Name: Zandra Davis
Year: Junior, Frances Perkins Scholar
Major: Human Geography
Hometown: Homer, Alaska
Why Did You Choose Mount Holyoke?
I was going to school in Alaska, which is where I live, and from the time I was a small child I wanted to go to school on the East Coast. But I’m a first generation student, and so I never thought that I’d actually go to school, let alone a really nice women’s college on the East Coast. It was always just a dream. But while I was at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, they have a program with other universities called National Student Exchange and through that, I found UMass Amherst, the only school in that program in the area. Through UMass, I took an Amherst class and in that Amherst class, there were Mount Holyoke women. They were some of the only students in that class who really intellectually engaged with the material in a way that I was craving and striving for. I didn’t even know Mount Holyoke existed before taking that Amherst College class through the Five College Consortium. It was in that class that I met other women who spoke well and really engaged with the material, so I learned about Mount Holyoke through them. So after that, I came here and did a tour of the campus and learned about the Frances Perkins program, and I applied two days later. It was really lucky because applications were due two days before I found out about the program, so I had two days to get my application together and come in for an interview. You know when you feel like the universe has put you in a spot right at the right moment? I really feel that way with being here.
What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
I’m really proud of the way that I can connect with people. I really pride myself in having a lot of compassion and having the ability to speak with and be comfortable with a lot of different types of people. I feel like that has helped me in my life in so many different ways. I care very deeply about the people that I interact with even if only for a short period of time or people I interact with over a long period of time.
Why did you choose Human Geography as a major?
It was a way I could bring together my diverse work and traveling experiences with academics. I was also drawn to the interdisciplinary aspect of the degree because I had learned, through work and travel, how important it was to understand all of the forces shaping the way people live and interact on and with the earth.
Who has influenced you the most in your life?
My biggest influence didn’t come into my life until I was 20. Her name is Michelle and is my fiancé’s sister-in-law. She gave me many things, including tips on how to dress and shop, which was so important to me because I grew up poor and, in addition, had no idea how to dress for my body type. It’s amazing how one can feel more capable and ready for work/school/life if dressed in a way that makes one feel confident. She believed in my education and always advocated for it. She didn’t have education handed to her, either, but had to fight for it. She gave me the pathway to start my education even if it meant not starting as a traditional-aged student or with any idea of how to navigate the higher education system. If I had doubts in myself or my capabilities, she always reminded me of my strength and courage. She’s a huge part in how I continue to shape myself into the woman that I am now. Another huge influence in my life is my best friend and partner in this life, Michael, my fiancé. He has also been my advocate and support network through my education. But, on top of that, he’s made me belly-laugh for six years and has shown me what it’s like to be loved and respected in the highest of ways. I wouldn’t be here一the more conscious, capable, loving, fierce, life-learner meㅡwithout either one of them.
What advice would you give to other Mount Holyoke students?
Learning is a lifelong process. Find the humor in your mistakes. Surround yourself with only the people who respect and love you in the utmost and unselfish of ways. It makes for a rich life. Approach everyday with integrity and courage…and humility. I’m gonna throw in humility there, too.