daunting to think about the student I portrayed in my own monologue, “To Creep or Not to Creep” because I wonder who they were, how they identified, why they said those words and what they thought about the hookup culture at Colgate”.

This Is Not A Play About Sex runs for one week every Fall semester at Colgate in Brehmer Theatre!

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