Assistant Director of Admissions
Degree: B.A., Goucher College
Originally from: Westport, Connecticut
Email: sjoustra@hampshire.edu

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Why I love working for Hampshire College: Though I didn’t attend Hampshire, I am so passionate about Hampshire's mission and its academic approach. Hampshire, more than any other institution I know, places the emphasis on the individual and gives them the tools to succeed. I’m in awe of what these individuals are capable of--they’re artists, inventors, and creators. They ask questions, challenge ideas, and enhance the world around them, academic and otherwise.

Piece of advice for prospects in the college search process: The single most important experience that will impact how you feel about a particular school is the campus visit. You can read as much as you want in brochures and on websites--and even talk to friends or alums--but I’m a huge proponent of that “feeling” you get when you’re on campus. Walk around, take a tour, and see if you can really see yourself at that school. If there’s a chance to sit in on a class or even do an overnight stay with a current student, that’s the best way to get a real, authentic look at a school.

Favorite way to travel: I love taking the train, speeding along and watching the world pass by. I like airplanes too, especially if I can be on the left side.

Favorite TV shows: The West Wing, Brothers and Sisters, Frasier, and Seinfeld.

Favorite Shakespearean plays: King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream--in that order. How can you argue with King Lear (the original literary dysfunctional family)?

A random fact about me: Every day of my life since the first day of high school is recorded. I am compulsive about writing in my journal every single day.

What's Hometown High?: I'm so glad you asked! Hometown High is a program that I run that gives current Hampshire students the opportunity to visit their high schools during winter or spring break (or both!) to talk to students about their personal experience at Hampshire.