What Was That Like?: Season 1

Academics

Undergraduate What Was That Like?

Season 1 Path to Public Policy with Sabrina Shulman ’02 Visual Arts in the Real World with Kate Pincus-Whitney ’16 Women in Film with Lois Stark ’65 Advancing Advocacy with Ava Mateo '20 Then and Now: Healthcare Paths with Marilyn Russo '75 Perspectives in Publishing with Josh Gannon '04

Academic Approach Areas of Study Global Education Combined Degree Programs Pre-Professional Programs Faculty Students & Faculty in Conversation Success After Sarah Lawrence

Path to Public Policy with Sabrina Shulman ’02

Sabrina Shulman '02, Chief Political Officer at Vote Run Lead, chats with students Lily Sloman '25, Nandini Sinha '23, and Rain Cedeno-Garcia '23. Sabrina describes the early experiences and relationship-building that helped shape her path, an evolving approach to work-life balance, and rewarding experiences in non-profit and private sector work. Sabrina speaks to students’ questions about negotiating salaries and supporting mental health in the workplace.

Visual Arts in the Real World with Kate Pincus-Whitney ’16

Artist Kate Pincus-Whitney '16, named to Forbes' "30 Under 30" list in 2022, joins us from her vibrant Los Angeles studio to talk with visual arts students >Rio Caster '25, Natalia Chow '23, Sam Wendel '24. Their conversation covers Kate's >pursuit of a holistic undergraduate education; how life events and a fellowship experience shaped her path as an artist; taking time off before grad school; painting as a way to synthesize her experience as a storyteller; connecting into universal themes and "golden threads"; diving into the depths of making meaning; the "weirdo magical stuff" that can emerge through a rigorous daily practice; and networking by being an active community member. Kate speaks to questions about back-up plans, challenges transitioning from making art in an academic setting to the professional world, keeping up a daily art practice when traveling, and building community.

Women in Film with Lois Stark ’65

Emmy Award-winning producer, documentary filmmaker, and author Lois Stark '65 talks with Christine Dufur '23, Kelsey Harrison '23, Rachel Saruski '23 about considering the arc of an entire life beyond starting out; how "your sense of what is opportunity will change over time"; and the value of considering this arc in at least three ways: the Road Story (the linear narrative), the Ricochet (all those accidents that happen along the way), and the Evergreen (ideas, tendencies, and talents that stay true through life). Lois shares her experience through these three lenses and offers students wise perspectives to consider over a lifetime, including the strength in people who know you, that every good idea you have may seem like a bad idea at some point, and the ways in which a Sarah Lawrence education can help you create opportunities and adapt to the "ricochets."

Advancing Advocacy with Ava Mateo ’20

Ava Mateo '20, Executive Director of 18by Vote, talks with Ashley Spector-Townsend '25, Gabriella Nanna '23, Paige Nelson '25, Lara O’Brien '25, Kristoph Sayavedra '23, Sahiba Singh '23, Soph Moazed '23, and Tamao Chika '23 about getting started during the pandemic; non-partisan civic engagement; centering young voices in advocacy; changes in youth voting and civic engagement; navigating work-life balance; initiating a Youth Mental Health Pledge for workplaces; how internships and being an RA helped prepare her for her current role; and the value of relationship building.

Then and Now: Healthcare Paths with Marilyn Russo ’75

Licensed physical therapist Marilyn Russo '75 talks with students Hunter Erikkson '22, Yusef Mafton '24, and Kaiyue Sun '23. Marilyn describes her path from dance to physical therapy and how far Sarah Lawrence College has come in preparing students on pre-health tracks. Marilyn answers students' questions about getting started in her field, having second thoughts, and embracing moments of uncertainty. Marilyn speaks to the value of knowing one's strengths, asking for help when you need it, and enjoying life.

Perspectives in Publishing with Josh Gannon ’04

Josh Gannon '04 talks with Isabella Dighton '23, Cath Cai MFA '24, Kelsey Harrison '23 about the distinctions between writing and publishing; breaking into the field of academic and educational publishing; his evolving approach to networking; reading for pleasure while working in academic publishing (spoiler alert: it’s SciFi!), and future goals. Josh discusses navigating uncertainty, set-backs, and approaching rejection as an opportunity to assess trade-offs and problem-solve. Episode bonus: special appearances by Josh's cat!