These student leaders will help you transition to life at HWS. First-Year Mentors are an integral part of each First-Year Seminar. You will meet regularly with your mentor to discuss coursework and receive assistance on anything from writing papers to planning projects to studying more effectively. Your mentor also serves as a good resource for any questions you may have about life as a college student.
Xavier Avilés ’28 (he/him)
FSEM 16 Cars R Us What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? My advisor, Professor Renee Monson. She helped me (and continues to help me) with finding my footing at HWS. Whether it be academic queries or personal, she has always made herself available as a reliable resource for me to use
FSEM 41 CORALations: Connecting through Corals What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One of the activities I feel that everyone should experience at least once is day of service. It is a fun time where people from all over campus regardless of grade get together to serve the community. It’s a fun social event with a lot of food and where you end the day feeling good about yourself.
FSEM 119 Information and Misinformation: Thinking Critically about Science in a Digital Age Where do you find community at HWS? Personally, I find community within the clubs and agencies I am part of on campus. I am part of HWS EMS, which works to strengthen our community and keep our students safe. There are so many opportunities to engage with like-minded people on campus.
FSEM 78-01 Sustainability Mythbusters: A Living and Learning Community What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? A Provenzano Student Gallery opening! These events are a great way to get to know your professors outside of class and see incredible artwork by your peers!
FSEM 5 Trust and Betrayal What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? With my Chemistry Professor, Kristin Slade. With HWS being a liberal arts school, it is easier to build connections with professors during their office hours and with having a smaller class size. With my connection, I feel more comfortable asking for help or admitting when I feel like I am struggling because our connection humanizes professors and has us as students realize that they are here to help us and that they understand what it is like to be a college student and a person.
FSEM 139 Mars! What course has surprised you the most? The course that has surprised me the most at HWS is the Introduction to Jamaican Dance course that I have been taking this semester. I have never considered myself much of a dancer, however this class has given me a new outlet for expression and joy, while learning about a topic that I know little about. This was out of my comfort zone and I am so glad that I decided to enroll in this course. I would recommend taking it if you ever get the chance!
FSEM 143 Berlin - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? I became really close with the people on my floor in Jackson Hall. Since we didn’t know anyone yet, we spent a lot of time together chatting, eating and working in the common room. I’m lucky to still have the friendships I made in my first year at HWS.
FSEM 88 Shaping Spaces: How We Design and Understand the World Around Us Where do you find community at HWS? Community really is everywhere. You can find community by joining clubs, going to campus events, or even just putting yourself out there and talking to people in your classes. Everyone is open to friends, so don’t be nervous talking to others! They’ll all appreciate it.
FSEM 58 Unsinkable What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Go to at least one sporting event! It's a great way to gain some school spirit, support our student athletes, and get a chance to de-stress! I personally love going to Hockey games, but any sport will do!
FSEM 20 20 Questions What is your favorite course so far? My favorite course so far has been Econ 105 (Introduction to Political Economy). I’ve always been interested in both economics and politics, but taking this class really opened my eyes to how interconnected these subjects are. I learned so much that I never would’ve expected, and it’s helped shape the way I see the world.
FSEM 63 "X" Marks your Spot What course has surprised you the most? A course that surprised me the most was the art history course Black Arts in America with Professor Angelique Szymanek. I knew I was going to like the course because I enjoy art in general, but I became more passionate about art history after taking this course. It made me realize how interdisciplinary art and art history really is and how many social, cultural and historical nuances go into the creation of art and the consumption of art in general.
FSEM 53 Living with AI: Data, Society, and Machines that Learn Describe the moment that HWS became your home. Honestly, I'd say on the first night. Move-in day is super daunting and chaotic, but once you've settled in, you realize that you've made your room your own. I was definitely a little homesick, but I was more excited to start rowing and studying what I wanted to study.
