Hi I'm Avery, a sophomore at Bowdoin college planning to double major in History and Government and Legal studies. I am a member of the rowing team and women's water polo team. I also love being involved on campus through the Bowdoin Outing Club (BOC), my college house MacMillan as its campus liaison, and more!

Hometown

My hometown is Wellesley, MA.

Major(s)

History, Government and Legal Studies

Minor(s)

English

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Rowing Team, Women's Water Polo Team, MacMillan College House, Bowdoin Outing Club, Catholic Student's Union

Describe your college experience

Arriving at Bowdoin on move in day I felt nervous, but also so excited. I went to a very small all girls’ high school, so going to a larger (though considered a small college in the grand scheme of things) school meant many new faces to meet and future friendships to develop. I was placed in an Orientation trip group that went backpacking through the Bowdoin Outing Club, which immersed me in the Maine outdoors and closer relationships with 10 of my fellow classmates. Though many new experiences arrived swiftly at once, my transition into freshman year became more smooth as I found a rhythm in classes and new friends through club sports and on-campus activities.

Tip for future students

My biggest tip for new students is to have an open mind about wherever you are headed for college, and to remember that everyone is in the same boat. Meaning, everyone is feeling nervous. With this in mind, I would have told myself to just relax and be myself, leading to authentic and lasting new relationships.

Favorite class

This is such a difficult question for a student of the liberal arts! Since my absolute favorite subject is history though, I would say that my favorite class so far has been my history course “Apartheid in South Africa.” I took this class in the first semester, and learned so much about both the subject itself and what it means to be a college-level history student. I learned so much about South African specific history regarding settler colonial systems, as well as how segregation and oppression function in legal models.

Career goals

My current ambition is to continue my eduction in law school. Bowdoin classes have filled me with the passion to pursue legal work, and I hope to narrow my focus in law school. Some careers I am interested in include litigation in Federal Indian Law and an Art and Antiquities Advocate, engaging with repatriation, restitution, and cultural heritage.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is to hangout with friends by participating in a fun on-campus activity. While a casual hangout with friends is always nice, I enjoy most when the clubs I am in organize engaging events for members. An example of a fun school night was when the rowing team held the game sardines in our theater facility. Another fun activity on campus is ice skating on the central quad during the winter months. An ideal night would end with snacks from the "C store," our on-campus convenience store.

High school or secondary school

Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart.

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite place on campus is the campus Cafe in Smith Union. There are so many cozy chairs, tables, and work benches that facilitate anything from leisurely hangouts with friends to focused studying. And what's not better than a coffee or pastry while you read, chat, or work?