Zachary Wald

Class of 2025

Hometown: Newton, MA

Major(s): Biology major, History minor

Campus Involvements: CHC Ambassador, President of the Jewish Students Union, Lead TA for Bio 151

How did you find a sense of community and belonging at CHC and UMass? What experiences or resources helped you feel connected and supported?

I feel that I was most able to find my place on campus through my involvement with Hillel. Connecting with this part of my identity as well as students of similar backgrounds was critical to making a large campus feel a bit smaller and to finding my home at UMass. Within the CHC, I was able to build a community through my involvement in BioTAP, a RAP program designed to bring together students interested in Biology. Studying and living with this amazing group of peers allowed me to forge relationships that have endured to this day.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

I would tell the first year students to not be afraid to really put themselves out there. College is a once in a lifetime experience and this is a great opportunity to decide what kind of person you want to be in your undergrad years and beyond. Take that class that seems interesting but hard. Apply for that job or club that you think seems out of reach. Talk to those people you might be nervous to talk to. You never know what great things will come of it.