Kijani Derenoncourt, '26

Hometown: Olney, MD

Languages: English, German, French

Major: Earth and Climate Science

Main extracurricular activities: German Club, Jujitsu, and Planetary Research, Earth Science, and Space Undergraduate Research Experience

Favorite study spot? The back of BiHall, where the floor-to-ceiling windows let in the most stunning sunset light. Around golden hour, the whole room glows orange and gold and it’s so peaceful. Once I put my headphones on, it’s the perfect atmosphere to lock in and get through any paper.

Favorite food in the dining hall? Hands down the cheesecake! Middlebury does sweet treats really well, but the cheesecake is next level

Favorite Vermont spot: The Tunbridge Fair might not be a single spot, but it’s one of my favorite Vermont traditions. I make a point to go every year with friends, it’s always such a fun way to soak in the local culture and spend a day together!

Favorite academic experience: Worldbuilding! It was such a creative and immersive course, something I never imagined myself taking! I don’t usually think of myself as a creative, but getting to design an entire universe from scratch, learning all the details that make fictional worlds feel real was, well, unreal.

Where did you study abroad? I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in New Zealand and South Korea. Both places offered such unique experiences with New Zealand immersing me in Earth systems and ecology, while South Korea gave me a chance to dive into language, culture, and everyday life in a completely new environment.

Why did you choose to attend Middlebury? I knew I wanted a small school with a strong environmental program and excellent study abroad opportunities, but I also needed a place that could support me on the somewhat unconventional path I knew I wanted. Middlebury has not only allowed me to do that but has gone above and beyond in supporting me. Plus, I really love snow, and Middlebury in the winter is absolutely stunning!