Connect with a Tour Guide

she, they

North Salinas High School, Salinas, CA

Majors: Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies & Politics

As a native Californian, Drea can be found on sunny days soaking up the sun by taking a walk around campus or giving enthusiastic tours. But on rainier days they prefer to be inside wrapped in a blanket escaping from the cold. Regardless, she'll be wearing her headphones and blasting her perfectly curated Spotify playlists. They are a member of the Latinx Student Alliance, a Women’s Union (WU) staffer, and the head of the Academic Inclusion E&I Committee. Drea’s favorite study spot is at the WU. Outside of campus Drea is an avid concert goer and loves to explore the food, sports, and music of L.A.

he, him

Dulwich College, Shanghai

Major/Minor: Computer Science and History

Although Ben looked forward to escaping the typhoons of his hometown, Shanghai, he now savors the occasional drizzle in otherwise sunny SoCal. Ben was a member of the Pomona-Pitzer soccer team during his freshman year, and now helps run Pomona Ventures -- the Claremont Colleges' startup and entrepreneurship-based club. Having researched marginalized East Asian populations with SURP, he was able to continue his research interests through a summer of Korean language study in Busan, South Korea via the Critical Language Scholarship.

he, him

Newark Academy, Livingston, NJ

Major: International Studies; Middle Eastern Studies & History (minors)

When Riaan is not tour guiding around campus, you can find him daydreaming about his next skiing adventure (or more likely his next skiing injury), reading some of his favorite classical Indian literature on Marston Quad, or writing for the Claremont Journal for International Relations. Coming from a small town in rural New Jersey, Riaan enjoys getting off campus to explore L.A.'s arts, music, and dining scenes, and, of course, its picturesque beaches as well. Clearly he's a fan of the SoCal weather! On campus, he splits his time between getting to know his professors better outside of the classroom and searching for Pomona's best study spot.

he, him

Ardrey Kell High School, Charlotte, NC

Major: Philosophy & Politics

Gabe is a frequent recipient of glares for failing to whisper in the Honnold/Mudd Library. As a result, he's more often found studying along the Organic Farm's quiet trails or in the shady nooks of Marston Quad. He's a slightly-better-than-mediocre saxophone player and enjoys tutoring young musicians with the Pomona Valley Music Mentors. When he's not struggling through a philosophy reading, he's also involved in the Sunrise Movement and tutors Italian.

she, her

Chinese International School, Hong Kong

Major: Psychological Science & Linguistics

After coming to Claremont, Josephine has learned that she likes the sun but is a little scared of squirrels and crows. Her favorite study spots are by the Coop Fountain and outside Malott Commons. Outside of tour guiding, Josephine is a part of the Pomona College Orchestra, Claremont Cantonese Club, and Draper Center programs. In her free time, she takes advantage of cross-campus dining with her friends, stares idly at the IPA and Jyutping charts in her room, and (occasionally) writes poetry while listening to lofi beats or Studio Ghibli music.

she, her

Crofton House School, Vancouver, Canada

Major: International Relations & French

Since escaping the cool Canadian weather, Angel can usually be found in the Coop Fountain or Cafe 47 pretending to study, snacking on chicken tenders, and eavesdropping on random conversations. When she actually wants to study, you'll find her drinking a rose boba latte at Norema in the Claremont Village and listening to anything ranging from hard techno to Kali Uchis. Outside of tour guiding, Angel is an avid member of Pomona College Model United Nations, which has given her the opportunity to travel across the country to compete (thank you Pomona funding!) as well as host their own annual conference, SageMUN. She spent the last semester studying abroad in Paris—although she was never able to satisfy her craving for the omelettes at Frank brunch—and is ecstatic to be back in the City of Trees and PhDs.

she/her

Oak Park & River Forest High School, Oak Park, IL

Major: Music

Look for a sunny spot or some big trees, and you'll probably find Willa humming to herself somewhere nearby, thriving in the non-Chicago weather. When she's not stuck in the Thatcher practice rooms, you can find Willa snacking on oranges from trees around campus, working as a choir manager for the Pomona College Choir, rehearsing with her a cappella group (The Claremont Shades), distracting her friends during study sessions, or making puns off of her own name because, after all, where there's a Willa there's a way!

