Jessie Harrington

Bio:

Hello everyone! My name is Jessie Harrington and I'm a freshman here at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I'm majoring in Hospitality and Tourism (HTM) and am specifically interested in hotel management. I'm super excited to be a student blogger and share my experiences with everyone as I navigate my way through freshman year here at Umass Amherst!

Where I'm From:

I'm from Ipswich MA, a small coastal town an hour north of Boston, MA. Our town is known for its clams, beaches, and marshes. My downtown area is much like Amherst's: not very big but filled with a decent amount of restaurants and small shops.

Where I am on Campus:

If anyone wants to pop by to say hi, I'm currently living in a lowrise in Southwest Area. I'm in the Isenberg Fellows RAP, which has granted me this prime living location only a minute's walk from Hampshire Dining.

Why Umass Amherst?

I chose Umass Amherst for a number of reasons. First off, it has my major. Hospitality and tourism isn't a major offered by all schools and the Isenberg School of Management has a very good reputation. Next comes the food. You can't forget about the dining around here and let me just say, it has been absolutely phenomenal so far. It's also only a two-hour drive from where I grew up, so convenience was another factor that came into play. Financially it was also one of my smarter options. Overall Umass Amherst has so much to offer through clubs, academics, internships, etc.

Why my major?

I chose HTM because I always knew I wanted to go into the business field. I worked at a restaurant all through high school, which introduced me to the world of customer service. I realized that I could combine my love of the service industry with my passion for travel through HTM.

Community Involvement

As a freshman, I'm still figuring it all out! I just signed up for two major-related clubs: Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) and American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), and am still in the process of choosing what other clubs I'd like to stick with. I'll keep you guys posted on here when I do figure it out!

Random Facts About Me

I have a dog named Bruce! He's named after the shark in Finding Nemo.
I was adopted from China as a baby.
I'm not very musical... I played the cello for 5 years but was never good at it
I'm really into photography and photo editing. My favorite editing software is Adobe Lightroom.
I hope to study abroad for at least a semester in college if not more, traveling has always interested me.
Along those lines, I've been to Peru and France. Both very different, but super cool!
I ran Track and XC all through HS but will not be continuing in college.
I still like to stay active and enjoy being outside hiking, kayaking, or just exploring.

My Content

Summer Weekend Getaway: 2020 Edition

Image of a large lake, with a boulder and tree in the foreground, and text reading Fourth of July Weekend Getaway

During these unusual times, I’ve been looking for ways to get out of the house while following social distancing guidelines and adjusting to the “new normal” we’ve been creating these last few months. I’ve been longing for a new, and safe, excursion. Lucky for me, I was able to satisfy my travel itch over the fourth of July weekend when I headed up north with my boyfriend and his family to Maine for a relaxing weekend getaway.

My experience at UMass Amherst with a Disability

Jessie smiles while sitting on the campus of the University of Massachusetts

Growing up with a bilateral hearing loss, I struggled to feel like I fit in with my peers while still making sure I was receiving the academic accommodations I needed. Over the yearsI have used a number of different resources, such as FMs (a type of assistive hearing device) and assigned seating, and found out which accommodations do, and do not, work well for me.

Club Spotlight:UMass Dynamics

The University of Massachusetts Dynamics at Wachusett Mountain for a gig

Here at the University of Massachusetts we have lots of opportunities to shine for those with musical talent. For students who love to sing, one of the many ways you can get involved here on campus is through joining one of our nine a cappella groups. UMass Dynamics is one of the oldest co-ed a cappella groups here on campus, founded back in 2005. The group tries to keep a fairly diverse setlist, however their current songs have a strong emphasis on R&B music.

Meet the Major: Exploratory Track in Natural Sciences

Like many other first-year students, Matthew Bird wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life when he came to college. He knew he had a strong passion for science, and that he wanted to be able to explore the options within the field, making the exploratory track in natural sciences a perfect match. The exploratory tracks are designed for students coming into UMass Amherst who are exploring options before choosing a major.

Meet the Major: Neuroscience and Biology

University of Massachusett student MP grew up with a wanna be northern spirit and submitting her deposit was a fairytale type moment

Neuroscience and biology double major MP grew up in Jackson, Mississippi feeling like a “misplaced carpetbagger” with a “wannabe-northern spirit”. She describes her college application process as anything but easy, as she applied to over 20 schools.

Meet the Major: Exploratory Track for Isenberg

Image of University of Massachusetts business exploratory track student Jillian

Jillian Dimmock is a rising sophomore here at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She comes from a family of UMass Amherst grads, as her older sister and dad both graduated from the school.

Meet the Major: Nutrition

Kaylyn Carlucci, University of Massachusetts nutrition major, with text saying "food impacts our physical and mental health in ways not everyone realizes"

Kaylyn Carlucci is a freshman nutrition major here at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She decided to attend UMass Amherst because she wanted to attend a school with endless opportunities.

