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Fluffy clouds line the sky in a large green field in Amherst, Massachusetts
Book & Plow Farm in Amherst

During the fall 2024 semester, I captured as many moments as possible on camera. I wanted to ensure I would always have pictures to look back on that show how wonderful my last fall semester at UMass Amherst was. Here are some photos depicting my second-to-last semester of college.

During the warmer months, I made sure to spend a lot of time walking around Amherst and exploring the bike trail. One of the pictures I took shows my favorite view from the Book & Plow Farm on the Amherst College campus, which is located just off the bike trail. My friends and I also made it a point to get together on the weekends and go for long walks from North Amherst Center to downtown. This was a great way to spend time together while also being outside. 

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A group of five students stand in an orchard in Massachusetts and take a selfie in front of a mirrored surface
Park Hill Orchard

My friends and I also made a trip to Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton. This apple orchard features sculptures and art exhibits throughout, enhancing the apple-picking experience. This was just one of our off-campus adventures during the semester, but easily one of my favorites.

In October, my family came to UMass to tailgate for one of the last home games of the season against Wagner College. My parents cooked a bunch of delicious food, and we spent the day hanging out with my friends and tossing around the football. This was one of my favorite days of the semester and was a great way to show school spirit. 

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Nina and her father stand outside at the University of Massachusetts
At the tailgate with my Dad
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Nina and a friend setting the table for dinner
My friend Tommy's housewarming party

Earlier in the semester, my roommates and I visited our friend Tommy, a recent UMass grad, who hosted a housewarming party in Boston. Tommy graduated from Commonwealth Honors College in 2023, and is currently a PhD candidate in the chemical engineering department at MIT. This was such a fun night and gave me a glimpse of what life might look like after graduation! Staying in touch with friends who have already graduated has been an exciting experience because I love seeing what UMass graduates are up to.

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People painting pumpkins at a pumpkin painting event at the Massachusetts Daily Collegian
Pumpkin painting event for the Massachusetts Daily Collegian
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Two people smiling while standing in the snow in downtown Amherst
In downtown Amherst with my friends

Right before Halloween, I hosted a pumpkin painting event for the Massachusetts Daily Collegian! It was a wonderful opportunity for the Collegian staff to come together and express their artistic creativity. We were also joined by some students from outside the Collegian, who came to paint pumpkins as well. The event was a lot of fun for everyone, and we still have some of the painted pumpkins displayed in the office!

On this night, my friends and I ventured downtown to play trivia, which is one of our favorite things to do. On our way out, it started snowing for the first time this winter. We spent some time taking photos in the snow and making snow angels. Downtown Amherst felt like a winter wonderland, decorated for the holidays, with the snow glistening off the lights strung throughout the area.

On December 8th, I woke up bright and early to participate in Northampton’s annual Hot Chocolate Run with my friend Maggie. This event is a community celebration hosted by Safe Passage, an organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence. This year, they raised $838,000 — exceeding their initial goal by $38,000. Running this race was such a great experience, and it was amazing to see how many people came together to support an important cause. I also was happy to support an organization that works directly with the Community Scholars Program (CSP). During the race, I saw some of my CSP classmates as well as my professor, Deborah Keisch. Engaging in community events as a student can be so fulfilling, and is something I am so glad I did during my time at UMass.

This past semester was one of my favorites so far and I loved being able to share these photos! I am looking forward to my final semester at UMass, but also tightly holding onto my last days here. 

People running at the Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton, Massachusetts
Hot Chocolate Run
Article posted in Student life for Prospective students and Current students