By Serena Lin ‘25
A highlight of my time at Pomona College was being empowered to leave the Claremont bubble, challenge my own assumptions, and learn from people of all walks of life.
1: Intergenerational Learning
During my sophomore year, I had the unique opportunity to take a class at Claremont McKenna College called Learning Across the Lifespan. This was part of the Napier Initiative, a collaboration between Pilgrim Place and the Claremont colleges that adds elder co-learners to audit the class alongside undergraduates. Among them was a Pomona alumna who became a key mentor for me. This experience was incredibly enriching and laid the groundwork for my intergenerational project and thesis on brain health and social engagement. It showed me the value of intergenerational learning and how much we can gain when we bridge generational gaps.
2: Cross-Campus Dialogue: Bridging the Gap Program
In my junior year spring semester, I participated in the Bridging the Gap program led by Dean Avis Hinkson. This initiative involved two weekends, one at Biola University and one at Pomona College. The purpose was to cultivate meaningful dialogue and disagreement while finding common ground through sharing stories and experiences. It was an educational and fun experience that taught me how to engage in constructive conversations, even with those who hold different perspectives. This program was pivotal in honing my skills in empathy and understanding.
3: Interfaith Initiatives
Being part of the Interfaith Council at Pomona was another transformative experience. We hosted an interfaith service event where we made care packages for a women and children’s shelter. This event was not just about service; it was an opportunity to hear insights from people of diverse spiritual backgrounds on what it means to be a good neighbor and support our community. Engaging in these conversations enriched my understanding of different faiths and perspectives, reinforcing the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
4: Honorable Mention: Other Cool Service Opportunities
In addition to these experiences, Pomona offers numerous other service opportunities that are worth mentioning. Health Bridges, for instance, involves volunteering with Pomona Valley Health initiatives for the underserved, including language translation services. The 5C Science Bus is another fantastic program where volunteers teach science at local elementary schools. I have friends who have enjoyed participating in these activities, applying what they’ve learned in class to real-world situations. These opportunities exemplify how Pomona students bring classroom knowledge to impactful, community-driven projects.
Through these diverse experiences, Pomona has not only challenged me academically but has also provided avenues for meaningful engagement beyond the campus. These opportunities have helped me grow as a person, fostering a deeper sense of community and understanding that I will carry with me long after graduation.