Drema
Joybells, India
Drema developed a passion for community service at NMH that she’ll carry with her wherever she goes.
What brought me to NMH:
Studying in the United States has always been a dream of mine, and NMH made that dream come true. Growing up at Joybells, an orphanage in India, I had the chance to meet NMH student volunteers who would come visit us. When I learned more about NMH and its values, I knew it was a place where I could grow — both academically and personally.
My activities at NMH:
The Penguin Pals and Connect Over Language Barrier clubs, varsity Ultimate, JV cross-country, PE skiing, Dunham dancing, jazz dancing, the Mandala literary magazine, and the Mobile Food Bank and Northfield Community Meal service projects. I traveled to Belize, the second international country I’ve visited, and was inducted into the Cum Laude honor society.
Something new I tried at NMH:
At NMH, I tried sports in a competitive, team-oriented way for the first time. In the fall, I joined cross-country, and in the spring, I took a chance on Ultimate — even though I didn’t even know it was a sport before! Long-distance running was totally new to me, but I ended up loving the challenge. I had so much fun with my teammates and really grew as a team player.
Stepping out of my comfort zone helped me learn a lot about myself — and, as a bonus, I even received the Best Individual Player award at the fall sports banquet for cross-country. It was such a proud and surprising moment that reminded me how far I’d come.
The most challenging part of my time at NMH:
My first few days at NMH, when I walked into a whole new environment, a new country, especially being far away from my family for the first time. What helped me overcome this challenge was the fun activities planned during orientation, the warm welcome from the NMH faculties, and dorm Resident Leaders.
My favorite class at NMH:
This is a tough question — not because of the subjects, but because of the amazing teachers who taught them. I never thought I’d say this, but math became one of my favorite classes, thanks to incredible teachers like Mr. Leeds and Mr. Santos. Their support and way of explaining things made me actually enjoy a subject I used to struggle with.
Then there’s Mr. Chuch and Jake (Mr. Morrow), my religion and English teachers. Their calmness, energy, and understanding made every class something I looked forward to. They created such a thoughtful and open space for learning.
One of the most challenging — but also rewarding — classes I took was Jim Shea’s Government and Civil Liberties class. It was a completely new subject for me, but I learned so much and came out with a better understanding of the world around me.
I love how inclusive and open the NMH community is — people genuinely listen to each other and make space for different perspectives. It feels like a place where I can be fully myself and still grow.”
My favorite activity at NMH:
The workjob program. It builds a real sense of responsibility and humility, and it makes the campus feel like a shared, cared-for space.
Favorite food in Alumni Hall:
Definitely the salad bar. I love having to choose among such healthy options that come directly from the NMH garden.
Favorite NMH traditions:
Nodding with a smile. I would like to add this as a tradition because I have experienced this at NMH and I think that it is such a beautiful thing. Every time I walk up the NMH hills, passersby smile and greet me with a smile, even if they are completely strange. A simple smile helps me move through my day with a positive attitude.
Favorite spot on campus:
The chapel. The first time I entered the chapel, I was struck by its beauty. It is in the chapel where I spent solitude moments of reflections and prayers. It is a room where the entire NMH family gather. It is where my NMH journey started and ended.
An educator who’s been especially supportive during my time at NMH:
Atta Kurzmann and Jim Vollinger have been like a set of parents to me, helping me with every possible thing I needed help with.
Also a huge shout-out to Joe Latimer, my college counselor and advisor. The amount of patience and dedication he put forth in helping me and others is tremendous.
Advice I would give myself if I could go back to my first day at NMH:
It’s okay to feel nervous and scared, but don’t step back. Smile and try everything, because everyone is willing to help and be part of your journey.
What’s special to me about NMH:
I love how inclusive and open the NMH community is — people genuinely listen to each other and make space for different perspectives. It feels like a place where I can be fully myself and still grow. NMH respects its history while always pushing forward. There's a strong sense of tradition, but it’s matched with a real commitment to progress and social responsibility.
How NMH has changed me:
NMH has really helped me grow into someone who's not afraid to speak up and stand for something, stepping out of my comfort zone to try something new. I’m taking with me a stronger sense of who I am and what I value—along with the belief that meaningful change starts with small, consistent actions.
What I will miss most about NMH:
The people, because it is the people who create a community. I will miss the late-night dorm conversations, the teachers who genuinely care, and the feeling of being surrounded by others who want to grow, challenge each other, and laugh through it all. NMH feels like a second home because of the connections I’ve made here.
Plan for the fall:
Hobart & William Smith Colleges. And I’ll continue pursuing my passion for service to the community. NMH has shown me the power of giving back, and I want to carry that with me wherever I go.