Lily Oudommahavanh, ‘26

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

High School: Venice High School (World Languages & Global Studies Magnet)

Affiliations: QuestBridge

Major: Computer Science & Japanese Studies

Main Extracurricular Activities: Innovation Hub, Mental Health Peer Educators, Middlebury Alternative Break Trips, Middlebury College Museum of Art, J-Club, Middlebury Admissions Student Ambassador

Why did you choose to attend Middlebury? I have a passion for learning languages, particularly Japanese, and realized after a lot of research that Middlebury is an amazing school known for their language departments, where I could continue to explore that. Whether it be through Language Schools, their School in Japan, or taking language and elective classes within the department, I knew this was the perfect place for me to continue my studies and I can safely say I made the best possible choice! I also knew that Middlebury would be a place where I could explore my other academic (and casual) interests, like pursuing a major in software engineering (I originally wanted to do Psychology, actually!) or learning how to crochet at one of Midd’s many student organizations!

Any tips for incoming students to help them make the most out of their Middlebury experience? If you’re even a little bit interested, definitely take a language starting your first-year fall! It’s not only guaranteed to be an amazing class because of Middlebury’s uniquely rigorous language curriculum, but a sure-fire way to find community during your first semester here. The struggle of learning any new language can be overwhelming, but doing it with your classmates makes for a bond that will go far beyond the classroom. Plus, nothing is more satisfying than seeing your progress and being able to communicate with your friends in a new, shared language!