Perspectives of a Freshman

EndOfTheWorld
Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:59:52 +0000

Hello Austina!

If you go to a Pomona dining hall, you’ll see racial subdivisions quite often. Not all the time, but they exist. Whites tend to sit together. International students are a very tight knit group. However, you take the initiative and no one will judge you for sitting in a predominantly student of color table as a White student, and vice versa. I personally have made friends of every race and have never felt judged in any way. Events tend to be very diverse- I remember how many non-Asians showed up for the Asian Banquet!

I personally think Pomona is getting considerably diverse over the years and thus racial differences are becoming less apparent. That is not always a good thing. Yes, we may be coexistent and accepting, but I never really feel racial diversity is acknowledged by everyone. I am not accusing students of being racist because they are FAR from that, but race very rarely comes up as an issue of significance beyond incidents of political correctness (for example, choosing to dress up as Pocahontas for Halloween). That being said, perspectives are valued very highly here, and they can often be brought up by racial upbringings.

Cliques are really what separate Pomona, not race and income standards. Hipsters, jocks, social butterflies, loners, intellectuals…they do tend to huddle around one another. Classes are also important- if you are a part of a very difficult class and go to mentoring sessions, you will form strong bonds with most of your classmates despite them being the complete opposite of you.

Pomona is not cliquey in the bad way though! As I said before, there is no rigidity in terms of who goes where. I would personally label myself as a loner, but I have friends from all of the categories I listed above. That is really where the diversity of Pomona comes in- everyone is so smart, yet so different, and it’s just an amazing learning experience. Maybe cliques are just part of the inevitability of life as we try to see where we fit in a place away from home =)

Hello Mamabear1234,
On the Club has become so big (I think it’s the most joined 5C organization) that Pomona has actually opened an Outdoor Education Center(OEC) which has tons of equipment for students to rent. On the Loose sponsors about a trip a week to some amazing places and you don’t even have to be an official member to go as every Pomona student gets listings from them. For example, this week, there is a trip to Mammoth Lakes from 11/8-11/11 open to all Claremont College students, and while there is equipment needed, students can rent from the OEC.

I love OTL. I have visited Joshua Tree National Park with them and it was such a memorable experience. For those who feel like Pomona won’t be outdoorsy enough, I am amazed by how geographically diverse and beautiful California is!

On the Loose is also the most funded 5C organization, so most events tend to be free. Transportation is usually limited so you have to sign up quickly, but if you’re passionate, you can go on whatever trip you want to.

EDIT- Wow, there are many events happening this weekend! Check them out at On The Loose;