I arrived at Amherst last Sunday, fully expecting to be thrust into my image of the "college experience"-a mecca of learning, discussion, partying and beautiful women-something of a cross between "Animal House" and "Masterpiece Theater." A couple of days later this conception has been greatly altered, not only because of the steady diet of orientation activities that have been fed to the incoming freshmen, but also because of the initial neuroses of arriving at college. This is not necessarily a bad development.
In these first days of orientation, I've been told about the great things that await us in the upcoming weeks-engaging professors, exciting activities-and about something that is ethereal in nature and indefinite in effect, but still managed to consume the greater part of Monday afternoon. This "something," of course, is the holy grail of diversity.
According to one of the speakers during "Exploring Diversity at Amherst," diversity is a "good" thing. It sparks debate, introspection and makes the entire school a more interesting place. It made me sad, however, to see that racial diversity was the only type of diversity discussed in any sort of depth. Class diversity was given a bit of floor time, but only as something always associated with race (i.e. white = rich and privileged).
As I looked onto the stage and saw a veritable rainbow of people talk about their fears of being marginalized, suddenly I felt marginalized. I felt "boxed in." Boxed in as a privileged white Jew. There are so many types of diversity that were not even discussed-political views, career goals, religious beliefs-that I felt that the event was almost divisive. In an attempt to make us feel more unified we were instead made to feel more apart.
Enough about "Exploring Diversity at Amherst." In addition to that diversity event and the "market research" that we were forced to endure, the administration has told us a bit about the academics of Amherst. Monday morning, I heard (although I was pretty tired and almost fell asleep) about the wonderful professors and the inspiring intellectual environment of the College.
Well, I've heard enough about this paradise of learning; I'd like to actually see some of it. For once in my life, I'm actually excited about the courses I'm scheduled to take. I want to see the reality of all these rave reviews from students and administrators.
The food is good. I suppose I will eventually get tired of pizza and cheeseburgers, but for now I appreciate it. It definitely beats the grilled cheese sandwiches and "Easy Mac" I'm used to eating-the result of a family in which none of the members know how to cook. The same goes for my dorm room, which is actually an improvement over my room at home.
This entire "squad" system conveys the feel of summer camp. Honestly, these first few days have been exactly like sleepaway camp bonding activities-saying "hi" to everyone in the hopes of finding some good friends and the nervous feelings that come when you walk into a room and realize that you don't know anyone there.
I still feel like a kid at summer camp-nervous but excited about what the next few weeks will bring. It's a good feeling but also a frightening one … I mean, my parents did spend a good amount of money on tuition. Well, I suppose all I can do is hang around, bask in the scenery (New England is pretty nice, by the way), and hope that all the great things I hear are true. Don't let me down, Amherst.
Andrew Moin '05