From Topsfield to UMass Amherst

“Originally, UMass wasn't one of my top choices, but after touring and talking with a couple of current students, I realized that it would be a great fit for me,” says current freshman Silas McLellan. Stories like this are pretty common among UMass Amherst students, but that is where similarities end as each student explores their own unique path as soon as they step onto campus. Silas, for example, has already found a collection of activities that combine with his political science major to fit his distinct personality. 

Coming from Topsfield, Massachusetts, Silas admitted that “it took a while to get used to the large environment of such an expansive state university. In high school, I knew almost all of my peers, but here at UMass, I know a much smaller percentage.” But he took advantage of this transition by trying new things and building a unique community and group of friends. “Going to the club fair at the beginning of the semester was super helpful; I got onto a bunch of email lists and was able to follow up with a couple of clubs that seemed interesting,” he said. From there, Silas could pick and choose the clubs that would form his new community and identity as a UMass student.

Although UMass does not have any religious affiliation, it is still a place rich with religious communities. As a Christian, Silas “wanted to find a religious organization that would support me through college, and I found that with Cru,” a Christian ministry on campus that provides spiritual guidance and friendship via meetings, prayer groups, and even spring break trips. Most importantly, Silas thinks that “Cru allows me to stay disciplined spiritually.”

In addition to Cru, Silas engages in other activities on campus such as Outing Club, an excellent way to familiarize oneself with the natural beauty of Western Massachusetts. Silas was drawn to Outing Club because of their adventurous “hikes, something I always loved doing with my family.” He also contributes to WMUA, the UMass radio station, where he can “express myself musically and share my love of soul music with listeners.” And finally, Silas is a member of Club Tennis, which he sees as a “space to improve my skills and play low-stakes matches with other students.”

Although Silas was initially overwhelmed by the size of his new home, he quickly learned to take advantage of all the opportunities it offered to build the life he wanted. That is why he urges all incoming students “to get involved early! It's the best decision I made, and even if you decide to step back from some of the things you committed to, at least you'll know what works for you.”