she, her

Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Honolulu, HI

Major: Dance and Neuroscience

Adriana is oftentimes seen dancing in Pendleton (and quite literally everywhere she goes) or having her weekly movie nights with friends in Mudd Lounge. Coming from Hawaiʻi, she is very passionate about her home and Hawaiian culture, especially being a part of Hui Lauleʻa (Hawaiʻi club) and 5C Pasifika Student Association. When Adriana isnʻt guiding tours, she can be found volunteering with Aceing Autism and the Draper Center for LINC and Health Bridges, or walking around campus listening to music with her noise-canceling headphones and sunglasses.

he, him

Alta Loma High School, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Major: Economics & Politics

Staying true to my Californian roots, you’d likely spot me somewhere along the sunny coast, sipping on an iced matcha latte or enjoying spontaneous drives to LA while blasting my latest ensemble of Taylor Swift, Rex Orange County, and Lizzy McAlpine. On campus, I proudly embrace being a total drama queen as a witness for Pomona College Mock Trial, chit-chatting with peeps at the Coop Fountain, grabbing dinner with friends in FLI Scholars, or exploring my not-so-great artistic side at the Hive! Amidst political readings and Econ problem sets, you can also catch me window-shopping through the Claremont Village or romanticizing my life with fellow Blaisdell mates as we watch our favorite rom-coms.

he, him

Taipei American School, Taipei, Taiwan

Major: Philosophy

Alex likes to aimlessly stroll around campus and the Claremont Village while grappling with difficult philosophical questions. When not in deep thought, he is committed to supporting low-income high-achieving students with their college applications, participating in exciting ISMP (International Student Mentor Program) events and organizing fun philosophy social activities with his fellow Philosophy Department liaisons. In his free time, you can find him rushing to watch plays and concerts on campus or enthusiastically lining up to buy delicious Challah bread on Fridays.

she, her

St. Mary's Academy, Portland, OR

Majors: Politics and/or International Relations, Music (minor)

Syd has a knack for remembering random facts about random things. Want to do some Harry Potter trivia? Can’t remember a state capital? Syd’s got you covered. Macroeconomics? Still a work in progress. When not completing homework in the library while drinking chai tea or attending class, Syd is usually involved in some musical endeavor, whether it be singing with her a cappella group Mood Swing or acting as a manager for the Pomona College Choir and Glee Club. Syd also enjoys taking stats for the Pomona-Pitzer athletics teams, doing powerpoint nights with friends and attempting to find new running routes around the 5Cs.

he, him

American International School of Chennai, Wherever my family is

Major: Media Studies

Achilles is a current member of the men's basketball team at Pomona. When he's not tour guiding or playing basketball, he's playing pickleball with his friends, reading a book, watching a movie, or filming! If you see him around campus, he'll probably be skating by you listening to Gunna or Carti. Having grown up in Brazil, Bangladesh, and India, Achilles loves to make new friends and talk about the world.

she, her

Okoboji High School, Milford, IA

Major: Undecided

Lexi (she/her) loves to talk! Whether she's lawyer-ing with the Pomona College Mock Trial Team, debating the student code as part of the Judicial Council, or chatting at Cafe 47 with a matcha latte in hand, Lexi is almost always finding something new to talk about. If she isn't talking about something new, she's most definitely talking about where she's from: Iowa! Born and raised in the cornfields of the midwest, Lexi is constantly thrilled to be on the ever-sunny West Coast. When she isn't soaking up the sun on Marston Quad, she can usually be found planning PowerPoint nights with her friends, wandering the Claremont village, and riding around campus on her pink and yellow Green Bike.

he, him

Cypress Bay High School, Weston, FL

Major: Media Studies

Indisputably, Sebastian’s curiosity exceeds beyond the vast ocean itself. You won’t find him “under the sea,” but if you look closely, you can discover his passion for singing “under the Frary painting” with the After School Specials A Capella group. Like a particular clownfish, he ventures off to find new and exciting adventures while meeting diverse people along the way. Sebastian deep dives into film and cinematography, swimming from the tropical beaches of Florida to kickstart his dream of producing and directing on the big screen. And yes, his motto is, “Just keep chirping.”

