Amherst is no doubt a college town. The student populations of the local institutions of higher education — UMass Amherst, Amherst College, and Hampshire College — are an important part of the town’s economy. You can’t walk into any coffee shop or restaurant without encountering at least a few college kids. But, as an Amherst College student, I worry that many of my fellow students don’t see themselves as holding a role in town life beyond shopping and dining. And there are crucial ways that we can get involved.

For one, even those of us who aren’t long-term Massachusetts residents are still able to register to vote in the state during our time here. And even if you would rather register in your home state, there are plenty of other ways to be an engaged community member. College students are able to (and some do) hold town committee positions. There are also an array of charitable organizations that are always looking for volunteers. While college life, with all its deadlines and commitments, can feel consuming, I think it’s important that we find time to give back to our local community. Start small: attend a town meeting and learn about the current goings-on. Volunteer an hour of your time to a non-profit. You can even just strike up a conversation with a town resident and ask what’s on their mind. Creating a thriving, cohesive local community requires effort from Amherst’s entire population — and that includes those of us who may only be here for four years.

Liam Archacki

Amherst

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