Having been born and raised in California, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first arrived at Brandeis. In truth, I never did visit campus or Massachusetts before move-in day. I grew up surrounded by year-round sunshine and went to the University of California, San Diego, a large, open, coastal campus that always felt expansive and bright. Brandeis, by contrast, is smaller and nestled into the hills of Waltham. But what I’ve come to love about this campus is precisely that difference. The Heller School and the greater Brandeis community offer a setting that feels both peaceful and personal; it's a place where the natural beauty of New England meets the warmth of a close-knit academic environment. Just far enough from downtown where you avoid any unwanted hustle and bustle, but close enough where you can get that when, or if, you need some city life.
The first thing I noticed about Brandeis was its landscape. Perched on a hill, the campus feels very different from some of the busy Waltham streets. Walking between classes, you pass rocky outcroppings, winding paths, and grassy areas shaded by tall trees. In the early fall, the leaves begin to turn into the picturesque gold and crimson fall colors. In the spring, the same spaces come back to life with green fields and blooming flowers, making them perfect places to read, reflect, or simply take in the fresh air between classes. The change of seasons adds rhythm to the academic year, marking transitions in both nature and personal growth.
The Heller School itself has a comforting presence throughout those changes. The building’s design, filled with natural light and open spaces, makes it easy to feel at home even on the busiest of days. Whether it’s the quiet of the reading rooms, the view from the windows overlooking the trees, or the noise of students studying together, Heller provides a perfect place to study.
Adjusting from a large, sunny California campus to a smaller, New England one has been an unexpected gift. The beauty of Brandeis, particularly through the seasons, and the welcoming environment at Heller have made this an incredibly comforting place to study, think, and grow. As I work towards wrapping up my master’s, I’ve realized that the setting matters; it shapes the experience, influences how we learn, and provides the quiet inspiration that makes the journey so meaningful.