Which Gilmore Girls characters would thrive at UMass?
During the fall season, every girl loves to romanticize their studying with the seasonal comfort show: Gilmore Girls. This show is about a bright, intelligent girl, Rory Gilmore, and her close relationship with her mom, Lorelai Gilmore, who works at the local inn. This show is known for its hilarious dialogue and the close-knit relationships in the small town of Stars Hollow. Rory follows her dreams of getting into an Ivy League school for English and Journalism by attending Yale. Her best friend, Lane Kim, ends up leaving college to focus on her rock band, Hep Alien. Kirk Gleason, a friend from Stars Hollow, is considered a “workaholic” as he holds various town occupations. Yet, if Rory did not attend an Ivy, if Lane attended college, and if Kirk did not hold so many jobs in Stars Hollow, would they consider the University of Massachusetts Amherst? UMass offers many opportunities because of its diverse culture, and these characters would have plenty of chances to thrive!
Rory Gilmore
If Rory decided to attend UMass instead of Yale, she would be in the English program because it aligns with her academic and career interests. Rory would be able to take rigorous English courses while simultaneously taking journalism classes because UMass allows students to easily double major across different departments. While studying for these classes, she would be seen at the W.E.B. Du Bois Library, located across from South College, where English classes are held. She could study at the bottom of the library with Lane or read at the top, where no one would disturb her.
The library is the perfect place for a bookworm like her, as it has hundreds of specialized British and American works. UMass has many reading spots she would enjoy, as the campus has a “small-town charm” feel, similar to Stars Hollow. Especially during the fall, when the scenery is beautiful with all the leaves turning different colors. She would also have access to the Five College Consortium, allowing her to take specialized English and creative writing classes at Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and Hampshire College at no extra cost. This way, she would get a smaller seminar feel similar to that of an Ivy League college. To gain experience for potential jobs, Rory could join the Massachusetts Daily Collegian, the student-run newspaper. Also, when Lorelai visits for a family weekend, they would both really enjoy UMass’s number-one dining halls, where they could have burgers, fries, and coffee, similar to Luke’s.Â
Lane Kim
For Lane, UMass Amherst is not just about academics; it would be an escape from Stars Hollow, specifically her strict mother, Mrs. Kim. UMass will offer her the independence she needs from home. Instead of hiding her drum set under the floorboards of her house, she could participate in the indie rock scene on campus. Finding her crowd easily, sharing similar interests, and seeing new bands every weekend. Crucially, she would be able to recreate her own band, Hep Alien 2.0, by utilizing the UMass Music Network and posting flyers all over campus. Lane could easily find a dedicated bassist and guitarist to play shows, gigs, and events with. To appease Mrs. Kim, Lane could even use the BDIC program to design a custom major called “cultural studies,” which is really about rock history or band management. Also, living on campus would let her eat UMass’ award-winning food instead of Mrs. Kim’s flaxseed recipes.Â
Kirk Gleason
If Kirk decides to leave Stars Hollow to attend a University later in life, UMass Amherst would be a fantastic choice. He would ignore the traditional academic experience to monopolize all the jobs on campus. After trying to apply for every job on the HR portal, Kirk would be frantically running from one job to the next. The middle-aged freshman would be checking students in at Berkshire Dining Hall, scooping ice cream at Blue Wall, driving the PVTA Route 30 bus, and sweeping the floors at the Mullins Center after a hockey or basketball game. He would have no time to go back and change, so the best solution would be to wear one uniform under the other (honestly, perfect for cold weather). His favorite job, of course, would be dressing up as Sam the Minute Man at any and every event. The crowd would love him because he would hype them up at each sporting event. As a film studies major, Kirk would spend whatever free time he had left to direct incredibly hilarious movies all across campus. He would then show, or more so force, everyone to watch a three-hour-long black-and-white “masterpiece” that he worked so incredibly hard on.Â
And that’s how each Gilmore Girls character would be at UMass!
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