FSEM 078-02 Sustainability Mythbusters: A Living and Learning Community What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? A meaningful connection I made in my first year was with the other first year girls that lived on the same floor as me. We all became very close throughout the year, and I know that I have already made friendships that will last a lifetime.
FSEM 62 Game-changers: Disease, Cures, and Social Change What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? A summer job in Geneva!
FSEM 188 Belief, Skepticism, and Paranormality What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Joining a club. Whether it’s an academic club, an athletic club, or any other organization, participating in a group of likeminded individuals can enhance your college experience and possibly bring you together with some of the best friends you will make in college!
FSEM 36 Exploring Community: Relationships, Happiness and Service What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? My CA was such a meaningful connection I made in my first year. When I went back home for break and told my friends about my CA they were all floored by the amount of involvement they have in making community at HWS. At most universities CAs are just people to text in case of an emergency but at HWS they are so much more than that. If anyone on our floor needed anything, a rant session, homework assistance, help with homesickness, or even just a caprisun my CA was always ready to help.
FSEM 93 Ethical Debates in Medicine What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Midnight Breakfast is an event everyone needs to experience!! It is such a great place to relax and take a break from final exam studies to hang out with friends and other members of the community. The music, food, raffles, and atmosphere are so lively and energizing making it a great way to kick-start finals week!
FSEM 57-02 Road Trips Describe the moment that HWS became your home. My birthday is August 23, and I arrived at HWS five days prior on the 18th. I came into the academic year seventeen and equally scared as I was excited. I had managed to gather a good group of friends during orientation week, but I was still prepared for a relatively lonely 18th birthday. Instead of ringing in the big eighteen alone, as the clock struck midnight, my partner, roommate, and all my friends (and even others my friends invited off the cuff) filled my room and started singing happy birthday. I immediately started crying as it was the first non-family birthday party I had ever been thrown. To say I was delighted would be an unbelievable understatement. At that moment, surrounded by faces I would come to love, I realized that HWS would be my home.
FSEM 196 "Bodies" Politic Where do you find community at HWS? I find community at HWS at the radio station, PLEN, and even in my dorm. I’ve created so many memories with different kinds of people and can’t wait to make more!
FSEM 113 Railroad to Freedom: The Underground Railroad in Upstate New York What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One campus activity that all of the students should experience at least once is the KDC showcase. I am not a dancer, nor do I know anything about dance. However, even just watchingwas such a cool experience and it would be awesome to either participate or watch. It is so clear how much work is put into the showcase, and it is something that I hope to participate in next year.
FSEM 144 Parched: The Past, Present and Future of Water What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? One meaningful connection I made on campus in my first year was with my first-year mentor, Dave Finklestein, and my professor, Tara Curtin. They both made my first few weeks seem a lot less scary. I feel that I can go to them for anything. They have become a large part of my support system here at HWS.
FSEM 121 What's Eating You? Cooking, Cuisine & Me What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? An open house hosted by Mary Gearan. This event happens every Friday night in the President’s House on Main Street, overlooking the beautiful Seneca Lake, where they offer dinner, desserts and always great conversation. In my time at HWS, I have been to at least six of the Gearan’s open houses, twice with my acapella group, Three Miles Lost, to perform and others on my own terms and they have never failed to make me feel right at home. In times where I just needed to talk to someone, or eat a yummy meal, Mary Gearan has been standing at her front door and welcoming me into her home.
FSEM 49 What is Freedom? What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Every student should experience jumping into the lake with friends. I went in March to celebrate the beginning of spring which I recommend to everyone, a cold plunge is very good for you. The natural world that surrounds this campus is one of my favorite parts about going here.
FSEM 106 The Secret Science of Learning Describe the moment that HWS became your home. One of the ways that HWS became my home is when I attended a Gearan open house with my floor and CA in November. I had already gotten close to the people I was on the floor with and especially the people in my suite, but it was so nice to see more familiar faces at the open house. I didn't really understand how much of an open community HWS was until I saw the variety of people at the open house, from all different years, classes, and sports, I just felt so welcomed.
