Amherst College is known for many things— the “little ivy” title, 17-inch snowstorms, and top-in-the-nation University of Massachusetts dining halls. But now, Amherst will be known for admitting such an astute, caring, and effortlessly humorous student to its class of 2030; Amherst will be welcoming Katie Kwon, who is majoring in neuroscience and biology on a pre-med track. This arduous pathway came as an easy decision to Kwon because of her passion for analyzing complex systems.
“I’ve always been really interested in […] neurology,” Kwon said. “The brain […] affects so much of who and how we are, from our memory to our personality and behavior. I think it’s super cool scientifically, but also really human at the same time.”
Reflecting the famous mammoth exhibit at Amherst’s Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst’s mascot is the mammoth. Kwon’s time at Claremont High School (CHS) reflects the legacy of the mammoth perfectly— a creature that makes history. She co-founded the Ethics Club, participated in Speech and Debate for all four years, played violin in Chamber Orchestra and regional youth orchestras, competed in Science Olympiad, and tutored students through the nonprofit organizations Claremont After School Programs and Schoolhouse. Despite her packed schedule, Kwon always made time to create lasting memories.
“During [car rides with friends], we would just have the most random conversations on so many different, weird topics and have so much fun,” Kwon said.
Another attribute of the mammoth is its intelligence. Similarly, as Kwon reflects on her four years at CHS, she leaves with a piece of wisdom for all high schoolers.
“Don’t just spend all four years trying to build an ‘impressive resume’ where you’re president of every club,” Kwon said. “In the end, that’s not all that makes your college portfolio stand out; it’s far more meaningful to do things that you genuinely care about, and that actually matter to you. Also, ask questions, talk to people, and don’t be afraid to look a bit awkward sometimes. No one cares that much, and they’ll forget about it right after lunch anyway.”
As Kwon braves the Amherst winters, she wants to acknowledge the teachers who helped her brave the ups and downs of high school: Mr. Tucker, Ms. Kandice, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Carrillo, and Mrs. Lee.
“Each of them has helped me in so many different ways and opened up so many opportunities for me to grow, and I’ll always be grateful to them for the years I was able to spend with them,” Kwon said.
She is also grateful for her friends and family.
“To my lunch group (Nina, Sophie, Sojeong, Xin, Jolean, and Zoie), thanks for being there for me,” Kwon said. “Also, Nina, for all the late nights at Honnold cramming for a test last minute. Nika, you’re genuinely so sweet and I’m so grateful to have met you. And shoutout to Zaya, love ya, you’re the best. Finally, my family— my parents and my brother— for encouraging me, supporting me, and (just my brother on this one) being brutally honest when I needed it.”
From Claremont and beyond, Kwon never fails to bring positivity and kindness into others’ lives, which is why her next four years are clear: she will Kwon-quer Amherst.
