Whitman’s Interest House Community: More Than Just Housing
By Ashtin Sampson ’25
Imagine living on a college campus where your interests are more than just hobbies—they’re part of your everyday life. I discovered that through the Interest House Community (IHC) at Whitman. The IHC, for short, connects students who share similar passions in a collaborative environment. This experience shaped my time at Whitman by allowing me to engage in an interest that wasn’t directly tied to my major. It also connected me to people who share the same interests and goals.
As a sophomore, I had the opportunity to live in Tekisuijuku, the Japanese language house. There, I built lifelong friendships—both inside the house and in the Japanese department—and helped organize meaningful events that brought diverse perspectives to campus. It was a defining chapter in my college journey, showing me how Whitman empowers students to turn their passions into real-world experiences.
Each Interest House hosts campus-wide events open to any Whitman student wanting to explore different cultures and interests. From food to games and activities, these events are fun for everyone! One of my favorite events is the IHC Block Party—hosted by every house to kick off the academic year! Coincidentally, that event was what initially gained my interest in the IHC.
When I arrived at Whitman, I felt a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of events happening around campus. There’s just so much to do! The IHC stood out as a chance to live with people who shared my interests. There are so many to choose from, like living in the French, Spanish or German language houses or with other students who are passionate about sustainability and those who love to write!
As a member of the IHC, you get to help organize events that promote global awareness on campus and deepen your connections with the academic departments tied to each house. So much passion and care go into these events, and it was incredible to be part of it all. Since I lived in the Japanese language house, my housemates and I frequently collaborated with professors in Japanese Studies. We welcomed guest calligraphy artists, engaged with alumni, and even hosted hot pot nights with our professors. Weekly house dinners, movie nights, and spontaneous get-togethers. There were so many amazing people I could connect with, have fun with, and learn with, because of Tekisuijuku.
Living in Tekisuijuku also prepared me for a dream I’d long held: studying abroad in Japan. Thanks to the support of living in the IHC, that dream became a reality. Practicing the language, immersing myself in the culture, and having connections abroad—like friends from the department and the house—made my semester in Japan feel even more meaningful. I even ran into a few of them while I was there! Check out my study abroad experience by reading my Spring of 2024 blog posts!
There was so much connection and belonging in one year of living there. I remember a past resident who always came back to visit. At the time, I wondered why they were around so much—but now I get it. I can’t help but reminisce about my sophomore year in Tekisuijuku.
Ashtin Sampson ’25 (she/her/hers) is a History: Before Modernity major from Los Angeles, California. In her semester abroad, Ashtin learned to do Kyūdō, a Japanese Martial Art form of Archery.