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Building on our Momentum (BOOM!) is Mount Holyoke College’s annual learning symposium, serving as a vital platform for engaging with critical social issues. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for dialogue to push boundaries and deepen our understanding of the world. Through compelling guest speakers and thought-provoking discussions, BOOM! invites the campus community to challenge assumptions and envision a more inclusive future.

When I submitted my application to become a BOOM! fellow, I knew I was stepping into something significant. Being selected affirmed my commitment to positive social change, a responsibility I carry with pride. This role goes beyond coordinating events to creating spaces where diversity is celebrated and equity is a tangible lived experience. As a fellow, I play an active role in shaping the symposium’s narrative, ensuring that it educates, challenges and inspires. This role is vital to facilitating my personal growth.

What I find most rewarding is working alongside a dedicated team, where a shared purpose guides every meeting and decision. I have seen how every detail of the symposium reflects our collective commitment to inclusivity — ensuring that all participants feel valued, heard and respected. I have been humbled and inspired by the diverse perspectives of the team that drive us toward our shared mission: creating a lasting, impactful experience. I have engaged in meaningful conversations with my fellow BOOMies, which have challenged my assumptions and fostered a deeper, more reflective understanding of myself. 

I am especially looking forward to hearing speak at this year’s symposium. I have explored her work in several courses, and this rare opportunity to hear her speak in person will be incredibly meaningful and will leave an indelible mark on all of us.

Reflecting on my time as a BOOM! fellow, I am reminded that true change never results from one person’s actions or one event. It emerges from collective, sustained effort. BOOM! has empowered me to take ownership of this responsibility — not just in this moment but in every aspect of my life. It has reinforced the significance of continuously building inclusive communities, and I will carry this lesson with me.

I am deeply grateful to the board members of BOOM! for this transformative opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to BOOM’s lasting impact for years to come.