Rana Rastegari '26
"Bryn Mawr has taught me so much, from organic chemistry mechanisms to the intricacies of Kafka’s writing, but most importantly it has taught me the importance of community."
"Bryn Mawr has taught me so much, from organic chemistry mechanisms to the intricacies of Kafka’s writing, but most importantly it has taught me the importance of community."
Growing up in Iran, my favorite bedtime story was “Daddy-Long-Legs.” My mum would read it to me in Farsi and I would watch the cartoon with Farsi dubs because it was the only way I could understand it. The main character, Judy Abott, was an orphan who, against all odds, suddenly found herself in college. She attended a women’s college on the East Coast where she made wonderful friends before graduating. I am now in my junior year of college at a women’s college on the East Coast, double majoring in Literatures in English and Chemistry with an immense love for writing. I like to think that somehow, fate aligned for my favorite childhood story to become my own reality. Whilst I have no anonymous older benefactor who ends up asking for my hand in marriage (thankfully), parts of the novel that I felt most drawn to have materialized in my own life at Bryn Mawr.
In my last two years of high school in London, I became a Sutton Trust Scholar where I worked closely with them and Fulbright to apply to schools in the States. Due to Covid, I wasn’t able to tour any schools so we attended online information sessions instead. One of them was titled “The Seven Sister Colleges,” where I was first introduced to Bryn Mawr. I immediately had a gut feeling that this was the one—I knew I had found a home. Even through a virtual information session, I could sense that the school offered a community that could not be replicated. I was so certain that I decided to apply Early Decision I and if I didn’t get in, I would just stay in the UK.
Even before applying, I knew that I wanted to major in English as writing had been a huge part of my life for years. Having learnt English as a second language, it took a lot of work to be able to feel confident in my writing ability and I was eager to continue improving. During my research, I would read through articles on the Bi-College News website and was continuously impressed. Now, as a Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Bi-College Newspaper, I hope to continue our legacy as foremost to the truth and to the members of our community.
During the first semester of my freshman year, I took General Chemistry with Professor Francl. I had already completed a Chemistry A-level which I found incredibly challenging, but I loved the content and was eager to take the course at Bryn Mawr. Although I had no intention of majoring in Chemistry, my first semester changed that completely. The approach to learning was personal; I knew that my professor wanted the very best for me and was incredibly accommodating to all of our learning styles. Though I had struggled with chemistry exams in high school, the policies at Bryn Mawr (such as the academic and social honor code) allowed me to feel supported and trusted as a student taking exams. I declared both of my majors in my sophomore year and although it hasn’t been easy by any means, I know I can always count on my professors for support.
There are opportunities to be involved in such a wide range of experiences on campus. This year I became a tour guide, a writing tutor and the Class of 2026 Co-President. I’ve been able to step into leadership positions that have offered me invaluable insight on so many topics, one of the main things being budget management for an entire class year!
Though most of our traditions at Bryn Mawr are mostly kept top secret, I knew before arriving that May Day would feel magical. My first May Day consisted of pouring rain, may-pole dancing, soaked dresses and pure joy. Though I had loved my freshman year, May Day was truly the moment that Bryn Mawr became my home.
Bryn Mawr has taught me so much, from organic chemistry mechanisms to the intricacies of Kafka’s writing, but most importantly it has taught me the importance of community. I am beyond certain that the relationships I have cultivated at Bryn Mawr will have life long impacts. It is through these people and this place—the drive for excellence, the reminder that ‘done is good,’ the unforgettable traditions, the legacy of those who came before us, the pursuit of knowledge, and the love for our peers—that I have grown into the best version of myself at Bryn Mawr.