she, her

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Chicago, IL

Major: Politics and/or Sociology, & French (minor)

When Stephanie’s not studying in the library or FaceTiming her sister, you can probably find her taking one too many pictures/videos on her digital camera (she swears she was a YouTuber in another life) or deciding between a Matcha Latte or Iced Chai at Cafe 47. In the fall, however, she’s likely spending most of her free time rewatching Gilmore Girls. Outside of working as a tour guide, Stephanie is a Posse Scholar, part of the Pomona Model UN team, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advocate for the First Year Committee. Regardless of what she’s doing, Stephanie is definitely listening to R&B, jazz, hip-hop, or love ballads in Spanish on her headphones.

she, her

Miami Lakes Educational Center, Miami, FL

Major: International Relations & Africana Studies

Carlineissa can be found in her dorm with her head in a book, watching K-drama, or dancing like no one is watching. Outside of being a tour guide, she is on the Model United Nations team, a member of the Black Student Union, and a Posse Scholar. In her free time, she likes to explore the city and try new food places with her friends.

he, him

St. Ignatius College Prep, San Francisco, CA

Major: Neuroscience

If you ever hear someone cheering abnormally loudly on the sidelines of lacrosse games or in the stands of a swim meet, chances are it is Cole. Initially recruited to Pomona College as an athlete, Cole has dabbled in many activities: player on the NCAA D3 2021 Water Polo championship team, starter of the infamous pick-up basketball intramural team, Blaisment Bananagram competitor and member of The Claremont Colleges EMT club. When not studying the parts of the human brain, Cole can be found intensely following games for his hometown teams (the Golden State Warriors, 49ers, Giants) or watching Friends with his friends.

she, her

The Winsor School, Boston, MA

Majors: Classics & English

Being from snowy Boston, Tristen can usually be found on walks or sitting outside in sunny Claremont while blasting Taylor Swift or Lizzy McAlpine in her headphones. When she’s not translating Ancient Greek and Latin with her friends in Pearsons Hall or giving tours, Tristen is involved with the Benton Museum of Art as an intern and is a Sponsor for freshmen. While she frequently goes on bookstore crawls or to concerts in L.A., she also enjoys going to the movies in Claremont Village with her friends (followed by a 21 Choices or Yogurtland visit), seeing how much sushi she can consume at Frank brunch, and showing her friends drawings of frogs wearing cowboy hats.

he, him

Derby High School, Wichita, KS

Major: Sociology & Economics, Art History (minor)

When he’s not leading tours, you can usually find Esteban leading friends through the Village’s alleys and backstreets to get to UbaTuba - he swears it’s a shortcut. Once he’s had his sweet treat for the day, you can spot him checking out the exhibits at the Benton Museum of Art where he works as an intern, or having lunch with his Economics Cohort. The vibrant art scene is one of Esteban’s favorite parts of SoCal, and he’ll often drag his friends on excursions into LA to visit some famous museums.

he, him

Millennium Brooklyn High School, Brooklyn, NY

Major: Cognitive Science

As he should, Cid can probably be found at Frank eating a delicious plate of food or playing frisbee on Marston Quad. On campus he is a part of a couple clubs including ultimate frisbee and dungeons and dragons. He also works as a tutor for the Upward Bound tutoring organization at Harvey Mudd. Cid spends his time hanging out with my friends on campus, reading in the lounge, playing basketball and enjoys going to the Claremont Village to thrift or get ice cream.

he, him

Edmonds Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA

Major: English & Politics

Colin wears his short-shorts proudly and his facial hair ironically. This peach-fuzz-sporting junior is a Pacific Northwesterner at heart but has also lived in Atlanta for five years. On campus he enjoys competing with the Mock Trial team and playing Spikeball on Marston Quad with friends. He can also be found searching for new places to read or study on campus and has proudly perfected the Frary dining hall latté.

she, her

The Kinkaid School, Houston, TX

Major/Minor: Environmental Analysis, Psychological Science (minor)

Evelyn is happiest driving with the windows down, blasting the newest Taylor Swift or Miley Cyrus album somewhere warm and sunny. Being from Texas, she’s unbothered by (and actually loves) the SoCal heat. When not attending Environmental Analysis classes, she can be found going to yoga classes in the Village or the new CARW studio (Center for Athletics, Recreation and Wellness). Besides tour guiding, Evelyn works in the Pomona CARES office as a campus advocate.

