My Experience as a West Virginian Hoya

For many students at Georgetown, I am the first West Virginian they will ever meet. Once, I even had someone ask me if I was from the “boonies” – I’m from a college town! Thankfully, most people know West Virginia as a state (not western Virginia – the struggle is real). Though our numbers on the Hilltop are few, we are known. It’s also easy to bond with members of other rural states, as I’ve found we have a lot in common!

Just last night, I had a long conversation with my friend from South Dakota about the state foods that remind us of home. I introduced her to pepperoni rolls (ugh, yum!) and she introduced me to “chislic,” or cubed steak bites. It is such a privilege to be able to learn about other states’ traditions and share West Virginia’s own with the amazing people that surround me daily.

I’ve seen some common West Virginia values – such as community, drive, and adventurousness – among my peers at Georgetown. There is always a new adventure to chase on the Hilltop in any direction you look. And if you do ever get homesick, stunning views reminiscent of the West Virginia mountains are just a short drive away.

Though we don’t sing “Country Roads” after every sporting event here (go Hoyas!), and while it’s true that Washington, D.C. is fourteen times more populated than our largest city, Charleston, it’s truly easy to find a home away from home here at Georgetown. I am thankful every day that I get to share the experiences and memories from my home state with the most welcoming peers in the world.

Samantha Rechter (COL ‘27)

From San Juan to DC: Finding a Home on the Hilltop

On the day of New Student Convocation, I said goodbye to my parents for the first time in 18 years. I had never been away from home (San Juan, Puerto Rico) for more than two weeks at a time. As an only child, it was incredibly difficult to say goodbye to the two people that had been my home for so long. Although many tears were shed, with each day at Georgetown, I have become more and more accustomed to college life. Now, as a junior, I can confidently say that my heart lies between Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, since I have made a home in both places.

Coming from a Caribbean country, some of my greatest challenges when transitioning to the Hilltop were related to the differences in food, weather, and language. My typical diet of rice and beans was replaced by bagels and sandwiches, and I found myself having to look at the weather app every day for the first time in my life. In terms of the language, I was constantly forgetting words in English, as the mess of Spanish and English terms in my head competed against each other. Despite the difficulties that come with being away from home, my experience at Georgetown has been incredibly rewarding. The community at this university is beyond compare since everyone looks out for one another, seeking to build each other up. Not only have I made some wonderful friends from all throughout the world, I have found a community of Puerto Ricans on campus. As GAAP state chair for Puerto Rico, I created a group chat with all 18 Puerto Ricans on campus, through which we plan different activities, like dinners and events with the Georgetown Puerto Rican Alumni Association. Having a community of people with similar experiences to mine on campus is incredibly enriching and has made the transition from high school to college even easier.

Mariana Rosado-Rivera (SFS ’25)

Hoops from Florida to Washington

Growing up, my family loved watching basketball. My dad is from Akron: the hometown of one of the best basketball players of our time. Coming to Georgetown, I had no idea how my coastal beach town would compare to the nation’s capital. To my surprise, my love for the sport of basketball would expand.

Not only am I an avid competitor for Georgetown athletics, but I am also a deeply committed fan. Last year when I experienced an intensive knee injury, my schedule cleared up dramatically. I ended up filling my time with a nearly 90% attendance rate at the men and women’s basketball games. I found myself in the front row starting chants and holding up signs for most matches. Being in the stands reminded me of the pride I had (and still have) in my high school. Getting to fill the stands and cheer on my classmates is something I will always cherish. 

It is evident that the Georgetown community, especially within athletics, is extremely supportive. This year we suffered the tragic loss of Coach Tasha Butts from women’s basketball to breast cancer. Athletes were heartbroken across all programs, including myself. Teams wear pink for #TashaTough in honor of her legacy. The foundation of community values across Georgetown is beautiful and a blessing. 

Even though I am studying abroad this semester, I have been watching Hoya games all the way across the pond in Edinburgh, Scotland. With the women having a 3-1 record, and the men with a 3-2 record, it looks like we’ll be having a competitive season this year for both squads. Hoya love and pride knows no boundaries. I know that my connection to the Hoya family will be with me forever.

Ellie (COL ’25)

A Walk Along the Potomac: A Guide to Finding Community at Georgetown

Arriving at Georgetown for the first time, I felt a wave of possibilities as I unloaded my parents’ car, packed to the brim with dorm supplies. Fast forward nearly three months and the first semester is drawing to a close, prompting me to reflect on the journey of finding a home on the hilltop. Looking back on the whirlwind of memories from just a few short months on campus, I found myself struggling to pinpoint where to begin this blog post.

Facing the familiar symptoms of writer’s block, I shut my computer screen and opted for a neighborhood walk to seek inspiration. I step out into the hallway and enter the Harbin common room to see if anyone wants to join me. The cluster format of Harbin Hall helps foster a close community for freshman students, and I am so glad I have the opportunity to form close connections with those on my floor. The common room is the center of dorm life, and I can always find a group of friends to sit with late into the evenings. Together, we head out of the common room and through the front gates. 

