By Roofie Konshie ’28
Hi, my name is Roofie! My name is pronounced Roofeh. When I tell people I grew up in Arkansas, I usually get one of two reactions: either I’m the first person they’ve ever met from there, or they’re too stunned to speak. At Pomona, I’ve met two other people from Arkansas, which is pretty cool.
Did I know I would ever end up at Pomona? No. I don’t think six-year-old me could have ever guessed this fate, but it’s crazy how life happens. I was born in Ethiopia, grew up in Arkansas, my family now lives in Portland, Oregon, and I go to school in California. I feel like my life has never followed the typical narrative and that is okay.
I want to say to anyone reading this who is from Arkansas, or anywhere where Pomona feels like a reach, or anywhere out of state feels out of reach, there’s beauty in believing. So what? Why not apply anyway? Why not try?
I won’t lie: making a geographical move this big is intimidating and actually scary. But I’ve grown tremendously as a person, and I’m truly happy with who I’ve become.
So wherever your Arkansas is, your world is your oyster. You can be where you want to be. Do what intimidates you, or even scares you.
Arkansas and California feel like different planets, honestly, like Earth and Mars. There are differences in social interaction, values, and daily life. And this is okay. I’m a firm believer that new experiences and surroundings will build someone into the person they’re supposed to be. I feel like experiencing different worlds makes critical thinking more than just academic, it’s about the beauty of connecting with others who may have different experiences than you. Meeting people and learning from others grows empathy, resilience, and gratitude.