Freestyle not only hosted and organized the showcase, but the team also delivered unforgettable performances of their own. The audience was captivated and full of high energy from the very first beat drop, as the team opened the night with one of their electrifying routines, radiating confidence while dressed in matching team shirts. 

To learn more about the team behind this electrifying event, we interviewed Taeyu Kim ’27, an E-Board member, and Emily Li ’28, a new member of Freestyle. When asked what drew her to join the team, Li shared how her prior hip-hop experience was mostly self-taught, and she did not initially intend to pursue hip-hop in college, until a flyer about auditions for Freestyle ultimately changed her mind.

“Although I did not get in [during] the fall audition, I loved Freestyle’s overall genuine, warm, and supportive atmosphere. I also attended their fall show, ‘Spotlight,’ when I vowed to myself that I will try auditioning again in the spring!” Li said.

Li is not alone in expressing love for Freestyle’s close-knit community. Kim, who serves as the organization’s Publicity Chair, remarked that “the reason I kept coming back became the community just as much as my growing love for dance.”

Behind each polished performance — consisting of smooth transitions and synchronized moves — is hours of dedication and coordination. Kim gave us a look into what practices typically look like, explaining: “We do a warm-up when about everyone arrives, and then we have the plan for practice laid out, whether that is formations, learning choreo, or just practicing/drilling. Usually at the end, we do a recording to watch over and use to improve ourselves.”

Li also emphasized the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into preparing for performances, adding, “We take up a lot of time behind the scenes to block formations on stage and clean up each choreography!”

Kim added, “We work very hard to get the quality of dance you see on the stage! …[Jam On It] week is merciless. I think we did more than 30 hours last week, which is insane, especially along with all the e-board tasks that we are managing every day of that week.” Sharing a favorite performance, she continued, “…’Jam On It’ is always very special! We say a goodbye to our seniors (we love you seniors!), do the choreos from the entire year and get to put on a show we are proud of.”

Though Freestyle is an organization with a mission to learn and perform hip-hop routines, Li also highlighted how one of her favorite aspects of the team is how “everyone is so caring and passionate about dance, and I love watching each dancer’s distinctive personality shine when they perform.”

Though “Jam On It” showcases the amazing talent Freestyle brings to the stage, it is also a celebration of the long-term dedication, passion, and togetherness that define the team. Li and Kim, as well as all of Freestyle, hope the hip-hop group’s strong sense of connection and belonging will continue to inspire and uplift the Wellesley community as a whole.

Image Credit: Chelsea Tarringer ’28

Contact the editors responsible for this story: Phoebe Rebhorn and India Lacey

The foundation was launched in August 2016 when Blake and her sister saw a need to help students access essential school supplies in their local community in St. Thomas. They recognized how families were struggling to provide adequate resources for their children to properly learn in school.

“Growing up, we saw firsthand how a lack of resources affected students’ education. We wanted to ease that burden for families and give children the tools they need to succeed,” Blake explained.

In the early years, the foundation was entirely self-funded, with Blake and her sister covering all expenses out of their own pockets. “Thankfully, over the years, many sponsors have come on board, along with [financial] support from family and friends,” she said. “As the need grew, we [expanded our efforts] to help children in neighboring communities.”

The foundation’s mission is clear: to provide school supplies for students from low-income families, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed in their studies. The lack of basic school supplies not only puts a mental and financial burden on students, but also on their teachers, who often use their own money to pay for the supplies needed. The Blake sisters hope to amplify and address this issue of educational inequity that affects so many through the work they do within The Children of Albion Foundation. 

“We believe every child can succeed if given the right tools,” Blake remarked.

This year, the foundation is hosting a book bag on Wellesley’s campus to collect donations for underprivileged Jamaican students for the upcoming school year. The drive has collection boxes at several locations across campus, including Bates, Harambee House, Stone Davis, Shafer and Tower.

“We welcome all types of backpacks in new and [gently used] condition, and school supplies, including hardcover notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, and more,” Blake said.

For those who want to support the drive but are unable to donate supplies, Blake emphasized that there are still other ways to get involved. “[You] can still show support by making monetary donations, volunteering or sharing our initiative with others,” she said. “Every effort helps make a difference.”

