As I stroll through the bustling rows of Hopkins’ annual Student Involvement Fair, I’m always amazed by the variety of opportunities available. From circus club to a cappella, robotics to cultural groups, it feels like the possibilities are endless. By the end of the day, I’ve likely signed up for a dozen email lists, ready to explore new passions. The best part? You don’t need any prior experience to dive in. In fact, during my sophomore fall, I joined a consulting club without a clue about business or consulting—and I’ve never looked back. The Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations (SCNO) club works on a semester-long basis with local Baltimore nonprofits, assisting them with financial and business strategies. I love getting a deeper understanding of the Baltimore community—its needs, values, and building meaningful relationships. Developing personal connections makes me feel like a core part of the Baltimore community
For students who enjoy staying active, Hopkins offers a wide range of athletic opportunities. Varsity sports allow student-athletes to compete at a high level, while club and intramural sports are ideal for those who want to play for fun or pick up a new skill. Hopkins is particularly known for lacrosse, and I attended most of the games, where I worked concessions with my roommate and other students. The games are full of energy, with the noise carrying to nearby apartments as fans scream, cheerleaders shout, and free shirts are tossed into the crowd. My favorite part is watching the middle-school students who come with their sports teams and talk about how amazing it would be to attend Hopkins. It’s a much-needed reminder sometimes, after the busyness of student life, of how strong the sense of community at Hopkins really is. This past spring, my younger siblings visited me on campus, and we had a great time eating hot dogs, ice cream, and supporting our lovely Blue Jays.
Every university has its traditions, and Hopkins is no different. These traditions bring the campus to life and create shared experiences that connect students from all backgrounds. From the annual Lighting of the Quads, where the entire campus gathers to witness the holiday lights being turned on, to Hoptoberfest, a fall celebration with games, food, and music, Hopkins’ traditions are both fun and memorable. The most exciting time of the year is the weeks leading up to the reveal of the annual Spring Fair Concert. Past artists have included The Chainsmokers, J. Cole, Eminem, and Flo Milli, so the announcement is always highly anticipated. The Leadership, Engagement & Experiential Development (LEED) office builds suspense by posting clues about the artist on social media in the days leading up to the Friday night concert. My friends and I love theorizing about who the artist will be each year, rapidly texting our group chat with ideas.
At Hopkins, there’s always a place where you can feel at home-whether it’s through sports, clubs, or campus traditions. For me, it was by trying new things, meeting new people, and slowly discovering the communities that resonate with me. As I grew more comfortable, I began to take on leadership positions within my involvements that empowered me and allowed me to contribute to the growth of others. I remember feeling overwhelmed during my first few weeks on campus. I wasn’t sure where I fit in, but by staying open to new experiences and opportunities, I have found a true sense of belonging.
