Sarah Lawrence Magazine Spring 2016 - Finding Courage
Courage is that most ineffable emotion. The Cowardly Lion expressed it one way: “What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist or the dusky dusk?” And the Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, who stood up to the Taliban to champion the education of girls, expressed it another: “We were scared, but our fear was not as strong as our courage.” In this issue we explore how Sarah Lawrence students, faculty, and alumni overcame their own fears and found their own courage.
Finding Courage
Bestselling novelist Ann Patchett '85 remembers her early struggles as a writer, when she worked as a waitress at night and "got up and wrote day after day after day."
The History of the Crescendo
This year, on campuses around the country, the concept of “safety” has surfaced even more prominently in dialogues about race—safety defined not as locked doors but as freedom from verbal assault and insensitivity. This increased attention to what students perceive as micro-aggressions has arisen within the context of glaring instances of systemic racism and violence in cities around the country.
Can We Talk?
In an age of digital communication that’s often anonymous and negative, Real Talk @ SLC leaders encourage fellow students to wrestle with highly charged topics—face to face.
A Good Old-Fashioned Digger
Matthew Cole '00 had few journalistic credentials when he flew to Afghanistan 10 years ago. That didn’t stop him from uncovering US government secrets in the war on terror.
Moment in the Sun
As the founder of Britain’s first renewable energy company for residents of public housing, Agamemnon Otero '01 has become a pioneering entrepreneur.
Made of Mettle
When creative and performing arts bring students, faculty, and alumni together with prison inmates and parolees, collaboration provides common ground.
This Mother Knows Best
Professor and philosopher Eva Feder Kittay '67 has cared for her disabled daughter for more than four decades. The experience has helped Kittay define the philosophy of care.
Under Discussion
"The Role of Technology in Trauma Care," a Tech Third in the new Media Innovation Program.
Creating Cohesion
Daniel Trujillo, new dean of studies and student life, talks about community and cohesion.
Into the Storm
David Neumann (theatre) reflects on his Bessie-winning performance piece inspired by the death of his parents.
On the Job
Alumni Publications
Sarah Lawrence alumni announce books recently published, ranging from memoirs to young adult fiction.
Why I Give
Lucy and Jeff Colman, parents of Stuart '09 and Emma '16, explain their ongoing commitment to the College.
Critical Writing
Jennifer Steil MFA ’96 shares an excerpt from her novel, The Ambassador's Wife.
Gallery
Ian Harkey ’12 shares the inspiration for his drawing Strange Pairings V: Yuri Gagarin 1961 with Barnacles.