Afternoon Adventure in Northampton

A view through a chain-link fence into the quaint tree-lined downtown of Northampton, Massachusetts

While we are practicing our social distancing back in the comfort of our own homes, I have been thinking about my college bucket list. One experience I hope to have when I'm back to school is taking a day trip to Northampton with my friends.

Sisters on the Runway: Taking a Stand Against Domestic Violence

A collage of fashion images at the Sisters on the Runway fashion show at the University of Massachusetts

With the university shifting to remote classes for the time being, we will be missing out on the vibrant campus life that is part of studying at a large institution. Not long before Spring Break, I attended the Sisters on the Runway annual fashion show, held on Sunday March 1, 2020.

Meet Grace: UMass Amherst Admissions Vlog

Freshman communication major Grace talks about adjusting to life at the University of Massachusetts, changing her major, and things she likes to do on campus.

Hospitality and Tourism Management Rapid Recruiting & Career Fair Part 1

Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) major Maiya talks about her experience at HTM Rapid Recruiting at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Touring Exclusive Floridian Country Clubs with UMass Amhersts' CMAA Chapter

University of Massachusetts students learning to play golf with the president of the PGA, Suzy Whaley

For New England natives, January brings freezing temperatures and piles of snow. Many would agree that Florida’s warm weather and lush green climate sounds like the ideal winter vacation.

Tips for Choosing Classes at the University of Massachusetts

Text saying Choosing classes at the University of Massachusetts, with an image of a weekly schedule.

Choosing classes can be daunting, especially when doing it on your own for the first time. First semester, we picked classes at New Students Orientation, where peer and academic advisors basically chose my schedule for me.

Exploring the City that Never Sleeps with UMass Amhersts’ AHLA Club

University of Massachusetts student Jessie in on 43rd Street in NYC

This past Veteran’s Day weekend I went to New York City with the American Hospitality and Lodging Association (AHLA). The AHLA here at the University of Massachusetts Amherst focuses on giving members insight into the hotel industry, and provides students with lots of networking opportunities. While in NYC I got to experience seeing the hotel industry firsthand and was immersed in the real-world experience of the hotel and hospitality industry.

My First Homecoming at the University of Massachusetts!

Campus Instagram celebrity at the University of Massachusetts, @goodboyoncampus

All weekend, UMass Amherst alumni proudly strolled around campus sporting UMass Amherst gear, and attended the various events hosted by the university. When passing a group of older alumni, I jokingly mentioned to my friend how that’d be us one day. It was amazing to see the large turnout of alumni that came back for homecoming weekend, ranging from the class of 1969 to 2018. It just goes to show just how connected and loyal UMass Amherst alumni still are to the school!

Fall Break: First Weekend Home

A tan dog looks out a window on a sunny day at water slowly flowing across the street.

After being at college for almost a month and a half, I took my first trip back home for Columbus Day weekend. The anticipation really built up the week leading up to the holiday, and I was counting down the days till I’d be back home.

Seven Things I Learned in my First Month at the University of Massachusetts

Students walking in front of the minuteman statue at the University of Massachusetts

Reflecting on my first month as a student at the University of Massachusetts, I realize it has been a time of adjustment and growth. My best preparations weren’t always enough for every possibility, but I also found myself challenged, trying new things, and making connections that will help me get accustomed to life away from home and family. All that being said let’s talk about key things I learned!

Why I Chose UMass Amherst

A University of Massachusetts tour guide walks on campus with a group on a beautiful, sunny, fall day.

If you’d asked me a year ago where I would end up for college, I probably would’ve shrugged my shoulders and told you I was “still figuring it out.” I have a habit of putting off things I don’t want to deal with till the last minute. This includes large life-changing decisions like choosing a college.

Syllabus (Sylly) Week Experience

A student holds a pen and piece of paper in a class at the University of Massachusetts

Welcome, to the first week of classes at the University of Massachusetts, or as we call it — syllabus week, or sylly week for short!

Move-In Weekend Events at UMass Amherst

Minute Movers at the University of Massachusetts help new students transport their belongings to dormitories.

The University of Massachusetts put on a variety of events for incoming freshman during Move-In Weekend, which is the long weekend before classes. Whether you are into sports, shopping, or just looking for some good food, there is a little bit of something for everyone!

12 NSO Tips for UMass 2023

Students listen to a presentation in a modern auditorium at the University of Massachusetts New Students Orientation

Tips from Jessie, who attended the June 3-4 NSO.

I just wanted to share some tips and share my experience with you guys for NSO! I just attended the June 3-4th NSO and it made me feel a lot better about the whole college transition in the fall.

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