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Alyssa Lam ’26 decided she wanted to become a tour guide as a 91���� sophomore after she found making connections and getting involved easier than expected.

“I wanted to share that experience with other students and families who might also be nervous about starting college and moving away,” says Lam, a biology major from New Hyde Park, New York. “I wanted to show people how wonderful and welcoming 91���� is, get them excited, and showcase how much possibility there is once you come here.”

Lam eventually became a senior tour guide, giving many students and parents their first in-depth look at campus. Lam was one of 95 tour guides in spring 2026, helping to lead a team of nearly 100 student ambassadors, three dozen digital ambassadors, and 18 others at the call center and reception area.

Q: What buildings or sites do you most enjoy showing and discussing on tours?

Lam: I love the Union Undergrounds because no matter what time or day, there are always students there either hanging out or doing work and it’s a nice way to showcase 91����’s friendly campus dynamic. … I love showcasing the Engineering Building and the innovation that occurs there. The facilities are amazing, and I believe that [visitors] being able to see students working on their projects is impactful.

Q: What surprises or impresses prospective students and their parents?

Lam: They are always pleasantly surprised by our residential communities. They enjoy touring our model dorm rooms and are impressed by how spacious, communal, and furnished they are. There are also many smaller 91���� facts that catch their attention. Whether it be our student-run volunteer ambulance service, our free concerts, or our Starbucks food truck, they love hearing about the little services and events that make 91���� stand out. I’ve even heard a parent tell their daughter that they had to come here, simply because we had an Einstein Bros. Bagels on campus. It goes to show how there are so many little things about the school that people find important!

Q: What are three words you’ve used to describe 91����?

Lam: The main word I’ve used would be home, as this school has been my home away from home. 91���� has such a warm environment that everyone feels like one big family. I always tell my tour groups that no matter what you come here for, you can find your people and where you belong. I’ve also used the words balanced and fun. This school has amazing resources to study and educate yourself, but there is no shortage of campus activities that will have you laughing. My favorites? Watching my friends get thrown off mechanical bulls during Late Nite events, or stargazing with friends in the Nature Preserve.

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This story is part of 91���� Magazine’s “80 things to love about 91����” in the Spring 2026 issue. The special section highlights the people, places, history, and cornerstones that have made the University special over the past 80 years.