FSEM 112 Through the Lens-French Cinema What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? During my first year at HWS I have gotten to know Laura at the dining hall. She is always a friendly face when I scan into SAGA and brightens my day. I look forward to seeing her and chatting with her each day.
FSEM 139 Mars! Describe the moment that HWS became your home. The first time I went swimming in Seneca Lane. It was the second day of orientation, and two girls I had never spoken to before started talking to me. I was very nervous, but they invited me to swim in the lake with them, They are now two of my closest friends, and every time I see the lake at dusk, I get to think about how much HWS feels like my home.
FSEM 60 Needs, Care, and Human Flourishing What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One campus activity every student should experience at least once is the Pitch Competition in March! The whole school comes together to watch and support 4 students pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, and my best friend won last year!
FSEM 29 Moving Mountains What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? Probably Prof Huskie!! She introduced me to the TEP after I was struggling a bit to find my real passion! Andie is so validating and truly cares about every student they encounter! Andie is super dependable and really thinks of every student as an individual with our own ways of learning.
FSEM 38 Religion and Film What course has surprised you the most? Introduction to Geology. I was planning on taking this course to fulfill some of the goals you need to graduate here at HWS, and I went in expecting to not be incredibly interested, but the exact opposite happened! I found that I was genuinely engaged in class and in the material and overall found myself really enjoying the class. I ended up loving the subject so much that it inspired me to pursue a major in Environmental Studies. While not everyone will engage like this with every class, I think it's great to keep your mind open about any class because you never know where a spark of interest will come from!
FSEM 57-01 Road Trips What was a meaningful connection you made during your first year? My first year I met Shanelle France, who is the who is the Associate Director for Disability Services, and I think its’s safe to say she is a huge part of the reason why I ended up staying at HWS. From the moment I stepped into her office she has been there to encourage me and guide me. Shanelle not only offered a familiar safe presence, but she helped me develop strategies to advocate for myself, to manage my time, and to utilize my resources.
FSEM 199 Fish On! What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Attending an event run by cultural organizations such as LAO, ASA, ASU, CSA, Hillel, ISA, MSA, Sankofa. Even if you do not share the same cultural connections, it is a great way to immerse yourself with diverse students on campus.
FSEM 103 The Reality Effect (It Was Not a Dark and Stormy Night) What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? For me, the most underrated campus activities are the guest lectures we get on campus. Yes, I started going to them because I was assigned to do so by my professors, but they are genuinely impressive. It’s always nice to hear a voice different than your professor’s, and many times the message is genuine, different, and somewhat refreshing.
FSEM 42 Face to Face: Interrogating Race in the United States and South Africa What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? While this is more of a bunch of activities, I would recommend new students to attend all the orientation week activities. Even though it sounds cliche, I would say that it's a great time to meet new people and get adjusted to the new environment before classes start.
FSEM 10 Beyond the Straight and Narrow: Identifying Heteronormativity and Heterosexism Describe the moment that HWS became your home. From the first moment I came to campus, HWS has felt like home. Being at HWS meant joining a warm, welcoming community that supported me and wanted to see me succeed. All around me was engaging faculty and excited peers ready to begin my college journey with me, and I’ve always felt a connection to this school that made it clear I was meant to be here.
FSEM 119 Information and Misinformation: Thinking Critically about Science in a Digital Age What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? A campus activity that every student should experience once is the Hobart hockey games. I had never been to a hockey game before coming to HWS, so being in such a high-energy place was so fun. Going with a group of friends was such a highlight for me in my first year, and I would recommend that every student go to at least one game.
FSEM 164 Encountering Difference What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? I can't choose a singe a campus activity every student at HWS should experience because there are way too many students have to do but a few that are crucial to a well-rounded HWS experience are an HWS student government meeting, a Hobart Hockey game, and building a snowman on the Quad.
