Tristen Leone ’26
I came to Pomona knowing I wanted to major in classics. I had been taking Latin since middle school and had picked Ancient Greek up along the way in high school. Though I knew I loved the languages, I still didn’t know what being a Classics major might mean or where it would take me. My experience at Pomona, however, has greatly shaped my relationship with the field and my future trajectory. On my first day of classes freshman year, a senior struck up a conversation with me in our 8 a.m. Latin class, curious why I wanted to study classics. After explaining that I loved learning the languages but had always been fascinated by ancient art in museums growing up, she suggested I try an archaeological dig, so I did the summer after my freshman year, and everything changed!
Being able to apply the knowledge I built in the classroom over the years into a tactile environment where we are, literally, uncovering layers of history was the most incredible feeling. Archaeology is able to do something that studying in the classroom will never be able to do: it removes a layer of separation between us and ancient cultures. When I find a piece of pottery, a glass vile, or a coin, I might be the first person in 2,000 years to lay eyes on that object. Because I have also been deeply shaped by Professor Omer Shah’s Anthropology courses during my time at Pomona, archaeology has been my way to bridge my interdisciplinary interests in classics and anthropology to focus deeply on human culture while also implementing my love of Roman art and culture. Since that first summer excavating, I have been excavating every summer since and even joined other research projects like The Etruscan Tomb Survey!
During my time at Pomona, I’ve loved taking numerous language courses with Professor Chris Chinn, who is always down to talk about eco-criticism in bucolic poetry (or about Metallica), and all of Professor Jody Valentine’s courses on gender, sexuality, and pedagogy in the Ancient World. Professor Valentine has specifically shaped my experience as a major, inviting me to question my beliefs about the ancient world and think across disciplines. She has even invited me onto her research project on gender and sexuality, The Deltos Project, as a research assistant.
Not only do I love the work I do, but the Classics Department is one of the closest departments. Because of the environment Professors Chinn, Valentine and Ben Keim create for students—whether it be dinners at their houses, trips to the Getty Villa, or taco parties—I always feel at home in Pearsons Hall.