Current Students Find and Follow Personalized Paths of Study
Hampshire’s unique student-designed curriculum lets people personalize their studies and address the questions, challenges, and issues that interest them most.
No one’s education looks like anyone else’s, as our conversations throughout the summer and fall with several students made beautifully and inspirationally clear.
[clockwise from top left]
Lila Maher F24
“I’m in the first year of my Div II, studying dress history with some normal history on the side. I assumed I’d study fashion design and history, and my interests kinda ended up merging. I made my dress and all of my undergarments in independent studies. It’s been really life changing to be able to do research and construction with the help of people more experienced with historical reproduction.”
TJ Olson F22
“For my Division III Capstone project, I wanted to create something that combined my studies of education, journalism, and audio engineering. This year, I am producing an eight-episode audio documentary series exploring how innovative educational philosophies impact the lives of learners.”
Leo Vargha F23
“I came to Hampshire to study theater production and film, but since coming here I have fallen in love with literature, analog filmmaking, and using the archive as a part of my practice… Our open curriculum also allows me to direct so much more of my focus on building my film practice than I would at a traditional academic program.”
Teddie Charleceus F23
“I came to Hampshire to study theater production and film, but since coming here I have fallen in love with literature, analog filmmaking, and using the archive as a part of my practice. I wanted to spend my Div II building my portfolio and learning. It’s important to have a voice, but more important to know what you are talking about. I plan to spend the rest of my Div II focusing on sustainability and thinking about climate change’s impact on small islands like Haiti.”
Aisling Lynn F22
“I study films and photos here at Hampshire, but I do a lot of work in archives as part of my filmmaking and photo practice. What initially drew me to Hampshire was the ability to make my education my own and not just receive my education. Having that control at Hampshire has allowed me to really deepen and reframe the way I think about learning and education.”
Jacory Martin F24
“After a major foundational year, I was drawn to film, particularly international cinema, expanding the ways I approach creative practice and storytelling. In the spring of 2025, I attended the Cannes Film Festival through student accreditation connected to my film studies. Cannes, which was also my first trip abroad, deepened my sense of purpose in the arts and showed me the power of international exchange and collaboration in a way I still have yet to fully wrap my head around.”
Ava Trask F22
“I am pursuing a laboratory-intensive project with my professor, advisor, and greatest inspiration, [Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry] Rayane Moreira…we aim to develop a novel organocatalyst for carbon dioxide integration into organic molecules.”
Lilly Guerrero F23
“I'm studying forensic psychology with some developmental and criminal psychology in there as well. For my Div III final project, I'm considering a literature review on the different types of therapies used within the prison system for both adults and children.”
Rue Fishman F22
“For my Division III project, I am developing resources for K-12 educators about best practices for working with disabled students. I am excited to offer school staff a disability justice perspective and to encourage a more welcoming environment for the next generation of disabled students.”
Schuyler Durand F23
“After many classes and a few revelations, I have narrowed my areas of study to technical theatre and education. I found a passion for working with teens in creative settings while also providing mentorship, and I am looking forward to writing a curriculum for my Div III final project, although I still have another year before then.”
Sophie Johnson F22
“I am getting ready to start my Div III project, which will be a comparative media analysis of a noh play, Aoi no Ue, and different adaptations made of it throughout time and the world. Outside of academics, I have been a part of both the Hampshire Blacksmith's Guild and the soccer program. I've found so much community and joy through these programs that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
William Powell F22
“I came to Hampshire to study game design and creative writing, and that is still my primary focus. As an off-campus student, my life is split between my college life on campus, and my life at home with my sisters on our farm. I grew up farming, and it is a passion that never faded.”
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