Shout-out from the commencement speaker (Tom Ye '25)

During the 2025 Amherst College Commencement, I was deeply honored to be recognized by the student speaker, Thomas Ye ’25, as someone who embodied the spirit of “staying green”—a phrase used to describe the optimism, kindness, and curiosity that defined our earliest days on campus. Thomas highlighted small but meaningful acts like helping classmates at midnight or showing up for others consistently. I was previously also voted as one of the student faces of the Mammoth Buck, a symbolic campus currency awarded to community members who uplift others, joining an inspiring group including President Michael Elliott and several beloved faculty and staff. “Staying green,” as expressed in Thomas’s address, represents a beginner’s mindset rooted in kindness, humility, and community engagement. This recognition affirmed the value of leading with intention, offering help freely, and building environments where people feel seen and supported. It’s a reminder that impact is often found in small, consistent actions rather than titles or accolades. I carry this lesson forward as I continue my journey in AI and engineering—with a commitment to building not just systems, but also human-centered communities.