she, her

Rock Hill High School, Rock Hill, SC

Major: Neuroscience

If Shamiya isn't somewhere cramming for an exam, you can find her watching Atlanta on her tiny little Roku tv. She also enjoys going to the Quad to hug the trees, watching the squirrels, reading a book, listening to music, maybe doing some yoga or taking a nap. She attends BSU (Black Student Union) events almost every week, and her favorite class so far has been Basic Acting with professor Carolyn Ratteray. Shamiya's top goals while attending college in Southern California are to: learn how to skateboard and surf, run into a celebrity and get into medical school.

she, her

Walter Payton College Prep, Chicago, Illinois

Major/Minor: Public Policy Analysis with a Concentration in Economics, Asian-American Studies (minor)

Need a new nail set? You can probably find Rachel showing off her latest design that made her five minutes late to AAMP (Asian-American Mentorship Program) Dinner. That being said, she makes up for the lost dinner with the 5C Vietnamese Student Association's phở runs! When she's not trying to finish an essay before the 11:59 P.M. deadline, she's either coming back from the Claremont Village with new orchids for her dorm, crocheting a new tote bag on Marston Quad or blasting Summer Walker on her way to the Hive's Sewing Shed. Keep an eye out for her painted butterfly paints!

she, her

Grandview High School, Aurora, CO

Major/Minor: Psychological Science

If you're ever looking for someone to discuss MTV's Are You the One with, Orezi can probably be found studying at the QSC (Quantitative Skills Center) or practicing with her improv group Without a Box. As a foodie, Orezi loves exploring 5C dining, trying out the local restaurants and occasionally even braving the journey to L.A. for a bite. Orezi hopes to try every Mountain Dew flavor currently in circulation (29 down, only a few more to go!)

she, they

Immaculate High School, Los Angeles, CA

Major: Biology

Whether she is basking in the sun on Walker Beach, studying in Crookshank library, or working on the Farm, Isabel can be seen all over campus. Outside the classroom, she is a part of the Pomona Science Scholars and 5C women’s ultimate frisbee team. In her free time she loves watching movies with friends, spending time in the Village, and going to concerts.

he, him

Georgetown Day School. Washington, D.C.

Major: Sociology on the Prehealth track

Apart from working as a tour guide, in his free time, you will usually find Nate with friends attempting to study anywhere outside (while constantly being a distraction with his random thoughts—it’s an ADHD thing), tearing holes in his pants from diving too much while playing Spikeball on Marston Quad or getting deeply lost in the surrounding neighborhoods on a solo exploratory run. If you ask Nate about comedy, he can talk endlessly about his favorite comedians, TV shows and movies (or even his time performing standup for a high school project).

she, her

Friends' Central, Wynnewood, PA

Major: Media Studies, Music (minor)

"Making it weird, but in a fun way," is Nina-Jean's self-described passion. Her additional passions include film-making, photography, music, and performing standup comedy. On campus, she is involved with religious life and photography. Off campus, she is a waitress and a connoisseur of asking strangers shockingly personal questions. Her favorite thing about living in California is the abundance of National Parks <3

he, him

John P. Stevens High School, Edison, NJ 

Major: Economics & Classics

Balan can probably be found at Walker beach, playing impromptu beach volleyball games (as long as net violations don't matter). Outside of tour guiding, he is involved with the Golden Antlers (the satire paper), Pomona Consulting Group, and the 5C All-Gender Volleyball Club. In his free time, he enjoys playing around with tone knobs to get just the metal guitar tone he wants, reading obsessively, and playing any sport he can find a pickup game for. He is undecided on the best study spot at campus, but would tentatively argue in favor of the Classics Reading Room at Pearsons.

she, her

Amherst Regional High School, Amherst, MA

Majors: Economics, International Relations & Politics

Mira is an East Coast native who loves the sunny change of scenery but still misses the snowy winters back home. She can often be found in the Carnegie Library, listening to R&B and working with friends. In her free time, she loves to try new food places in the Claremont Village, have movie nights at the dorm and work out at the new athletic center. Mira is a part of the Office of Black Student Affairs mentorship program, South Asian Mentorship program and enjoys mentoring students at a local high school.

