Experience at an All-women's college

When I share with my Ukrainian friends that I attend an all-women's college, their reactions are often surprise and confusion. Many assume it might be similar to a monastery or some form of religious group, but that's far from reality. My college is firmly rooted in feminist principles, encouraging women's empowerment and equality.

Being in an all-women's college, there's this feeling of empowerment that's hard to describe. It's a stark contrast to those classes where there are only a few women, especially in advanced tech courses, where you can feel pretty outnumbered.

In Ukraine, as in many places, the gender imbalance in STEM fields is substantial. For this reason, I would encourage prospective students from similar regions not to overlook all-women's colleges. Take time to understand what these institutions offer before making a decision.

Many express concerns about the lack of a mixed-gender social life at an all-women's college. However, the primary objective here is education. Furthermore, there are opportunities to interact with students from nearby co-educational schools, such as MIT.

Cross-Registration with MIT

Cross-registration is the official term we use for this process where you essentially become an associated student at MIT. This opportunity is given on a semester-by-semester basis, meaning you must reapply each semester.

There is a limit on how many classes you can take, but this can be discussed with your counselor for possible flexibility. Most students usually take one class at MIT if they opt for cross-registration. You can essentially pick any class, provided there is availability. A simple email to the professor can get you registered – it's really quite convenient.

This opportunity isn't widely publicized on the Wellesley website, presumably because they don't want students to primarily enroll at Wellesley with the intent of going to MIT. However, the chance to experience the offerings of a top-tier engineering school while studying at a distinguished liberal arts college was a significant factor for me during the application process.

Having classes at both institutions allowed me to compare the teaching styles, academic culture, and overall atmosphere. I noticed a stronger connection with the faculty at Wellesley but felt that hands-on skills were better developed at MIT. Wellesley tends to be more theory-oriented, whereas classes at MIT often have hands-on projects which not only contribute to a student's portfolio but also provide exposure to various techniques and tools.

However, it's important to note that education at Wellesley doesn't feel incomplete without MIT classes. The opportunity simply provided me with added value given my specific interests, which I'll discuss later.

My Major in Media Arts and Sciences

I chose Media Arts and Sciences as my major, which can be described as a mix between computer science and art. This means I have to study core computer science classes while also exploring art, both digital and traditional. What's great about this major is how flexible it is. It doesn't really fit under one single department.

One thing I appreciate is I don't have to get involved in highly complex math or physics, which suits my academic preferences. What makes this major even better is how it pairs with MIT. Currently, I'm involved in research on self-programmable materials, which is more design-focused rather than hard coding. This field integrates elements of coding, design thinking, and physical prototyping. I enjoy working with my hands, and this unique combination wouldn't have been as accessible to me at Wellesley alone.

Campus Location

Wellesley is nestled in a forest-like setting, a bit outside of Boston - about a 30-minute ride away. Our campus is located on a large piece of land, a generous gift from benefactors back in the 19th century. We even have a lake, half owned by Wellesley and the other half by a private family.

It's a pretty upscale place, so the local shops tend to be a bit on the expensive side. Despite this, I wouldn't trade the experience for any typical college town. The nature around here is simply amazing. Given that we're in the forested area of New England, we enjoy fresh air, stunning sunsets, and numerous walking trails, including one by the lake.

Whenever the pressures of classes get overwhelming, it's so easy to grab some friends for a picnic and instantly feel better. But if you ever miss the bustle of the city, it's just a car or bus ride away. Wellesley actually runs a shuttle bus service, especially during weekdays for those commuting to MIT in Cambridge.

There's also the option of a commuter rail or train, but I find them a bit inconvenient. The trains are a bit old and not as frequent as one would prefer, making it a bit of a chore to plan trips.

Post-Graduation Plans

As of now, I'm planning to take a break from academia after graduation. Even though I'm just a sophomore, and it's said that things usually get smoother in the junior and senior years, I'm already feeling quite worn out. I'm looking forward to experiencing a routine that doesn't revolve around classes.

For a few years post-graduation, I'm considering staying in the US. The field I'm studying aligns well with the industry here, so I feel like it's a good place to gain initial experience. With the OPT program, I could stay and work in the US for 3 years.

However, my long-term plan is to return to Ukraine. I want to accumulate knowledge and experience before I return so that I can contribute to my community in a meaningful way. I believe I need time to gain the depth of experience that would enable me to truly give back.

But as for the exact timing and sequence of these plans, that's still up in the air. I'm not in a rush to lock in a path just yet. I don't see myself settling down in one country for good, not when there's so much of the world I haven't seen yet.

If I decide to pursue a Master's degree at some point, I'm inclined to do it in Europe. I'm curious to see what life is like in a different environment, like a city where everything is within walking distance. So, in short, I'm keeping my options open and am excited about the various opportunities that could come my way.