This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bates chapter.
Bates College’s Class of 2015 is full of incredible women who are about to graduate and make their mark on this world. We wanted to give you a sampler of some of the amazing women who we go to school with. Meet a Fulbright winner, women who are exploring new opportunities and interests after graduation, aspiring teachers, women who are dedicated to the STEM careers, a Boston Marathon runner and a soon to be MIT post-grad. Our women here at Bates are fantastic. They are listening to what the world needs and are going out to fill those pockets!
HANNAH SIEGEL of Tokyo, Japan
What are your plans after graduating?
I’m not absolutely sure what I’m doing after graduation but I’m currently looking for jobs in event planning and event management in the DC area! I’m leaning more towards being a project coordinator or assistant at a company that is involved with corporate events.
Tell us about some of the good times at Bates College!
One of my favorite memories is the first time I did puddle jump! It was a relatively warm day and it was so much fun being a part of something that has been a long-lasting tradition here. It was cold, but it was worth it. A close second would be performing in Isaiah’s thesis this year and developing such a close tie with the people in that performance. We got along so well and I loved dancing along side them.
How did you decide what you wanted to do after graduation?
I honestly only figured out I wanted to go into event planning this past summer. I always have loved meeting new people, socializing and organizing events. After a hospitality internship with the Hilton in Tokyo, I realized that I really enjoyed the fast paced, very active aspect of event planning and had the more OCD, detail oriented side of me which is good to have when you’re going into an industry of planning.
What advice would you give to younger you?
Probably…don’t take things too seriously but at the same time keep that drive that pushes you forward and onto bigger and better opportunities!
ALIZA KHURRAM of Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Tell us what you’re doing after graduation!
I am going to start my Masters in mechanical engineering at MIT this coming fall. If that goes well, I intend to stay on to complete a PhD.
What is one of your most favorite memories from Bates?
Honestly, there are countless memories! One day I remember I went on white water rafting trip with my best friends here. I kind of felt as if I was dragged into this because I had never done anything like this before. While I was there, I jumped into the water while the rapids were extreme. I couldn’t believe that I did this; I had no idea how to swim and I was scared for my life! After that everyone jumped into the water one by one and we just drifted off so freely – screaming. I just went into panic mode and made such a fool out of myself. Looking back though, I think it was truly an exhilarating experience more than anything. It is one of the craziest things I have ever done! On a less life-threatening note, I really enjoyed watching movie marathons with a couple of my friends almost everyday of short term (math camp!) my freshman year. I am not a big movie person so movie marathons was a novel and interesting concept for me. Even though I probably gained my freshman-fifteen during this time, I think I started to build some lifelong friendships that month. I still laugh thinking about the weird movies we watched then.
Why did you choose this career path?
I chose engineering because (in my opinion) it is a field that never gets boring. There will always be problems to solve. And there will almost always be more than just one way of solving a particular problem. There is just so much scope for innovation, and that to me is really exciting.
What advice would you give to younger you?
Always try and be surrounded by people who believe in your abilities and who challenge you. You will be surprised by how much the people around you influence your decisions. I would have never been able to make some of the best decisions of my life (which includes applying to MIT) without the support and encouragement from fabulous people around me!
JAMILIA DAVIS of Chicago, Illinois
What are your plans after college?
After graduation I will be relocating to Cleveland, Ohio to work for City Year. I will be doing a variety of things but my main goal is to focus on community building with schools and their communities as well as work with students at risk for dropping out of high school by tutoring, helping students and families get better attendance records, and general mentoring.
What is your favorite moment from Bates College?
I have so many memories at Bates! I remember there was a blackout on campus one Saturday night during short term. My friends and I were preparing to go to a party so after the lights went out we decided to head to the off campus house. We were completely unaware that the entire campus did not have lights, we just thought it was our building! After we had taken the long (it isn’t really that long but we are really that lazy) walk, we found out the party wasn’t really happening because there was no electricity in the house. After a few minutes of boredom we decided to go to Denny’s. All twelve of us…in one car. There were people in the trunk, three people in the front seat, and maybe a person on the roof I don’t know. While I absolutely do not recommend such reckless use of a vehicle, it was so fun! Nothing is more fun than after midnight at Denny’s when campus is super quiet! My friends and I still think about the ridiculousness of this day, and I’m pretty sure I have video footage lol.
How did you decide what you wanted to do after graduation?
I seem to have naturally turned towards education as a career path. Luckily at Bates we get the opportunity to work in classrooms and after school programs to gain some experience. Many can’t handle it, but those of us that find a passion in it become educators of some sort.
What advice do you have for younger self?
Take education courses! It sometimes bothers me when people get education internships for the sake of having something to do after graduation. Education is so important and children need people in schools who want to be there and who know at least a little bit about what they are doing and the larger implications of it. I would definitely say volunteer, take education courses, be conscious, be an activist, and recognize your positionality when working in such settings.
HANNAH CHORY of Weston, Massachusetts
What are your plans after graduation?
I do not have a job yet, but after graduation, I am planning on moving to Boston and being a Clinical Research Assistant at a hospital in Boston or working in a healthcare tech start up.
What is one of your favorite things to do at Bates College?
One of my favorite activities at Bates is watching the Pub Crawl. Watching it is hilarious and has made me so excited to participate in it this short term if we are able to do it !! Another one of my favorite activities / past times at Bates is sitting in commons for hours with friends and eating second dinners. Way back when, AESOP was also one of my favorite memories – particularly the first day we arrived and the leaders jumped out at us from the puddle. I immediately felt the sense of community that I have come to love at Bates.
How did you decide what you wanted to do after graduation?
I am choosing between a clinical career path and a more business health career path. Throughout my four years at Bates, I have realized how much I have come to love and appreciate people and working with them – this is what makes me interested in having patients. But Bates has also made me much more open minded to different career possibilities.
What would you tell younger you?
Some advice for a younger me, would be to smile and relax more, enjoy college, the people, and the work. I would also tell my younger self to be more spontaneous and live in the moment
BARBARA CRESPO of Bronx, New York
What are your plans after graduating?
I just received a Fulbright to teach in Guatemala! I am in the process of becoming a certified teacher in New York.
What is one of your favorite memories from Bates?
It is hard to choose one memory. One of the things I love the most about Bates is that it truly gives you a lot to cherish, but if I had to go ahead and choose one favorite memory I would say that it would have to be my second gala. I was surrounded by so much love and amazing people.
How did you decide on what you wanted to do after graduation?
I am interested in a career as a teacher, particularly becoming an English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learners (ELL) teacher. Eventually I would love to become a High School Program coordinator and provide high quality programs to ensure high school students are on track to apply and enroll in four-year universities. I’m also very interested in engaging my students in community environmental activities! My own involvement in community projects led me to declare a major in Environmental Studies and an Educational Studies minor. As an ES major I developed a passion for the topics of environmental racism and environmental justice. My concentration and wonderful advisor made me fall in love with this major. I knew that I wanted to share my knowledge, awareness, and passion for education with my students in the Bronx,New York.
Any advice for younger you?
You are here for a reason, and you’ll get to where you need to be at the right time. First, find your voice. This can and will be remarkably difficult. But once you find a voice, I don’t think anything or anyone can stop you.