CMC Parent Newsletter
Spring 2024

In this issue:

Commencement 2024 is Here! Congratulations to the Graduates!

Five Ways of Looking Backward: A Freshman Parent’s Re-Envisioning Nodding Toward Wallace Stevens and His Blackbirds

Why Study Abroad? Three Students Share Their Insights

CMC Student Tips on Making the Most of Your Summer Experience

New Student Parties 2024: Connect with the CMC Community This Summer

Nuevas fiestas para estudiantes 2024: Conéctese con la comunidad de CMC este verano

Parent Network Board Meeting Minutes

Commencement 2024 is Here! Congratulations to the Graduates!

By Dahlia Jabro P’26

The Claremont McKenna College community will come together on Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific to celebrate the Class of 2024. Congratulations to the graduates and their families on this wonderful accomplishment. For a timeline of events and information on locations, please visit the Commencement website here.

I was thrilled to hear the author Cheryl Strayed, best known for her #1 New York Times Bestseller Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, which was made into an Oscar-nominated film, will be speaking at Claremont McKenna’s 2024 Commencement. For those that have not had the opportunity to read her book, it recounts her personal journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Following a period of personal turmoil, she treks approximately 1,110 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border in California to the Oregon-Washington State Border and learns about the power of resilience. Strayed’s book has been translated into forty languages possibly because of her raw honesty making her story relatable. I appreciate how she is introspective on her life choices and the consequence they had on those around her. I am confident her speech will resonate deeply with our graduates as they enter the next chapter of their lives, and I am very much looking forward to hearing her deliver the keynote address for the 76th commencement ceremonies on Parents Field.

If you do not have a graduate this year or if you have some family who cannot make it to Claremont, you can visit CMC’s website on Saturday, May 11 for the livestream. A banner will appear on the main home page on Saturday, May 11 with a link.

If you are attending Commencement, here is a quick guide to the day.

• Marquee Open for Ceremony Seating begins at 12:00 p.m. on Parents Field
• Line-up for all graduates begins at 1:00 p.m. in the Roberts Pavilion Arena
• 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m. on Parents Field
• Reception for Graduates, Families, and Friends will start at 4:00 p.m. at Gann Quadrangle, Kravis Center

Also, consider attending the Friday night reception, held this year at 4:00 p.m. in Mid-Quad around the beautiful Qwalala art installation.

Do you have questions about Commencement? Please email the Office of Events at events@cmc.edu.

Five Ways of Looking Backward: A Freshman Parent’s Re-Envisioning Nodding Toward Wallace Stevens and His Blackbirds 

By Dr. Melanie Malinowski P’27

Students aren’t blackbirds, parents aren’t poets, and Southern California surely is not snowy and bleak, but overlaying a similar and Stevensian perspectivist’s view to the past ten months of my daughter’s first year as a student-athlete at Claremont McKenna may enlighten, inform, and possibly confirm a world where scholars in all iterations thrive, whether or not we, as their parents, observe.

1. When your child falls ill, with COVID, Flu, Pink Eye, or whatever ailment s/he will pick up, CMC is there: https://services.claremont.edu/student-health-services/. My daughter contracted COVID late in the fall semester, and since she had never experienced COVID previously, we were nervous. I immediately searched for flights (we live in Houston), as she cried on the bathroom floor of the building where she was attempting to concentrate on Calc 3. But the College, the Dean of Students, the health center assured her (and me!) that all was well. And it was. I unbooked my flight, Face Timed her when she felt feverish, and waited. My daughter received stellar treatment, an apartment away from her dorm to recuperate, food and water, Grub Hub gift cards, and she healed.

2. You will hear this in orientation and from every authority once your student has been accepted to CMC: we are here to assist your student in being successful.  You may believe this intrinsically, or you may be skeptical. Regardless, the resources available span the disciplines. Your student may seek tutoring at the QCL: the Murty Sunak Quantitative and Computing Lab or solicit assistance on a paper in the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. CMC offers extended support in the form of mentors, success coaches, and a multitude of services through the CARE Center.  Knowing my daughter, new to the rigors of college, was afforded so many outstretched hands quelled some of my anxieties.

3. We live in very hot Houston, so we search for any and all opportunities to visit California! However, no matter where you live, you will want to attend every event the school sponsors if possible: Family Weekend, the football tailgate, Orientation, sporting contests, the Atheneum and its teas.  We have an only child, and traveling to see her, see what is going on at this fabulous institution, and settling in to the feel of the place our child will spend many years is really fun! And do not miss the 6th Street Rivalry Weekend, when the CMS Athenas and Stags play the Pomona Pitzer teams. The energy, camaraderie, and competition electrify the campus. We missed none of this during our daughter’s freshman year, and we felt and continue to feel a remarkable sense of calm and well-being.

