A Friendship Renewed

When Alexandra Hill ’26, a UMass Amherst Student Ambassador saw the list of volunteers for the Student Alumni Association’s annual Networking Night in November, she was both surprised and excited. Christina Herrick ’11, who had taught her middle school English class in Ellington, Connecticut, would be attending as a resource for students like her.

“I had no idea she was a UMass alum,” said Hill. For her part, Herrick had decided to volunteer “as a small token of gratitude” to the mentors she had in the UMass English Department and the School of Education during her time as a student.

Herrick remembered Hill fondly for her positive attitude and kindness. When Hill was accepted to UMass Amherst to pursue a journalism degree, she sent Herrick a heartfelt letter, emphasizing how important Herrick had been to her development.

“She didn't just shape my middle school education; she inspired a love for writing in me and encouraged me to be more outgoing and talkative. That got me thinking about more creative paths in writing and taking classes in high school that centered around that. Without her, I wouldn't have realized my passion!”

Herrick and Hill enjoyed reconnecting at the networking event, with Herrick saying she derives hope from seeing students like Hill working toward their goals at UMass. “If our future world leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and journalists are anything like Alexandra, I have faith that the next generation will help to make the world a better place.”

“If our future world leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and journalists are anything like Alexandra, I have faith that the next generation will help to make the world a better place.”