Name: Darienne Madlala
Class: 2016
Hometown: Durban, South Africa
High School: Walt Whitman High School
Major: Pre-Med
How did you find out about Amherst? What influenced your decision to come here?
I don’t know how I found out about Amherst; I think my mom knew some friends whose kids went here. I love New England and all of my family is in Rhode Island. I basically came here to be closer to my grandmother.
Tell us a bit about where you’re from?
I’m from Durban, South Africa. Durban is basically the best city in South Africa. *giggles* I Love Durban, it has great beaches and I especially love the myriad of cultures represented in the city. Durban has the highest percentage of Indians outside of India, which is quite cool. I had lived in Durban my whole life, but then we moved to Maryland when I was in the 10th grade. When I went back this summer, I got a chance to really explore the rest of my city. I feel like I had to leave Durban in order to really appreciate it.
How was starting high school in South Africa and then completing the last three years in the U.S?
I was at my old school from the first grade and didn’t have to make an effort to make friends. It’s a small school and you sort of knew everyone. Whitman on the other hand is huge. Having to make an effort with people was a new thing for me. Transitioning into the American academic system was also a little difficult. I feel like I grew into the school however, and by my senior it was all good.
You’re a freshman and have been at Amherst for almost a semester. What are some of the things that you like and don’t like about Amherst?
I really like the people here. I feel like the people I associate with are genuinely nice. I was told that you would see the same people all the time; I think that is very true, you see the same people at Amherst, everywhere. I also thought because we’re such a small school, you’d be able to get into every class, but that’s not the case. I’m really enjoying it so far though.
Ideal Date:
That’s such a good question. I’ve never actually thought about an ideal date. It would have to be travelling somewhere, like to Alaska. Camping in Alaska I think, because when you travel with someone, you get to know them. It has to be something challenging, definitely.
If you could have one super power what would it be?
I’d want to relive past events because I feel like your memory does not preserve as much and writing and photos don’t capture those moments as you want sometimes. And another power I’d like to have is to read people’s minds, because some people don’t open up about what they say or do and sometimes I’d like to know what they’re thinking.
Spirit Animal?
A gorilla because gorillas are gentle giants and I feel like they are the most peaceful animals even though they are tough.
Dream Job:
I’d be an underwater videographer. I would also love to make documentaries. My other dream job is to be a pilot. I’d fly helicopters.
Favourite TV Show/Movie:
I love Pirates of the Caribbean and Clueless. I don’t have a favorite Tv show but I’m a reality TV junky.
Extra-Curriculars:
I recently started fencing.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Scuba diving.