Germany is a democracy, but only 20 years ago, part of it was a totalitarian state, separated from the German Republic by a wall. The Berlin Wall fell on Nov. 9, 1989. Amherst College commemorated this important historic event by hosting a very successful symposium on the German Unification last week from Oct.

“Don’t let your father have had sex in vain.” This was Rev. Gladys Moore’s call for action during the Unity Vigil on Monday night. It was organized in response to a student group’s open letter to the community, which alleged that local police had abused a transwoman of color during an arrest.

It’s 2 a.m., Sept. 3, Mount Holyoke, Massachusetts. The campus is almost empty, only a few students had arrived. They are not sleeping, however, they are waiting.

A bus is slowly rolling on campus. A dozen eager young faces press against the window. The International first years are here!

And I am one of them.