Even though I have been here for less than a year, I am already so amazed by, and so thankful for, everything Williams has provided me thus far. From genuinely interesting classes, intelligent and aware professors, incredibly motivated classmates, and willing and helpful staff, your gift to the Williams Alumni Fund has made it possible for me to feel as if I can do anything I set my mind to.
My name is Kristen Bayrakdarian. I am a member of the Class of 2019, and am unsure of what the future will bring. Will I major in political science or English? Will I end up concentrating in environmental studies? Whatever my decision, I know I will have the support and guidance necessary to find my niche beyond the Purple Bubble.
As one who grew up in the suburbs of New York, I was always fascinated by the natural environment. In fact, when I first came to Williams was when I realized that “purple mountain majesty” actually existed (who would’ve thought mountains could actually be purple?)
I have become very involved with environmentalism and food justice on campus. I’m a member of the Williams Environmental Council, a group that promotes environmental awareness and activism on campus; and ThinkFood, a group that focuses on food justice, food security, and sustainable eating. I also enthusiastically attend WOC (Williams Outing Club) events – from sunrise hiking, to canoeing adventures to rock climbing.
I have also taken part in many community service opportunities and am an ambassador for the Lehman Council—our community service organization on campus. Indeed, my friend and I are in the process of starting a club centered around animals with the goal of bringing together students who have a desire to help raise awareness and funds, to volunteer and to lobby to support domestic, wild, aquatic and farm animals. In addition I am a member of the Cycling Team (a club sport) and Get Baked- a club that bakes goodies for those who choose to stay in instead of go out on Friday nights. I just joined WRAPS, a club centered around distributing the college’s excess food for to neighboring communities.
I hope you can see how your contribution to the Alumni Fund has not only made a tangible difference in my life, by allowing me to further explore my interests, but in the lives of those I touch through the opportunities for volunteerism afforded to me.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Kristen Bayrakdarian ’19
On February 17, 2016, the entire student body came together to celebrate all the things that members of the Williams community do for one another and to show their gratitude and “EphPreciation” for your Alumni Fund contribution by signing thank you cards. As such, the signature inside your card may not belong to the student profiled on this page. To learn more about the EphPreciation event, williams.edu/ephpreciation; to read about the students your gift impacts, visit williams.edu/ephprofiles.