Not wanting to burden his parents with having to fund his year off in addition to his tuition, Chen found a job working at Amherst Regional Middle School as a Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional. Working with students who were emotionally troubled or had learning disabilities, Chen found his "year off" just as busy as a school year. "Everyday I would wake up, most of the time before the crack of dawn, to face a classroom of often-screaming middle schoolers," said Chen. "After I got home, I had to deal with a variety of administrative duties [for AKC]."
Since secondary schools end in June, Chen also watched his peers graduate. "It was an exhausting year that [was] made more difficult, psychologically, by the fact that I had to watch several of my friends graduate while I knew another year of school lay ahead of me," he said. However, Chen grew from his experience. "Was it worth it? Working at both the church and the middle school showed me the difference that one committed person can make in the lives and organizations of those around him. I'd like to think I'd do it again if given the chance," he said.
Taking time off allowed Chen to return with a renewed appreciation for Amherst. "Taking a year off can be a liberating experience in many ways … But I personally missed the academic atmosphere of Amherst College. When else could I read poetry, legal opinions, and sociology studies because I was supposed to, because it was, ostensibly, my job?" he said. "I also missed the little things that made dorm life so comfortable."
Chen's interest in learning and appreciation for Amherst was renewed. "I started to look forward to the start of classes ... I returned in the fall far more grateful for all the things, both in the realm of academics and amenities, that Amherst offers its students," he said.
For learning's sake
Chen's passion for academics showed in his dedication in the classroom. Chen's academic advisor, Professor of Political Science and LJST Austin Sarat said, "He seems to me perhaps more than any other students I've ever taught to be genuinely caring about his academic work and to devote himself fully to it … I think that David regards his education here as a kind of gift and he's treated it in a commensurate fashion."
Professor of Psychology Catherine Sanderson noted Chen's interest in subjects that were outside of his LJST major. She said that Chen consistently asked insightful questions in class and was "... a true model of what I think is best about the liberal arts experience-meaning, he raised such points even though psychology was not his major." She added, "Perhaps most importantly, David is truly interested in learning for the sake of learning-we have often (even after my classes were done) continued our conversation about issues raised in those classes."
Amherst experience
Chen, in turn, appreciated the engagement shown to him by professors. "Amherst College is one of those few schools where you can attend a professor's lecture in the morning and then have a casual dinner with the professor later that night," he said.
The professors at Amherst are its greatest resource and one of the defining parts of the Amherst College experience, according to Chen. "My experiences interacting with professors on an academic as well as personal basis have taught me how to be a better student, but also more than this," he said. "In generously giving time to consistently hold office hours, respond fastidiously to e-mails, and stay after class to answer pesky students' questions, they have also taught me how to be a better teacher, and ultimately, a better person."
Chen's sentiments regarding his professors are reflected in their perception of him. "He's warm, caring, thoughtful, generous. He's a pleasure to be around," said Sarat. "I wish there were more people in the world like David Chen."
The future
Next year, Chen will work as a Research Associate at Harvard Business School. "For me, the job search as a whole this year was a mentally and physically brutal experience," he said. "I applied for consulting positions and teaching positions, as well as some Green Dean positions, and ultimately ended up with the job I have."
Chen said that he searched for a job that would continue to stimulate his intellectual and academic sensibilities, while exposing him to real-world issues. "I enjoy being mentored by all sorts of people, including professors and professionals. This job seems to fulfill all of these criteria and I'm grateful to have received the offer," he said.
Risk, Reflect, Live
Chen mentioned a sociological survey which asked people over the age of 90 what they would have done differently with their lives. Those who had been surveyed recommended three pieces of advice. "1. Risk more, 2. Reflect more, and 3. Live more for something that will outlast you," said Chen. "At the end of my college career, I feel like I could have done each of these things a little bit more myself, and so this is the same advice I have for those that remain. Risk more by taking classes you wouldn't normally think to take ... Reflect more and appreciate your school, your friendships, your relationships, your family, your life. And commit yourself to causes that, at the end of the day, will allow you to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you've made a difference."
Upon reflection, Chen expressed satisfaction with his Amherst experience. "Like many, I am sure, I came to Amherst with ambitions to change everything, to change the world. I leave finding that Amherst has changed me instead," he said. "I enter the world now more open, more reflective, more curious and hopefully more intelligent than when I came in. Though the path here, where I am today, was not easy, I would like to think it was worth it."