FSEM 194 Japan: Ghosts, Demons & Monsters Or what is your favorite course so far? My favorite course so far has been my Japanese class. Although the grammar can sometimes be really confusing, I get a huge sense of satisfaction when I can understand the meaning of Japanese songs and media without needing a translator.
FSEM 143 Berlin - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Where do you find community at HWS? I find community at HWS through all of the extra-curricular activities that I’m a part of. I am a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, a member of three instrumental bands, and a student-athlete on the Hobart Alpine Ski Team. From day one, I have experienced and met lots of different communities among the HWS campus. The coaches, professors, and fellow students around me in everything that I do promote an incredibly enriching community.
Athletic Study Mentors are student athletes who work with their first-year teammates to develop learning and time management strategies, in addition to helping them transition to college life. If you are a first-year varsity athlete, your Athletic Study Mentor will support you through workshops and one-on-one meetings and is a great resource for all your questions about life at HWS. Athletic Study Mentors are here to support from the moment you enroll through your first year.
EMILY CAIN '27 (she/her)
HWS Alpine Ski Major: Economics What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Attending the President's Open House. President Mark Gearan and his wife Mary Gearan host students every Friday evening, and it's a great place to meet new people and enjoy delicious food!
Hobart Basketball Major: Sociology What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? I think every student should participate in a Day of Service. I know it sounds like a super taxing and strenuous activity, but it is to this day one of the funnest things I have done and continue to do. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping members of the community and doing it with a bunch of your friends!
William Smith Basketball Major: Education What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? I connected with another first-year teammate on my team, but I also really connected with a senior on my team my freshman year. She really took me under her wing and made sure I was doing okay and checked in on me a lot. she became someone I would go to for any problems I had or just to have someone to talk to.
William Smith Bowling Majors: Mathematics, Music What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? One of the biggest differences between being a student-athlete in high school compared to college is the amount of planning you must do to make sure you get all your homework done while also making sure you make practices and lift. Your professors aren’t going to pester you until you get your work done so you have to make sure you plan out when you are going to do certain things so that you are able to compete at the highest level while also performing your best academically.
William Smith Field Hockey Major: Psychology What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One campus activity that every student should experience at least once at Hobart and William Smith Colleges is jumping into Seneca Lake. One of my favorite memories from my first year was when my teammates all went down to the lake after our classes were over, and we all jumped in and stayed until the sun set. To me, the lake symbolizes the camaraderie and bonding that comes from having such a fun time with friends.
Hobart Football Majors: Computer Science, Business Management & Entrepreneurship What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The demand of academics and athletics is higher. Balancing practices and sports is something that isn't that intense in high school compared to college.
Hobart Football Major: Business Management & Entrepreneurship What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? I think everyone should experience going to an athletic event that their team is not playing in.
Hobart Football Majors: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, History What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? Being an athlete in college is like a job and it isn’t fun 100 percent of the time like it was in high school. You sacrifice a lot of down time for your sport. It also forces you to be very proactive with time management. In high school it’s an extracurricular after school, the grind never stops in college.
Hobart Football Major: Economics What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? A senior teammate on my team who was also my locker neighbor was a great connection that helped me out a lot through my freshman year and still to this day.
Hobart and William Smith Golf Majors: Biology, Environmental Studies What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? A summer job in Geneva!
Hobart Ice Hockey Majors: Economics, Business Management & Entrepreneurship What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? The biggest difference for me has been the increased workload and time commitment required to excel both academically and athletically. College demands a higher level of time management and discipline to balance coursework, practices, games, and other commitments effectively. Success in both areas requires proactive planning, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to seek support from teammates, professors, and coaches. While the transition can be challenging, having the right mindset and utilizing available resources makes it manageable and rewarding at the end.
Hobart Ice Hockey Major: Business Management & Entrepreneurship What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? One of the most impactful connections I made was with my hockey teammates who were upperclassmen. They helped guide me through the challenges of balancing school and sport, and their mentorship inspired me to want to pay it forward—exactly why I’m excited to be an ASM.
