Pendhay Singay Yeshay

Major(s): Intending Economics-Environmental Studies

Why You Chose Whitman

I can't lie, the entire process of applying to colleges and picking one was a really hard one. But what made me ultimately choose Whitman was the fact that I was really looking for a small and engaged campus community to help support my learning and in turn, to learn so much from. I really value a strong community and when asking students, staff and faculty how they felt about Whitman, they all loved Whitman’s tight-knit community and I wanted to be a part of that. Additionally all of Whitman’s resources from the internship grant to all of ASWC’s funds, small class sizes which allows professors to get to know you and career coaches that care about you and so much more are equally compelling options to say why. But all of these things and more are some of the reasons why I chose Whitman, to gain access to these resources that I didn’t have before and to really help me build a strong foundation for the learning that I’ll continue to do.

Favorite Things To Do in Walla Walla

If I had to count the amount of times I’ve walked towards Pinecone for a little pick me up after meals or an exam, it would probably be uncountable. I adore Pinecone creamery and it remains one of my favorite spots to just eat some good ice cream (their peach cobbler flavor lives in my mind rent free) and talk with friends. I also love Bright’s Candies to look at all the cool things, cute jellycats and stock up on some fun candy (they have some great truffles). Thrifting at Yeehaw Aloha or Goodwill is also a favorite. Or well, just walking around the local parks and playing a game of pickleball at Pioneer Park..

Best Class You’ve Taken On Campus

It has to be a toss-up between Buddhist Art in Asia and my GENS (Race, Gender and Representation). Both these classes really engaged me in ways I didn’t expect by making me think about real life issues from a different perspective and I really resonated with the subject matter taught in the classes. After all, it’s really cool to say you know the difference between Tibetan stupa and a Nepali Stupa or bust out a quote from Edward Said’s ‘Orientalism’ for an argument and it’s safe to say that I’ve learnt so much from these two classes. I also really enjoyed learning from the professors who were really encouraging and people I formed a really close bond with and continue to interact with even after the classes. And while I can’t really choose the best class between these two, if all my classes here at Whitman end up being this good, I'll have an even more difficult time choosing in the future.

Favorite Campus Traditions

While not quite a campus tradition, I really enjoy the annual hot air balloon festival that takes place in Walla Walla! There’s something so exciting about waking up early in the morning to see all the balloons being blown up and seeing all the interesting shapes and patterns of the balloons taking place. I think my favorite had to be the one shaped like a rocket. But I also do love Desi Gala and Holi because it’s always fun to showcase my culture and traditions to the campus community!