4. I met Katie during the Accepted Students’ Weekend in April of my daughter’s senior year in high school.  Our daughters, both Athena soccer players, ate ice cream on a set of stairs outside while Katie and I chatted, my daughter feeling sad and fragile and uncertain.  Like her daughter, Katie is amazing.  We exchanged numbers.  Katie is local, an added plus, since she graciously offers help or advice and I, as a mom far away, feel relief knowing someone close to me has become close to my daughter through her own daughter.  We text about the good news from our girls (fun party! great grade! yummy lunch at Collins!), and we commiserate when our students come to us with drama or overwhelm or sadness. Meet other parents. Be friends. Talk and laugh and go to their house for homemade sour dough bread and coffee. I am lucky. I and my husband have met and forged friendships with many parents. Being parents of an athlete helps, I’m sure, but know that other parents are feeling exactly how you feel, that their perspectives and fears and joys are yours. And that they want to meet you too. I am so happy to have met Katie a year ago. Be brave and vulnerable. Believe me: you will appreciate the support and comfort.

5. Trust. That’s probably the biggest lesson I have learned this first year. Trust. Trust yourself. Trust the process. Trust the College. Trust the blackbirds. And most of all, trust your student. They’ve got this!

Why Study Abroad? Three Students Share Their Insights

By Arti Kumar P’27

Leadership in a global society requires a global education. Off-campus study can enhance a student's ability to cultivate respect and understanding of self and of others, while learning the skills necessary to become global leaders. Studying abroad is an opportunity of a lifetime to learn about oneself, and about the world! Here three students, Raj Parekh ’25 (Milan, Italy) Chloe Kastl ’25 (Taiwan) and Francis Ferreira ’25 (Korea) share insights on their journeys, from deepening their understanding of subjects, to experiencing new cultures, to making friends!

1. How easy/difficult is it to immerse yourself in your studies in a different country with very different culture and language?

RAJ: Immersing myself in Milan and Italy’s distinct culture and language was both challenging and enriching. In today’s globalized world, the transition from one culture to another has been facilitated by technology and the diversity of people. However, experiencing these differences in person was truly invaluable. From an academic and career perspective, I successfully adapted to a new academic environment and learning style at the esteemed Bocconi University. As an Economics and Data Science major, I expanded my breadth of knowledge through courses such as Environmental Economics & The History of Globalization. Claremont’s liberal arts foundation also found its way into my curriculum as I enrolled in an Introduction to Italian course, which allowed me to expand my vocabulary beyond “Ciao!” and “Aperitivo!” Engaging with local students and faculty members helped me integrate and gain insights into different perspectives on the subjects studied. These challenges provided an opportunity for personal growth, fostering resilience, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills. Navigating daily life in Milan, from using public transportation to shopping for groceries, may initially feel daunting, but gradually it became easier with time and experience.

CHLOE: Throughout my life in Taiwan, I have found immersing myself in my studies in a new country varying in difficulty. At National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) my classes feel similar to what I have experienced at CMC. My classes are all small in class size and feature professors who utilize a liberal arts style of teaching (lecture + discussions) where we all thoughtfully engage with each other and our readings. One of the most difficult things for me as a student abroad has been balancing my responsibilities in Taiwan alongside some of the responsibilities I have back home. My best advice to anyone who will be studying abroad in the future is to leave as many responsibilities as you can at home. Freeing yourself from excessive worrying about what is happening back in the States will allow you to fully dive into your new environment.

While in a society that hosts a language and culture that is different from what I am used to, I have had to re-learn how to properly communicate and interact with my new surroundings. Tasks that were once fairly simple have now become a new experience as I attempt to figure out the right words and mannerisms to adopt to fit in with Taiwanese society. Taipei also has many resources to help foreigners engage with the city and people also speak English and are willing to provide a helping hand when asked.

FRANCIS: This has been my second trip to Korea, but this was my first time coming to Korea alone and as an adult. The first few weeks were very hard, as I had to adjust to different cultural norms, and exploring the city on my own with no guidance. However, for me, adjusting to the language was pretty easy since I took three semesters of Korean at CMC with Professors Kim and Pak, and I continued to self-study leading up to my arrival. When I first arrived, I was challenged by the dense nature of Seoul, in comparison to Claremont. Yonsei University, the university I am currently attending, has 30 thousand students! I had to get used to walking around a larger campus and different teaching styles compared to the more discussion-based classes that CMC has. As a native New Yorker, I found it very easy to navigate Seoul’s metro system as it is very accessible and simpler than the New York City metro system.

2. How has study abroad deepened your intellectual curiosity, your engagement with your subject?

FRANCIS: As a history major who is entering her last year at CMC, being here in Korea has helped me figure out what I want to do post-grad, but also it has helped me figure out what I would want my history thesis to be about. I have also had the opportunity to take interesting courses on Korean history that otherwise wouldn’t be offered at CMC or potentially the other 5Cs, something that I am truly grateful for, and this has deepened my interest in Korean history as a whole. Due to this, I do feel better prepared for my future.