Late fall had settled into Georgetown, and the weeks of November seemed to fly by. With each day I began to feel winter whisper through the air. Walking through the neighborhood under the soft glow of street lamps, the leaves crunching beneath my feet, I feel an undeniable sense of belonging. What was once an unfamiliar place full of unknowns felt more like home as I smiled at the familiar faces on M street, the laughter spilling out from Call Your Mother, and the sense of community in the air.

When it comes to finding a community at Georgetown, there is no special formula or map to follow. Instead, it is about discovering places in D.C. that resonate with the feeling of home, engaging in activities you love, and connecting with people who make you smile. For me, freshman dorm living fosters these connections from the early weeks of August. Making time to meet and connect with people has made my first semester at Georgetown truly incredible. As I go for my evening stroll through the Georgetown neighborhood and waterfront park with a group of my floor mates, D.C. unfolds in front of my eyes.

To newcomers at Georgetown, I encourage you to seek out your places that evoke feelings of home and connection whether that is in your dorm communities or in clubs you find on campus. While the initial weeks might feel overwhelming, push yourself to explore, meet new people, and embrace the wonders of D.C. Be a tourist in your own city – take your roommate, explore the monuments, and visit the museums. 

Georgetown and the greater D.C. area aren’t just locations; they are the canvas upon which I painted memories and formed connections during my first semester. Walking through the neighborhood on those crisp fall evenings made me realize that Georgetown is more than a university; it’s a community, and D.C. is more than just a city; it’s a home.

Helena Gernhardt (SFS ’27)

Community in the Common Room

Hi everyone! I’m Charlotte, a freshman living in Darnall Hall. Along with views of the National Cathedral and proximity to Epicurean, one of the highlights of living in Darnall has been the sense of community that reverberates through the halls– and through the common room especially.

The common room is not unique to Darnall though! All first year dorms feature a community room on each floor with a kitchen, television, and comfy furniture. Floor meetings and monthly activities like movie and game nights are often held in the common room. I’ve loved meeting new floormates and getting to know my RA better through floor activities. But the possibilities extend beyond organized events!

Late at night, the common room is a great place to study. Not only is there plenty of space to work, but you’ll often meet others also finishing up that lab report or getting in some last-minute geography review. I’ve struck up many a conversation with these impromptu study buddies, sharing what we’re working on (and maybe commiserating a little). 

On a relaxed Saturday night, the common room can transform into a fun spot to hang out with friends and meet new people. In a flash, you can assemble a high stakes poker game or form a watch group for the new season of The Bachelor. 

Any day of the week, people are cooking delicious things in the common room kitchen. To connect with more people, invite others to cook with you or make a meal for your floor! Just last week, my roommate and I made chocolate chip cookies for our floor– they were gone in minutes.

Hanging out in the common room, you’re bound to meet new people or strengthen the connections you already have. The utilities are great, but the thing that makes it a community room really are the people. 

Charlotte (COL ‘27)

AASA Families at Georgetown!

Georgetown is full of a vast number of affinity groups that love to show their pride in their ethnicities. One that sticks out in particular is the club called AASA. AASA, the Asian American Student Alliance, consists of students from all Asian backgrounds who come together to partake in activities ranging from political advocacy to social and cultural events. The aspect of AASA that I find most interesting is its “family” system. This system matches up first-year students and transfers, called “Littles,” with “Bigs,” who are upperclassmen that take on the roles of friend, parent, and mentor to the “Littles,” almost like a sorority or fraternity. For the first few months of the school year, Bigs and Littles come together in a number of social events. Bigs find fellow upperclassmen to start a family with, and they form temporary families with Littles to meet people in the community and see which people they click with and would want to get to know better. After the “Big Little Reveal Day,” where the first-years and transfers find out their permanent family, there are parties and events that combine friendly families, and they get to call their new family by names of “cousins, sisters, and uncles.” AASA brings the rest of the students at Georgetown into their lives, as well. At the Asian American Pacific House on 36th street and on the Village A Rooftops, AASA hosts cultural events for all to enjoy! Whenever my friends see members of their families around campus, their faces immediately light up, and a conversation is bound to occur. Having a club like AASA on campus helps to represent Asian American pride, and having a family within a family at Georgetown brings everyone closer together!

Tristan Perkins (CAS ‘27)

Finding Community on Campus

Hello everyone! My name is Tala, and I am a current sophomore in the School of Health studying Human Science on the pre-med track. I am originally from Carmel, Indiana, about a 30 minute drive from Indianapolis, and am a proud Hoosier!! Here on campus, I have really found a community that makes Georgetown feel like a second home. Georgetown is full of amazing organizations and resources that allow everyone to find their place! Affinity groups for different cultural identities, such as the Asian American Student Association, Arab Society, South Asian Society, and so many more, are always available. The Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Center provides important information and resources to all who need them. Other opportunities, such as club and intramural sports, allow students to try a new activity or continue participating in one from high school! If you want to explore outside of the campus, the different embassies that surround Georgetown always have fun events that allow you to learn more about the wide array of different cultures and identities. The people I have met here at Georgetown have taught me so much, and I am so grateful for the opportunities provided on campus to find a home away from home.