Until the end of the month, the Wellesley community can participate in the collection and support the mission of the foundation. Though there is a long way to go in ensuring that every child can acquire the educational resources they need, the Children of Albion Foundation’s book bag drive may be a step forward in addressing the gaps present all around us.

Image credit: Rachel Blake ’28

Contact the editors responsible for this story: Phoebe Rebhorn and Valida Pau

Fever is more than just a performance group, it is “energy, passion and an overall joy for dance and Caribbean culture,” Rosado said. “Many of us are not dancers when we enter the group and we are all learning together, especially because we are all from different parts of the diaspora, it’s really beautiful to teach one another different dances and forms of expression.” When watching how each movement, costume and song work together, this expression can look effortless, but that is certainly not the case. “The amount of time, dedication and heart that is put into this org is really incredible.” Rosado said.

When asked what encouraged her to join Fever, Asare-Kwaah explained that, “Initially, I joined Fever because I saw them at the Org Fair at the beginning of the semester and the roommate wanted to join … now I genuinely enjoy it. It’s a great workout and makes me feel amazing about my body. It’s a really supportive group.”

Rosado clued me in on what a typical practice looks like. Because it lasts about two hours, the dancers start with a warm-up of stretching and occasional jumping jacks to Afrobeats and Caribbean music. During a week leading up to a performance like this past one, as the group prepares for the Rhythms of the Caribbean Expo, practices consist of run-throughs and perfecting their transitions between songs.

I also gained insight into the process of bringing these beautiful and intricate dances from vision to life. Because Rosado is an e-board member, we had the opportunity to discuss how Fever’s leading members approach choreography.

“We really try to get everyone involved in making choreography, though it has mainly been led by the President, Sairah O’Brian ’25, this year,” she said. “We start by making a playlist of songs that we’re interested in making choreography to, and from there, we build up choreography … we always try to add traditional elements into each of our dances, and keep them very fun and rooted in the main goal of the organization.”

Fever also encourages members to embrace different characters in their routines, using acting to enhance their dances. When asked about their favorite performance, Asare-Kwaah replied, “Last semester I really loved ‘Kotch.’ I play the guy role in a lot of dances and that was no different. I’ve gotten comfortable being more masculine. This semester though … probably ‘So Mi Like It’ which everyone can come see at [the Rhythms of the Caribbean] Expo!”

Rosado’s personal favorite is “DND” by Rema, choreographed by Taylor Quaye ’24. “The choreo just felt so perfectly in the energy of the song and Taylor really brought a special spirit to all of the dances they choreographed.” 

In addition to the upbeat dances, what really seems to bring Fever to life is the spirited community. According to Asare-Kwaah, she has gained a lot of confidence in her abilities since joining, describing practices as “super fun because everyone is hyping everyone else. I feel like I’m a lot less nervous when it comes to dancing in front of people.”

Rosado echoed this sentiment, explaining while every dancer can be tired as a result of academics and everything else in their Wellesley lives, “being able to come together, lean on one another, and have these moments of joy through dance is so beautiful … The support system we build as a group of people from all across the world and diaspora is definitely my favorite part of being in the fever dancers.” 

Rosado and Asare-Kwaah concluded by encouraging everyone to come experience the energy and enthusiasm of Fever Dancers at the Rhythms of the Caribbean Expo on Saturday, February 22 at 6:00 P.M. held in Jewett Auditorium.

Image credit: @feverdancers on Instagram

Contact the editor responsible for this story: Phoebe Rebhorn

Julie Jordan, resident director for Wellesley Fresh at Wellesley College, oversees the culinary program on campus. She is passionate about providing high quality food to students, but like most, Jordan can’t always get students’ direct feedback on how things are operating with AVI Fresh day-to-day. She therefore encourages students to use the Text the Manager (TTM) feature of Wellesley Fresh: if you text (781) 531-9113 about anything dining-related, you can give your direct thoughts on staff, food and anything else you want to mention about dining. Jordan says this can do more than just change the occasional food item.

“Positive feedback, in particular, can lead to special acknowledgments, like shout-outs during team huddles or rewards such as a coffee card for specialty drinks at retail locations,” she explained. 