3. Describe some of the fun aspects of living in a new culture, making new friends, and experiencing a whole new world in and out of the classroom.

CHLOE: There is so much to explore in Taiwan! Every week I have the opportunity to discover a new aspect of Taiwanese culture, history, and society that I would not be able to experience in the States. My friends and I always search for new restaurants to try out. Public transport is very cheap, convenient, and safe so it is easy for us to get around the city. Boba tea is extremely popular in Taiwan (it was first made in Taiwan!) and you can find multiple boba shops on a single street. I have already tried upwards of 15 different boba shops during my time here! CIEE has also planned many amazing cultural excursions for us to take part in, usually over the weekend. So far, I have traveled to Taiwan’s National Palace Museum, Tainan (a city in the south of Taiwan), and Jiou Fen (a city that resembles Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away). It is also so easy to just go out on a walk and end up in an amazing part of town. Right around my house, I have been able to find many great parks, antique shops, and bakeries.

4. Describe your favorite memories or experiences during your study abroad. 

RAJ:  Fortunately, Italy’s central location in Europe allowed me to create cherished memories and experiences centered around traveling—with CMCers, new friends, and even solo adventures! I had the opportunity to visit all the major cities in Italy. Additionally, I ventured out to France, Spain, England, Greece, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary! As a history buff, some of my most treasured experiences included visiting the Colosseum in Rome, exploring the ruins in Athens, walking through the Palace of Versailles, and even taking a tour of the UK Parliament in London! Furthermore, hiking in Switzerland and boating across the stunning, picturesque Lake Como resonated with my nature-loving side. And I can’t overlook the quintessential Italian tourist attractions, from enjoying Aperitivos to taking gondola rides in Venice and striking Instagram poses at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. All in all, I’m thrilled that I took advantage of this unique period in my life to explore not just Italy, but also Europe as a whole, accompanied by both familiar faces and newfound friends!

FRANCIS: As an avid MLB baseball fan, I had the opportunity to attend the Seoul Series this past March, which saw the San Diego Padres take on the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was extraordinary to walk around Seoul in the weeks leading up to the game and see the ads and billboards dedicated to this once-in-a-lifetime event for the city of Seoul and the Korean country as a whole. Going to the game was special as many Koreans went to the game to see Padres player Kim Ha-Seong, but also to see Shohei Ohtani play in Korea, which is truly something extraordinary for most Koreans, given that he is a one-of-a-kind player! 

CMC Student Tips on Making the Most of Your Summer Experience

Your student just locked down their summer internship plans. Now what? Here are some tips from CMCer to CMCer on how to make the most out of summer internships and experiences!

Michael Gadinis ’24: “When the summer is over, write thank you notes to all of those who supported you and helped guide you through your summer internship or experience. Everyone likes receiving a nice, handwritten thank you note. Writing personalized notes about how someone specifically helped you not only is a nice thing to do, but it also really helps keep lines of communication open!”

Jack Farber ’26: Starting in a new environment should be exciting, but may also be a little intimidating. However, remember that this is YOUR experience, and should be seen as such. My advice would be to embrace your summer experience as an opportunity to uncover your passions and understand what you may want to pursue as a potential career. Use this opportunity to ask questions about the organization and industry, volunteer whenever possible, and listen to your colleagues’ advice. These moments can all be great chances to further your personal and professional development!

Adrian Bustamante '25: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone has to start somewhere, so try to absorb as much as you can from your internship. While it may seem intimidating, just remember to take initiative and put your best foot forward. Also try to build relationships with the other interns and colleagues at your internship, some may become your mentor or next best friend.

New Student Parties 2024: Connect with the CMC Community This Summer

This summer, we invite you to join us worldwide with the Office of Alumni and Engagement to greet the Class of 2028, transfer students, and new families. New Student Parties are regional events full of fun and celebration, aiming to connect our newest CMCers and their families with others in their area before embarking on their exciting journey in Claremont.

Expect gatherings in over twenty cities across the United States and the world. Here is a preview:

*These cities will host multiple parties!

Nuevas fiestas para estudiantes 2024: Conéctese con la comunidad de CMC este verano

Este verano, reúnase alrededor del mundo con CMC para darle la bienvenida a nuestros nuevos estudiantes y sus familias. Las fiestas para nuevos estudiantes son eventos regionales llenos de diversión y celebración, cuyo objetivo es conectar a los recién llegados y sus familias con otras personas en su área antes de embarcarse en su viaje hacia Claremont.

Espere reuniones en más de veinte ciudades de los Estados Unidos y el mundo. Aquí hay una previa:

* !Estas ciudades tendrán múltiples fiestas!

Estén atentos para obtener una lista completa de ciudades y detalles de registro a finales de junio.

¡Esperamos verlos pronto!