Tala (SOH ’26)

Friday Adventures in DC

During my whole Georgetown experience, the only time I have had class on Fridays was during my first semester. Considering that I am now in my junior year, this is really nice! Schedules like mine are also fairly common at Georgetown because many classes do not meet on Fridays. One of my closest friends at Georgetown (shoutout Ellie Poling, who is Florida State Chair) and I have seized the opportunity of not having Friday classes by taking that day to explore DC. We usually take our backpacks with us so that we can spend part of the day studying somewhere off campus and part of the day doing an activity off campus. 

My favorite Friday was when we went to the National Portrait Gallery. The National Portrait Gallery has an enormous atrium in its center, and the museum exhibits surround the atrium. The atrium has lots of tables and chairs, plants, and a glass ceiling. We first sat there doing our homework for a few hours, and when we wanted a break, we walked around the museum and saw the art. And the best part was that entry to the museum was free! I really enjoyed getting to see a new museum and also using the day to be productive and get some work done.

Another one of my favorite places to go on Fridays is Dupont Circle. Dupont Circle is a neighborhood, not a specific place, but there are lots of things to do there. There are a number of coffee shops and bakeries that are great places to study, like Emissary and Tatte. And there are also some famous spots in DC, like Kramers Bookstore and Busboys & Poets, which are cool to visit! Dupont Circle is also so easy to get to from campus because the GUTS bus (Georgetown University Transportation Service) takes you straight there for free. Dupont Circle is the neighborhood outside Georgetown that I go to most often because it’s so convenient.

Overall, I really enjoy exploring DC and am so grateful for the opportunity to do that on Fridays!

Mina Derebail (CAS ‘25)

Finding Home on Darnall 2

Like many incoming college students, I was intimidated by the idea of making friends my first semester. As I stepped into a new world hundreds of miles from my hometown, far away from my family and the friends I grew up with, reaching out and starting new friendships felt like a looming task rather than an exciting opportunity. Soon after arriving at Georgetown, though, I found some of my closest friends just down the hall. 

I was assigned to the most social of the first-year dorms, and I understood the reputation within hours of moving in. On my first night of college, I decided to try to meet the people I’d be living with for the next year, so I walked down the hall and timidly knocked on doors. Over the next few hours, I met some of the kindest, most welcoming people, several of whom I would still call my closest friends three semesters later. 

The floor soon turned into a tight-knit neighborhood of friends. From flea market outings to infamous Sunday morning pancake breakfasts, Trader Joe’s runs to late-night study sessions, Darnall 2 (known commonly as D2) became a home away from home, one I would be sad to leave at the end of the year. Our shared space was not only a physical space, but a cultural one too. Along with other Catholic friends, I accompanied Jewish floormates to Shabbat dinners; fellow Chinese-American floormates decorated the common room for Lunar New Year and cooked meals from home; friends and I shared what we missed about home, introducing each other to regional food, slang, and traditions. 

The Darnall 2 common room had a way of pulling you in—a quick stop inside to say hello always took at least fifteen minutes. Finding a community, which felt so daunting upon my arrival to Georgetown, was easy when I could find it just down the hall. I wouldn’t trade anything for the relationships I built on D2, and I am so glad I ended up where I did.

Maddie (SFS ‘26)

Escaping the “Georgetown Bubble”

One of my favorite parts of Georgetown is that students are able to completely immerse themselves in the history of our country. After a long day of classes, one of my favorite ways to clear my mind and destress is to take a walk (or run) to the national mall. It’s about 2.5 miles from campus, and on your way you will walk along the beautiful Potomac waterfront, past the Kennedy Center, and come up on the backside of the Lincoln Memorial. Sometimes, I will just people-watch for a little, or on days where I have more time, I will go to a museum I have not seen yet. I also love to stop at one of the ice cream trucks lined up along the streets to grab an ice cream cone! There’s always so much going on around the National Mall, so it is a great place to go when you need to escape campus. Oftentimes, it can be hard to find time to leave campus and take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, but it is so important! You can’t be your best self if you are not taking care of yourself, so in my first year I have made sure that it is a priority of mine! Taking a walk, listening to some music, and seeing the beautiful history of DC is a great way to clear your head and get your body moving! I have noticed that it can be really easy to stay super close to campus (in the Georgetown bubble), but there is SO much to do in DC, so make sure to take advantage of it! That’s all from me. I can’t wait to welcome you to the hilltop! 

Alyvia CAS ‘27