Senior Year at Gallatin: Crafting My Final Narrative

A key part of senior year at Gallatin is the Colloquium, where we create a rationale and a curated list of works reflecting our academic concentration. For me, the Colloquium connects the themes, questions, and interdisciplinary links that define my concentration, “The Art of Storytelling.”

My list highlights how storytelling, identity, and media intersect to shape artistic expression. For example, works like Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home, Michel de Montaigne’s essays, and Kenji Yoshino’s Covering offer profound insights into both personal and societal narratives, shaping how I approach storytelling.

One of the most exciting parts of senior year is the Senior Project, and for mine, I’ll be writing a book. This book, therefore, will be the centerpiece of my final year, combining everything I’ve studied at Gallatin. Specifically, I’ll explore storytelling and identity in a creative and personal way, drawing from philosophy, history, and literature. Ultimately, my goal is to have it published before graduation.

Writing this book, which represents the culmination of my Gallatin experience, is both thrilling and challenging. Initially, I had to decide on the topic, which wasn’t easy. Given my concentration, “The Art of Storytelling,” I wanted it to reflect the intersection of storytelling, identity, and media—key themes from my studies. After settling on the theme, I drafted an outline, which now serves as my roadmap. Consequently, this outline helps me track the main ideas and structure the narrative.

Starting next semester, I plan to write a chapter each week. This consistency, in turn, will maintain momentum and break the project into manageable parts. Additionally, I’m researching publishers and exploring self-publishing options to determine the best path forward.

Moreover, mentorship will be crucial throughout this process. I’ll regularly consult with my advisor, whose guidance has been invaluable. He’ll help refine my ideas and outline, offering feedback as I dive deeper into the project. Ultimately, this book is more than just an academic requirement—it’s the culmination of my Gallatin journey, blending all the disciplines and experiences that have shaped my education.

Senior year isn’t just about academics; it also emphasizes professional growth. Currently, I’m interning with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, focusing on youth mental health resources and LGBTQ+ advocacy in ICC meetings. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to apply what I’ve learned in a real-world setting.

Moreover, internships like these often influence our final projects and future career paths. For me, it’s been a chance to deepen my understanding of public service and community engagement while staying true to my Gallatin concentration.

Gallatin’s interdisciplinary approach is matched by its close-knit community. During senior year, connecting with peers and faculty becomes even more crucial. We’re encouraged to share ideas, collaborate, and reflect on how others have shaped our academic paths. As graduation nears, I realize how much this community has supported me, and I feel ready for the diverse career options ahead. The friendships and mentorships I’ve gained at Gallatin have been priceless and will stay with me as I move forward.

Senior year at Gallatin ties together everything we’ve studied and experienced. For me, it’s about merging my academic, professional, and personal growth into one final narrative.