Shivani Kuckreja ’16 is the young alumnae director on the WCAA Board of Directors, where she amplifies the young alum perspective. In 2017, a new job took her to San Francisco. Here’s how the alumnae network supported her:

How did you connect with alums when you first arrived?

I did not know anyone in San Francisco, and I did not yet have an apartment lined up, so I turned to the Wellesley Community Facebook. … Myra Ahmad ’17 kindly offered to let me stay with her and her partner. Myra also introduced me to a large group of Wellesley alums in the area. … I [also] attended a Northern California Wellesley Club holiday tea soon after moving. The beauty of Wellesley’s club events is that you can meet alums of all ages.

What does the Wellesley community bring to your life?

As I write this, Amanda Foun ’17 is French braiding my hair while we sit by the pool in Napa, celebrating the birthday of Samantha Voigt ’17. I am thinking back to all of the great times I have had in San Francisco with my Wellesley friends. I missed every note while playing Guitar Hero for the first time. I almost lost my voice while yelling the lyrics to Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” on a road trip. Between the happier times, we have discussed failed relationships, failed promotions, imposter syndrome, anxiety, and everything in between.

Being an alumna has given me a second chance to appreciate the College. I am always in awe of alums’ abilities to be strong and courageous; humble and assertive; intelligent and graceful. Wellesley alums are home to me.

Any other advice for alums new to a city?

Volunteer for Wellesley in ways that interest you. It will bring you closer to other alums and will allow you to feel closer to the College. If you’re like me, volunteering for Wellesley will be a source of comfort on a rough day.