From Arlington to UMass

Growing up in Arlington, a suburb of Boston, Ella Ford felt like she was living “in a bubble.” She wanted to escape that feeling in college — to enjoy new experiences and meet new people. As an avid enjoyer of the outdoors, she also wanted to live on a campus surrounded by nature. Determined to discover a sense of belonging, she committed to University of Massachusetts Amherst as a psychology and education double major. And although she’s only a first-year student, Ella is already confident that she has found her “second home” at UMass.

Eager to make the most of her time at UMass Amherst, Ella decided to get involved on campus immediately. “I would say getting involved right away was what helped me adjust.” In her first semester, she became a member of UMass’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a student-led organization that seeks to provide affordable housing for low-income families. Ella considers it her favorite activity that she has joined, sharing, “It's been nice to meet people who are all about helping the community.” In addition, being a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity has taught her more about herself and her path in life. “I’ve learned I want to work in a nonprofit, so that's definitely been a big learning curve.”

Ella is also a proud member of the Outing Club, a group of students that meets to hike, ski, rock climb, and more. She loves being outdoors and being surrounded by nature, and the Outing Club was a way for her to meet others just like her. “It's really such a blessing because everyone has common interests.”

Joining campus organizations wasn’t the only avenue that led Ella to cultivating new friendships. As a member of the Commonwealth Honors College, she was able to join a Contemporary Topics Honors Residential Academic Program. “Being in a RAP is a great opportunity to meet new people,” she shared. “Some of my closest friends are the people I met in it.” Beyond her living community, Ella has found lasting friendships through her job as a tour guide. “It’s so fun, and it helps with my work-life balance”.

Above all, being “open to new experiences” has allowed Ella to find herself at UMass Amherst. “People want you to succeed,” she said. “You just have to push yourself out of your comfort zone.”