Connecting boldly and being crafted for leadership

From Lagos, Nigeria, Nathania Amadi enrolled at Mount Holyoke College and arrived sight unseen, wondering whether the warmth she’d encountered in Zoom meetings would still be there in person.

It was.

“I came here blindly, hoping that the people here were like the people I had spoken to,” she said. “I remember speaking to Latrina Denson, associate dean of students and executive director of community and belonging. She was so welcoming. People seemed genuinely excited for me to be here.”

As Amadi was unable to tour campuses in person, she relied on online research and guidance from a college agent.

“I’d like to think that the agent saw qualities in me that reflect the Mount Holyoke population. I’ve always been sure of myself,” she said.

Her parents liked the idea of small classes and close relationships with faculty at Mount Holyoke. That sense of connection shaped Amadi’s time on campus from the moment she arrived. She came intending to pursue medicine — a goal she’s had since childhood — and she remained on the pre-med track throughout her time at the College. While she initially planned to major in biochemistry, she discovered a passion for neuroscience after taking a class with Professor Kenneth Colodner.

Amadi is now a neuroscience and behavior major with a Five College Certificate in Culture, Health, and Science, a path that reflects her wider academic interests and curiosity. Her coursework and research experiences, including her work in the Craig Woodard Laboratory, solidified her interest in pursuing clinical research as a stepping stone to medical school.

Equally formative were the communities Amadi joined outside the classroom. True to her sense of self, she’s president of the Student Government Association. During her first semester, she joined the Mount Holyoke African and Caribbean Students Association, where she bonded with students who helped her navigate life stateside. At orientation, she joined the International Student Organizing Committee, which she now co-chairs. Through the committee, she has helped foster a sense of community among international students while building relationships with alums.

Residential life also played a central role in Amadi’s experience. She lived in the Shirley Chisholm Living-Learning Community (LLC) during her first year and returned as a resident advisor. The LLC provided another layer of support, easing her transition into college life far from home.

When asked what makes Mount Holyoke special, the student-leader doesn’t hesitate to respond.

“The people,” she said. She also mentioned the environment created by the gender-diverse women’s college, describing the campus as a place where students are empowered to speak without fear of judgment.

“You don’t even realize how empowering this is until you leave the Mount Holyoke bubble: We’re automatically outspoken. We’re unafraid to push boundaries and limits. Mount Holyoke crafts leaders,” she said.

After graduation, Amadi plans to pursue clinical research in neuroscience or cell biology at large urban hospitals while applying to medical school. She credits Jenny Watermill, senior associate director for experiential learning and career exploration at the Career Development Center, with helping her ensure her credentials shine when applying for competitive, niche roles. Watermill advised Amadi on résumé development, keyword strategies and interview preparation, as well as techniques for tailoring applications to specific research roles to make sure her résumé was seen — and appreciated.

“She helped with the flow and the intentionality behind the way my résumé is crafted,” Amadi said. “It gives the recruiter my full story: my education, my research experience, and also skills that make me a good teammate and co-worker,” she said.

For students throughout the world who are considering enrolling at Mount Holyoke, Amadi has some simple advice: Connect boldly, starting on day one.

“Find your community through [joining] organizations [and] clubs [or] having lunch with a random person one day,” she said. “This is how I found most of my friends, and we’ve continued to get closer through the years.”