Josephine Caroll is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. The first time we chatted,our mutual friend had to leave early and Josephine stayed to keep me company even though she finished eating. We talked about our first childhood memories and favorite things. I got to learn a few things about Jo that day and I hope you all will as well.
Tell me about where are you from:
I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. I love many things about Japan, especially the food: ramen, sushi, and okonomiyaki (basically a combination of an omelet and a pancake – yum!) are my favorites.
How does the weather at Amherst compare to the weather back home?:
The weather in Amherst is not my favorite. Tokyo has all four seasons, like Amherst. But I think Tokyo is more humid in the summer (which I absolutely love) and is not nearly as cold in the wintertime. First year at Amherst, I really struggled as my nose hairs froze when I stepped outside – not to mention all that snow!
Why did you choose to attend Amherst?:
Amherst was one of the first colleges I knew about, because both of my parents attended in the 1980s (they lived in Newport). So I was certain that I was not going to apply to Amherst – no way was I going to follow in their footsteps! What really swung my attitude a whole 180 degrees was the small size of the college and the consortium – I felt like I was getting the best of both the huge university and the cozy liberal arts experiences in one deal. That, combined with my parents’ fond memories of the place, convinced me to apply early decision.
What are you interested in both academically and leisurely?:
I am a Classics major here, and I really enjoy reading Greek and Roman literature – especially the epic poetry and the plays. I am interested in languages, so I am happy with the fact that my major allows me to study two (dead) languages. I am also interested in museums. Last semester, I worked in the Mead Art Museum and the Emily Dickinson Museum, and I really enjoyed leading tours and developing programs.’
What are you passionate about the most?:
I’m gonna cheat and name three things: music, art, and food. I play piano (and I am terrible at it), and I have tremendous respect and awe for musicians. Live music gets me going, whether it be jazz or opera or a DJ at a club. Secondly, I cannot draw to save my life, but I love meandering through corridors of museums (the Louvre almost made me cry with joy). Finally, I love all kinds of food. I wish I had four stomachs like a cow so I could eat all that much more.
Tell me the best memory of your first year:
My parents sent me way too much Halloween candy, so I decided to throw an impromptu party in my dorm room in Williston. It was that point in the semester where I hardly knew anyone well enough to call them my friend, but that evening I danced in my small room to electroswing with someone who is one of my closest friends today.
What are your plans for the rest of your time at Amherst and beyond:
I definitely want to remain adventurous for the rest of my time at Amherst. I’ve only taken one five college course, and I want to branch out to another college before I leave! I want to take classes that are out of my comfort zone, too – gotta take full advantage of the open curriculum! I also want to continue my involvement with the museums in the area; I am interested in museum work or education as career paths, so I want to explore in my last year what aspects of those careers I enjoy and excel at.
What is the best compliment you’ve received?:
At the Mead Art Museum, I led a group of fifth graders to look at some paintings. Afterwards, one girl came up to me and told me that I made art a lot more interesting for her – knowing that my passion for the art got through to her and impacted her really made my day.