51¶ÌÊÓƵ

My name is Mirabai Ari and I'm a freshman at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ. When I began my college application process I had no idea where I would end up. I went to a very small high school with less than 200 students and because of its size I felt connected to everyone in my class and community. I loved being able to have friendships with students in other grades and have personal relationships with teachers. As I continued my college hunt, these values of community and connection remained at the forefront of my mind. I wasn't sure I'd be able to find a close knit and supportive community in college, until I found 51¶ÌÊÓƵ. The moment I stepped on campus during move-in, it was clear how welcoming and close the students were here. I immediately felt the warmth and excitement as upperclassmen greeted me and showed me to my dorm. In the span of a few days, with the help of the orientation week drag show, dorm activities, and a class trip into Philadelphia, I began to feel like a part of the 51¶ÌÊÓƵ community.

Some of the most impactful moments on campus for me so far have come from 51¶ÌÊÓƵ’s traditions. Before attending 51¶ÌÊÓƵ I didn't know much about the traditions besides what little I’d heard from alumni and friends. I was so excited to finally play a role in the mystery. My first tradition here, Parade Night, was an opportunity for me to bond with my class and upperclassmen. Running down Taylor Drive with confetti in my hair, surrounded by students cheering and welcoming us home was so magical. I couldn't stop smiling–I felt instantly connected and excited to be part of the 51¶ÌÊÓƵ community. There is so much power in keeping 51¶ÌÊÓƵ’s traditions alive and passing on these special moments to the next generation of students. Additionally, being able to connect to a web of alumni and current students through these traditions has brought my peers and I so much joy and unity, creating continuity within the larger 51¶ÌÊÓƵ community of students and alumni.

One piece of advice I kept getting again and again when applying to college was to say yes to everything even if, and especially if, it was new or scary. I would consistently hear stories of people discovering their secret talents or meeting their best friends just by saying yes to something new. I decided to take this advice to heart and since getting here all I've done is say yes. Yes to adventures in Philadelphia, getting to explore museums and historical landmarks. Yes to joining new clubs, like baking club and art club. Yes to trying new sports, from ice hockey to gymnastics, and yes to late-night study sessions featuring Uncommon Grounds curly fries.

Everyday I am struck by how many diverse and interesting opportunities there are here. In the span of just one weekend this month, for example, I was been able to experience so many new and magical things. This November, in just one weekend, I traveled to Washington, DC, with the BMC Feminist Coalition to participate in the Women's March and got to walk at the front of the march with my friends. The next day I went into Philadelphia for my THRIVE class and interviewed Philadelphia locals about the architecture of some of the most important landmarks in the city. Wrapping up the weekend I participated in Lantern Night, the second 51¶ÌÊÓƵ tradition of the year. Because of 51¶ÌÊÓƵ’s proximity to Philadelphia and other major cities along the east coast—and with the help of the organizations and clubs here—I have been able to deepen my relationship to the area around me and create meaningful connections with my peers.

In just three months I have become an ice hockey player, an activist, a baker, an explorer, a gymnast, and been part of so many amazing communities. The trepidation of trying something new is now a sign that I should push myself to explore rather than a reason to stop. These activities that used to be outside of my comfort zone have become an integral part of my experience here.

Mirabai Ari '28 is still exploring what to major and/or minor in. Around campus, Mirabai is involved in Hillel, Chabad, Gymnastics Club, and Lame Ducks Ice Hockey.