Each week, the Record (using a script in R) randomly selects a student at the College for our One in Two Thousand feature, excluding current Record board members. This week, Tyler Moy ’28 discussed transitioning to the College, volleyball, and Asian community-building at Williams. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Dihan Pagalilauan (DP): Can you tell me about what you did this summer?
Tyler Moy (TM): I had a pretty eventful summer. I went abroad to Japan just to hang out with my family and do some cultural stuff. And then after that, I did my internship. I did data [analysis] for the City of New York. A bunch of public education systems fund programs across the city, so I worked with them. It was really interesting, because I did those programs when I was in elementary, middle, and high school. I got to see the data behind the scenes and help do compliance.
DP: So are you interested in education policy?
TM: A little bit. I like public policy, but a lot of the things that I work on are technology-related. I study computer science here.
DP: Awesome. What are you most excited for in the semester ahead?
TM: I’m just excited to learn more, honestly. My classes have been pretty interesting. I’m taking “Algorithm Design & Analysis.” I thought it’d be a lot of coding, but it’s really just a lot of problem solving and figuring out puzzles and stuff, which is really fun. I don’t know, I’m just excited to learn.
DP: That’s awesome. Can you tell me a little bit more about what interests you at Williams? What major do you think you’ll declare by the end of the year?
TM: I’m a sophomore, so I have to lock in here. I’m going to be studying computer science, and most likely also pursuing a concentration in science and technology studies. One of the most interesting classes I took was “Data For Justice” with Chad Topaz. He’s also my advisor. Nice guy.
DP: Switching topics: Looking back on your first year, how was the transition to college for you?
TM: I think I’m a pretty social person, so in terms of that, I was able to make a lot of friends and talk to other people. I’m from New York City, and it helps that a lot of people here are also from New York City. I know it’s basic, but it’s true. One thing I really enjoy is playing volleyball here at Williams. I’m on the men’s [club] volleyball team, and that helped give me a sense of getting outside, getting all the exercise and stuff, but also a really good sense of community. I was really happy because this year we had a lot of freshmen come and join us as well.
DP: What’s your biggest regret from your first year?
TM: This might be a basic answer, but I wish I went to sleep earlier and started some of my work earlier in the day. I like to work in the evening. I would take walks at night, and people would talk about how they saw my Instagram stories I was posting at like, 4 a.m. I still think I enjoyed my year, and I did fine.
DP: I noticed that your profile on WSO says that you’re in the Chinese-American Student Organization (CASO). As an Asian-American interested in affinity spaces at Williams, I’m wondering how you think these spaces have influenced your sense of belonging here.
TM: Honestly, the Asian community can be cliquey, which is bad, but I think here we have a really broad spectrum of different clubs and stuff, like CASO and SASA [South Asian Students Association]. I was a little sad [because] last year … we had Asian TAPSI [Theme, Affinity, Program, and Special Interest Housing] in Prospect, but now that freshmen have taken over Prospect, it’s become a little controversial. I do think overall it’s a very good way to interact with the kind of community that you might not find anywhere else. And everyone’s really friendly.
DP: While we’re on the topic of community, have you ever felt that the College is too remote? Have you ever felt disconnected from the outside world during your time at Williams?
TM: I do think it’s remote, but I really like that. I think it makes me appreciate it more when I go back to the city. I like the contrast and being in nature. Sometimes I just go for runs, and it’s nice. I think it makes you talk to people more as well. You can’t just reserve yourself all the time. Sometimes you gotta find space to engage with new people. And I think that’s really nice.
DP: Awesome to hear. Last question for you: What are some ways you think Williams students can have more fun?
TM: I think the best thing you can do is join clubs. I’m on PC gaming and volleyball. There’s also all sorts of events posted on the event board. I think people should look at that and the Daily Messages. You’ll always have something to do if you look at those and just engage with people. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I think people are generally pretty nice.
