Saba Fiazuddin

Getting married at Mount Holyoke

Getting married at Mount Holyoke

BY SABA FIAZUDDIN ’21

For members of the Mount Holyoke community, many of life’s most important moments happen on campus, from their first convocation to commencement, with years of beloved traditions in between. For some, this connection extends beyond their final walk through the amphitheater. In addition to more well-known events held in Abbey Chapel and the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center, people can also use these venues for their weddings. Many Mount Holyoke graduates chose to do just that. 

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An insider’s look into the Office of Admissions

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An insider’s look into the Office of Admissions

BY SABA FIAZUDDIN ’21

Every year, the month of March is marked with anxiety for students awaiting admissions decisions from their top colleges. For many students, this time of year is a culmination of standardized tests, all-nighters spent finishing college essays and hours devoted to extracurricular activities. The experience, however, doesn’t just wear down students; it can also be stressful for admissions officers who must read hundreds of applications in a month and make decisions that will affect students for the next four years of their lives.

Deputy Chief Barbara Arrighi reflects on time at Mount Holyoke

Deputy Chief Barbara Arrighi reflects on time at Mount Holyoke

BY SABA FIAZUDDIN ’21

Deputy Chief Barbara Arrighi has worked for the Mount Holyoke police department for almost 44 years. Throughout her career in law enforcement, Arrighi maintained a fervent passion for karate. She has an eighth-degree black belt and is possibly the only woman in the world to be awarded the title of Hanshi, a name given to teachers of masters in Shito-rya International Karate DO Kai. 

Sofia Rivera ’18 makes strides in Puerto Rico and Holyoke

Sofia Rivera ’18 makes strides in Puerto Rico and Holyoke

BY SABA FIAZUDDIN ’21 

When Sofia Rivera ’18 first arrived at Mount Holyoke College in the fall of 2014, she was thousands of miles away from her vibrant community in Puerto Rico and, like most students, felt anxious about being in a place so culturally different. Her anxiety soon subsided as she realized that Puerto Ricans make up almost 50 percent of the population in Holyoke. She instantly felt an affinity for her new home and soon became involved in movements to solve the political issues which affected her community.

Leslie Crossen lights up the Rockies

Leslie Crossen lights up the Rockies

BY SABA FIAZUDDIN ’21

If you happen to stop by Rockefeller dining hall for lunch any day during the week you will likely run into Leslie Crossen, a checker who has been working in the dining hall since 2016. Unbeknownst to Leslie, her uncle John Herr also worked as a checker at Rockies in the exact same spot for 15 years before he retired two years ago. Leslie remembers the shock when, during her interview with Dining Services, the interviewer told her that she would be taking John Herr’s spot. “I knew he worked at a women’s college but I always assumed it was Elms College in Chicopee,” said Crossen. “My cheeks turned red when I realized I would be filling my uncle’s shoes; I couldn’t believe it. I always remembered him telling me that I should work [where he did] because it’s such a great place but I never knew he was talking about Mount Holyoke.”

The evolving tradition of gracious dinners

The evolving tradition of gracious dinners

BY SABA FIAZUDDIN ’21 

The gracious dinner tradition has been a key component of Mount Holyoke life for decades. In the 1950s students would dress up for a special meal, known as “gracious living” dinners, which were served in dorms and often followed by tea or coffee in the common room. Through the years, the tradition has evolved — for example, students are no longer required to come wearing stockings and heels — and the launch of centralized dining in the spring will kick-start a new phase. 

Students celebrate Halloween at Spooky Skate

Students celebrate Halloween at Spooky Skate

BY SABA FIAZUDDIN ’21 

On Saturday, Halloween spirit reached its peak as Mount Holyoke students dressed up in costumes and made their way to Spooky Skate in Chapin Auditorium. From 8 to 10 p.m. Chapin was converted into a roller rink with games, a photo booth, pizzas and numerous other activities. Students clad in elaborate costumes started queuing up outside Chapin at least 30 minutes before to seize their chance at the roller rink.

Housekeeping language rumor clarified

BY SABA FIAZUDDIN ’21  AND FALGUNI BASNET ’21 

Mount Holyoke’s Building on our Momentum (BOOM) conference that was held on March 26 and 27 featured a number of sessions reflecting on Mount Holyoke’s efforts to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. One of the workshops led by Acting President Sonya Stephens was titled “Mount Holyoke in the 21st Century,” and featured group discussions addressing community concerns.

Internat’l students tackle language barriers

Internat’l students tackle language barriers

BY SABA FIAZUDDIN ’21

Moving to a new place is always challenging, regardless of who you are and where you come from. International students, however, not only have to deal with the complications of acclimating to a new place, but also have to spend a significant period of time trying to get accustomed to the culture and social life of their new home.

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