Kalamazoo College
Responses from the Student Interview
From a student who identifies as Major: East Asian Studies
Minor: Japanese
Student Self Identifies as: Hispanic Heterosexual Female
Summary
I’m in a Latinx student organization.
Background
Gender Identity: Female
Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
High School Experience: Private high school in Pharr, TX with a graduating class of under 100 students. There was a culture of going to college.
First-Generation College Student: Yes
Major: East Asian Studies
Minor: Japanese
Extracurricular Activities: I’m in a Latinx student organization.
What impact has your Latinx club had on your experience?
It’s mostly Latinx people, but there are also other people of color. It feels great because in my first year I felt really welcomed. As a minority, having people of color in this organization made people feel welcomed.
Academic Experience
Can you describe your weekly coursework for your major?
The history classes are mostly exam-based, but there are usually one or two papers. The literature classes are more essay-based. Both have lots of reading.
Is there anything you feel that your major’s department does especially well or poorly?
The professors do a good job of making you feel welcomed. They’re accommodating if you have any questions.
How would you describe the learning environment? Do you think it’s particularly competitive or collaborative?
The learning environment is collaborative. The professors really encourage the students to participate in class.
How accessible are your professors?
They’re pretty accessible by email. They try to match our schedule if their office hours don’t line up with ours.
Why did you pick your major? Are you happy with your choice?
I didn’t know what I wanted to study as a first-year, so I took different classes in different departments. I took a history class on East Asia, which I found interesting and it was an introduction to East Asia. I’m happy with my choice.
How do you like the open-curriculum? How has that impacted your experience?
I like it because when I was a first-year I had no idea what I wanted to major in. It allows students to explore other classes, even if they know what they’re majoring in.
How was transitioning academically as a first-generation college student? Are there systems in place that help you transition?
It was somewhat difficult adjusting to the rigorous academic style. Learning time management skills has been tough.
Reasons to Attend
1) It’s a liberal arts school and you’re able to explore different career paths. You don’t have to stick to a specific one.
2) You take three classes per term.
3) The scenery and experiencing four different seasons here.
Reasons Not to Attend
1) The cafeteria food isn’t that great. There’s no Mexican food here.
2) There isn’t much to do here and things are pretty far away, so if you want to go to the store you may have to take an Uber.
Around Campus
Where have you lived on and around campus?
Freshman: Harlon Hall with two roommates
Sophomore: A themed Living Learning House with seven other people
How was transitioning from your hometown in Texas to Kalamazoo, Michigan in terms of location?
It was really difficult getting used to the weather, especially in the winter. It’s really hot where I am from in Texas and we don’t get cold weather.
Can you describe the level of safety you’ve experienced on and around campus?
I feel completely safe on campus.
Social Opportunities
What kind of weekend activities or nightlife do you like to participate in?
The schools and student organizations hold events on Fridays and Saturdays. On Fridays, they show movies on campus and everyone is free to go. They also provide snacks.
What are your favorite events or activities?
Last year there was an event where people from East Asian descent celebrate their culture. They invite people from different backgrounds to celebrate with them.
Campus Culture
How did you meet your closest friends?
We came from the same high school and then one of my friends was in the same first-year seminar as me.
How would you describe the overall social scene at Kalamazoo?
The people are very positive. They like talking to each other. Everyone is really open to people in general.
To what extent do people of different races and sexual orientations mix socially?
They mix somewhat. It depends on the events. The school celebrates LGBTQ students, so a lot of people who support LGBTQ go and promote awareness. They also include people who aren’t LGBTQ. It’s common to see diverse groups of friends around campus. [The undergraduate population is 14% Hispanic, 8% Black, 57% White, and 7% Asian.]
How would you describe the Hispanic community on campus? How strong is it?
We’re still in the minority, but it’s increasing each year.
How do you like the size of Kalamazoo? How has that impacted your experience? [Kalamazoo has about 1,500 undergraduates.]
I think it’s pretty good. It’s a small liberal arts school. Even though it’s small, you don’t see everyone, so you get to meet new people you haven’t seen before.
Careers
What have you used the career office for? How helpful have they been?
They hold weekly or monthly career fairs where they introduce different career opportunities.
Financial Aid
Have you used financial aid? If so, how accommodating was the office to your needs?
I have, and I think they’re pretty accessible and friendly. They really help you understand whatever you need.