William Smith Ice Hockey Majors: History, Writing & Rhetoric What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Jumping into the lake after a lift.
Hobart Lacrosse Major: Economics What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Every student should experience jumping in the lake at the Bozzuto Boathouse at least once. It’s such a fun and spontaneous tradition that brings people together and captures the unique spirit of HWS. Whether it’s after a big win, during orientation, or just on a warm day with friends, there’s something unforgettable about it.
William Smith Lacrosse Majors: Biology, Public Health What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? I was incredibly fortunate to join a welcoming team of 30 girls who quickly became like sisters to me from the moment I stepped onto campus. A fifth-year student, Payton, took me under her wing and guided me in understanding what it means to be part of William Smith lacrosse, as well as a positive community member at HWS. I would not be the player or person I am today without her encouragement and guidance. She truly is the older sister I never had!
Hobart Rowing Major: Sociology What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? Moving to college is a scary experience, but the good news is everyone here has done it before! I found many meaningful connections during this time, but none were as impactful in that moment as my FSEM professor. This was a professor who had shared many of my life experiences and was patient and approachable when I came to them with questions or struggles!
William Smith Rowing Major: Chemistry What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One campus activity that I think every student should experience at least once is the winter wonderland and getting a carriage ride or trying the axe-throwing there.
Hobart and William Smith Sailing Majors: English & Creative Writing, Writing & Rhetoric What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? I think the grandest and simultaneously the most difficult part of college is the immediate autonomy that is suddenly granted to you. For probably the first time in your life, you have full control over your daily life choices. What I mean by that is that your parents aren’t there anymore to decide what you’re having for dinner, to decide whether you can or cannot do something, to nag at you for going to bed late, etc. If you wanted to, you could have candy for dinner every single day and stay up until the sunrise; the world is yours. And while this is an incredibly exciting change, it can also be overwhelming and difficult to navigate and to make the right choices. As a student athlete, it was crucial for me to understand the consequences of the choices I was making and how these choices could set me up for both academic and athletic success.
William Smith Soccer Major: Business Management & Entrepreneurship What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? One of the best connections I made during my first year was with Professor Salter, my FSEM professor. He helped guide me through a stressful first semester and was incredibly supportive of me as a student-athlete, both on and off the field. He even came to a few of my games! I really appreciated his support—I wouldn’t have adjusted to college or grown as much as I did without him.
Hobart and William Smith Squash Major: Psychology What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Involvement Expo at the beginning of the year where many clubs are open to students, and you can find something that interests you. You can also find something new to try out and everyone is so welcoming to new students.
Hobart and William Smith Swimming & Diving Major: Economics What is the biggest difference between being a student-athlete in high school and in college? It's much tougher to balance academics and athletics in college, and the expectations of you from coaches and teammates are often a lot higher. Time management and making sure you're making time for recovery outside of practices is very important.
Hobart and William Smith Swimming & Diving Majors: Education, Psychology Where do you go for advice on campus? I get almost all my advice from my peers, like my roommate and friends, but especially my upperclassmen teammates. I go for advice about things ranging from social life to what my class schedule should look like to best help me balance swim, class, and work. Learning from their experiences helps me in and out of the pool and classroom.
Hobart and William Smith Tennis Majors: Economics, Environmental Studies What is one campus activity that every student should experience at least once? Spring Fest!
Hobart Volleyball Majors: Mathematics, Physics What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? My physics professor, Professor Spector helped me get a better grasp of what I was doing and where I was planning on going with my academic career.
William Smith Volleyball Major: Business Management & Entrepreneurship What was a meaningful connection you made in First Year? Aside from my coaches, Professor Andie Huskie has been such an influential person during my time at HWS. She is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and just an overall uplifting person. She is more than happy to help anyone she can and has been able to give me such great advice and support since I've been a student here.