he, him

Niles West High School, Lincolnwood, IL

Major: Environmental Analysis and/or Latin American Studies, Spanish (minor)

Self-identifying as a D-1 yapper, Simon can be found executing his talkative talents all around campus, and if you’re looking for him after 10:00 pm, he can probably be found in Mudd Lounge powering through tomorrow’s homework while sipping on the finest iced espresso from Frank Dining Hall’s beautiful new coffee machine. When not guiding tours, Simon spends his time singing with both the Pomona College Choir and his A Capella group, the Claremont Shades, ushering with the Pomona College Theatre Department, and procrastinating readings due the next day for his Spanish and History classes. In his free time, Simon loves listening to new music (to him, not most people) while walking around campus, and committing to the bit, often too loudly, and even more often to the chagrin of his friends who find themselves associated.

he, him

Coral Gables Senior High, Miami, FL

Major: Mathematics/Physics/Computer Science

If you hear the adjective “lively”, there should be one name that comes to mind: Lawrence Stampino-Strain. Lawrence loves to both talk and listen, and he values meaningful connections with others above all else. If he’s not holding a conversation with whoever he may have run into, he is probably studying for mathematics while listening to rap from any decade. Beyond his role as a Posse Scholar and a tour guide, Lawrence is also a member of the 5C Club Volleyball Team, Science Bus, the Young Men’s Circle, and the Black Student Union. He hopes that his passion and appreciation for Pomona College will be contagious to all those who attend his tours!

he, him

Sonoma Academy, Santa Rosa, CA

Major/Minor: Cognitive Science, Math (minor)

Jay spent his early years in South Korea and traveled over to California in 2011, where he fell in love with the beautiful weather and "chill" vibe. When Jay is not guiding tours, he can be seen playing soccer with the 5C Club team, learning to be a social entrepreneur at Pomona Ventures, and definitely singing (not well) some Coldplay, Lil Baby or the Lumineers. Jay also believes his sneaker game is elite.

she, her

Oxford Academy, Cypress, CA

Major: Undecided, but likely Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Even though Anjali's schedule whisks her all across campus, the Hive is probably your best bet to find her. When she's not procrastinating on papers by making amateur arts and crafts projects, she spends her time writing opinion pieces for The Student Life and debating with the Claremont Colleges Debate Union. Despite being a talker at heart, she was able to land a lovely job at the Honnold-Mudd Library. As a native Southern Californian, Anjali enjoys coming home to annoy her two siblings whenever she can.

he, him

Miami Beach Senior High, Miami, FL

Major: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Sebastian lived in Palm Beach, London and Miami before finding his way to Southern California. When he's not trying to understand analytical philosophy or nerding out on public policy, you could catch him consulting with the Graphite Group, debating with the Judicial Council (JBoard), playing spikeball on the quad, or skiing with the 5C Ski Club. Sebastian enjoys all kinds of music, film, Rubik's cubing, chess, GeoGuessr and mediocrely playing the piano.

she, her

Woldingham School, Ascot, England (home is Lisle, IL)

Major/Minor: possibly Philosophy, Dance minor

If she’s not in Pendleton practicing for something (anything) dance-related, then Kristen is probably at the Coop Fountain grabbing some chicken tenders! Coming from rainy England, the SoCal sun was a nice change, so she spends as much time sitting outside as possible. Kristen loves anything dance- or theatre-related and is involved with both at Pomona. In her free time she hangs out with her friends and enjoys playing the piano and ukulele.

she, her

Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Carbondale, CO

Major: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (intended)

Meet Ellie, the academic dynamo juggling Philosophy, Politics, and Economics by day and writing about campus chronicles for "The Student Life" newspaper by night. In between, she's the ringleader (or rather, teacher's assistant) in an engineering class called Human-Centered design, seamlessly bridging the gap between practicality and philosophy. Fun fact about Ellie: she's also the ultimate Survivor aficionado. Want to be her bestie? Just ask about the reality television series, and you'll be in the inner circle faster than Jeff Probst can snub a torch.