Jordan also says that the TTM texts can help with quick responses and long-term changes in the dining halls. For example, if a dining hall runs out of something, texting the manager can inform the dining staff so they can quickly replace it. Or, if something is overcooked or undercooked, they can quickly inform the dining hall worker so they can correct it in real time. But it’s not just quick things you can text about: Jordan encourages students to send in their favorite dishes or features, which helps the managers know what is in high demand and should be made more. 

“Our dining team is committed to creating a dining experience that students love and feel proud of,” Jordan said and explained that she hopes more students will text in the future so the dining staff can continue to improve. 

But while Jordan and the Wellesley Fresh team rely on texts for most student feedback, quite a few students aren’t familiar with TTM. When reaching out to students in the Wellesley community, most did not know what AVI Fresh texts are and instead shared their thoughts on AVI Fresh overall.

“I have no idea [about the texts], but in regards to food, I like it, it’s decent and sometimes the food is really good. However, the online menus can be inaccurate,” Keza Ineza ’28 responded when asked about her feelings on AVI Fresh texts. “I don’t really use it, as I’m not a picky eater, and will eat whatever I think is good at the dining hall, but sometimes when I do use it, it’s inaccurate, sometimes for times and sometimes for the food.” The issue of the online menus being inaccurate appears to be a concern for other students as well.

“For the most part, the menus are accurate, however, they can and do change without warning which can sometimes be a bummer if it was something you were looking forward to,” said Elisha Andrews ‘28,, who also was unaware of AVI Fresh texts, shared. “Overall, I enjoy AVI Fresh and especially love the dining hall staff. They’re all so kind and work to create and distribute food to us students.”

However, other students know about AVI Fresh and are fans of the texting program. Julia Reste ’27 says that she started using TTM back in her first year, and that she saw results from her feedback. 

“The reason I text the manager is because I really like giving them feedback and getting their perspective,” she explained. 

She said that she has texted them a few times, from asking about a strange taste in the water to getting an early notification about Applepalooza when she asked for it. Also, when Reste asked them to make feijoada — a Brazilian dish that reminded her of home — after Wellesley Fresh had made it earlier in the year, they brought it back to Stone Davis and have had it consistently since then. 

As Jordan told us, “When you share which dishes you enjoy and mention team members who made your day, it helps us recognize their hard work and make meaningful improvements to our program.”

Students’ everyday interactions with the dining hall staff seem to be a common highlight of the current AVI Fresh experience at Wellesley. They not only provide the food and nutrients we need but also spaces for collaboration, understanding and connection. Their constant presence encourages students to embrace and sustain the community aspect of Wellesley.

“I think we are super lucky to have access to nutritious food and water … The dining hall workers are also super nice and sweet. Talking with them makes my day!” Ineza commented.

Image credit: Wellesley College

Contact the editors responsible for this story: Phoebe Rebhorn and Diya Khanna

On Saturday, Oct. 5, I had the opportunity to go on a canvassing trip to Manchester, New Hampshire with Wellesley Students for Harris and the Harris-Walz Boston Student Coalition, organized by Harvard Students for Harris. About seven other Wellesley students and I woke up bright and early for what was, for a few of us, our first time campaigning.

Wellesley Students for Harris is a student-run Instagram account unaffiliated with Wellesley, whose mission is to cultivate a platform and space for students to support the election of Vice President Kamala Harris. Generating memes, posts, and stories, the account provides voting resources for students. The account also works with the Wellesley College Democrats in publicizing events, such as debate watch parties.

Before boarding a bus at Harvard, we met many students from schools around the Boston area, including Boston University, Suffolk, Northeastern and Harvard. The amount of enthusiasm and joyful energy was palpable. When we arrived in Manchester, we met with the Manchester Democrats and went through canvassing training. Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey visited with us, joined by the former mayor of Manchester and now Democratic candidate for New Hampshire Governor, Joyce Craig.

Soon after, we split into small groups of students mixed with the different Boston schools and began canvassing. Though we had a script if we needed it, by observing those in my group who had canvassed before, I found that instead of memorizing the script, using it as a guide and being present in the moment was more valuable. For most of the canvassing time, I helped distribute the bundles of political literature the New Hampshire Dems prepared for us.

During this experience, students appeared to have become more hopeful about politics and realized their participation impacts America’s future and what it can be, especially Maura Journagan ’28, a fellow first-year and first-time canvasser.

