MIT Student Finds Solace, Community in Stratton Student Center

Jada Ogueh reflects on her transformative experiences in the Stratton Student Center during her time at MIT.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Jada Ogueh, a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, shares her personal journey of discovering the Stratton Student Center, or "Stud 4" as she calls it. Initially feeling small and overwhelmed in the silent, still environment, Jada eventually embraces the space and finds it transforming her from a solitary studier to an engaged news writer for the campus newspaper, The Tech.

Why it matters

Jada's story highlights how campus spaces can play a pivotal role in a student's personal and academic growth, providing both solace and community during the challenging MIT experience. Her reflections shed light on the multifaceted nature of the Stratton Student Center, which serves as a hub for diverse activities and a place of transformation for students.

The details

Jada first encountered the Stratton Student Center, or "Stud 4," during her campus preview weekend, feeling small and out of place in the silent, still environment. However, as she returned to the space during her freshman year, she found herself drawn back, appreciating the unique atmosphere it offered. Jada began to discover the hidden secrets of the Stratton Student Center, from the orchestra and dance performances to the historical archives of the campus newspaper, The Tech, which she eventually joined as a news staff member. Through her experiences in the Stratton Student Center, Jada underwent a personal transformation, shifting from a solitary studier to an engaged news writer, finding a sense of belonging and community.

  • During Jada's campus preview weekend, she first encountered the Stratton Student Center.
  • In her freshman year, Jada began regularly visiting the Stratton Student Center to study and work on her coursework.
  • Jada became a news staff member for The Tech, the campus newspaper, and started attending the weekly news meetings at the Stratton Student Center.
  • Jada's role at The Tech evolved, and she became the V146 News Editor.

The players

Jada Ogueh

A student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who shares her personal experiences and transformation in the Stratton Student Center.

The Tech

The campus newspaper at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where Jada became a news staff member and eventually the V146 News Editor.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like a young deer, shivering with curiosity and a bit of fright, knees clacking together, when I first saw you.”

— Jada Ogueh (thetech.com)

“Look at that, I thought.”

— Jada Ogueh (thetech.com)

“I kind of love you, I fear.”

— Jada Ogueh (thetech.com)

What’s next

Jada's continued involvement with The Tech and her exploration of the Stratton Student Center's history and hidden spaces are likely to lead to more discoveries and personal growth.

The takeaway

Jada's story demonstrates how a campus space can profoundly impact a student's experience, providing both solace and a sense of community during the challenging MIT journey. The Stratton Student Center emerges as a transformative hub that fosters personal and academic development for students like Jada.