“My biggest takeaways from this experience were just how important it is to get involved and educate yourself about what is going on.” When asked what she wanted fellow new canvassers and others to know before Election Day, she encouraged them to, “Just get out there! No matter how little difference you think it’ll make, voting and educating yourself about political issues are super important and can actually have an effect on the trajectory of an election.”

Lunch was provided by the New Hampshire Democratic Committee, when we could speak with members and volunteers, as well as receive some Harris-Walz and election-themed posters, buttons and stickers. This was a great time to have deeper conversations with other students and adults about the issues at stake in this election. There was a great emphasis on translating the newfound hope students feel into urgent action.

“You may not think your vote will make a difference, but I assure you it will,” said Ava Orcutt ’28, one of the members of my canvassing group. She emphasized how generations will be affected by this race, especially if Trump wins, claiming that “ … this election is not just about us. Whoever the next president is will likely have the chance to appoint several Supreme Court Justices. As we learned when Roe vs. Wade was overturned, those who sit on the court have a massive amount of power and hold that power for decades.”

For more information about voting in the 2024 election, visit votesaveamerica.com, vote.gov and vote.org.

Image credit: Wellesley Students for Harris

Contact the editor responsible for this story: Phoebe Rebhorn

On the morning of Sept. 15 2024, this year’s Littles woke up bright and early to finally discover the identity of their Big. The joyful energy and contagious enthusiasm of the day was evident in the many pictures being taken in front of Lake Waban. Even if first-years don’t quite feel “at home” on campus yet, having a familiar face who knows the ins-and-outs of Wellesley can make them feel more comfortable. 

The matching process of Bigs and Littles seems like a daunting task, so we wanted to get an insider’s perspective, and who better than a House President? Elli Gurguliatos ’25, house president of Shafer, told us all about the process this year. 

“Both Bigs and Littles filled out a Google Form about their personality, likes/dislikes, and hopes for their relationship with their Big/Little. Some of the matches were based on identity-related questions, others based on activities, academic interests or music taste,” they said. 

In some dorms on campus, such as Shafer, the number of Littles outnumbered the Bigs. In those cases, more than one Little was assigned to a Big after matching shared interests.  All of the hard work done by the House Presidents evidently paid off, as many first-years described their positive experiences, including Keza Ineza ’28.

“I loved meeting my Big. I’m obsessed with and want to be them. We need more reasons to dress up on Sundays,” Ineza said, advising that future Bigs and Littles should, “Take time to get to know your sib and make plans to hang out with them! Ask as many questions as you can because they will give you the real deal. [Also,] if you have a multi-faceted identity, you should sign up to be a Little for as many orgs as you want! I didn’t know that, and it’s nice to have many people to rely on.”

After meeting their Bigs, Littles have the option to attend a ceremony at Houghton Chapel and this year’s ceremony was marked with poetry and words of wisdom from other students and faculty as well as music performances, including one from the Wellesley College Choir. 

Katelynn Crespo ’26 who gave a speech at the ceremony reminded the community to “be where your feet are,” in her student reflection, emphasizing the importance of being in the present. 

Students are often reminded of the value of new connections during Flower Sunday. Dani Ellis ‘25 explained that, “Realizing how much my Little and I had in common reminded me that I can both build new friendships and foster existing friendships at the same time!” 

She remembered how social anxiety was a struggle for her, and that Flower Sunday was something that appeared out of her comfort zone, but that she found new friendships and grew as a result of the process. 

The connections that first-years make during this event are not only with older students, and  there is a lot of opportunity for meeting new people on campus, even those within your class.

Claire Pankros ’28 echoed this, saying, “I have a ’Twin Little’ and I’ve loved getting to be connected with another first year … It was so much fun getting to know each other and meeting my Big’s friends and their Littles too!”

The bonds cultivated by Flower Sunday are ones that Wellesley students have described as being able to depend on for years to come, especially meaningful during this time of transition  where students are developing their academic interests and preparing for their lives and goals beyond college. As Gurguliatos put it, “The foundations of community, mentorship, and friendship are embedded into our Wellesley experience.” 

Image credit: Wellesley College

Contact the editor(s) responsible for this story: Diya Khanna and Phoebe Rebhorn