Writers and artists, there’s no better place to hone your craft than Sarah Lawrence. That’s what Mary found is she immersed herself in the creative community here. Through student faculty conversations, mentorships, and programs dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging right from day one, the entire SLC experience is built to support and encourage creative expression. So go ahead, Mary, express yourself.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. I didn’t necessarily set out in the college process to find a community of writers and artists, but I got what I wanted when I found Sarah Lawrence. There are people in every field who are passionate about their studies, who are creative thinkers, and are fearless about their goals. After my tour here at Sarah Lawrence, I knew it was the right place for me to discover my passions and my voice. Entering Sarah Lawrence as a freshman, I was a little intimidated by committing to a concentration in the arts, even though I had been consistently creating art for as long as I can remember. However, our program for first year students in the visual arts gave me the sense of belonging and confidence I needed by providing me a space to foster my curiosity and encourage my self-expression. That newfound confidence led me to my role as editor-in-Chief of “Dark Phrases,” our People of Color Arts and Literary Magazine. As an editor, I get an up close and personal view of the talented writing community that we have here at Sarah Lawrence. A place where ideas and imagination are fully supported. Seminar-style writing classes inspire open expression and experimentation, and are structured to provide feedback from a community of student writers and award-winning faculty. The critiques and encouragement from my professors and my faculty advisors has allowed my work to evolve and reach heights I never thought it could. Sarah Lawrence has given me the tools to create the wildest of projects and the confidence I need as a writer and as a visual artist in order to thrive. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Beautiful work, Mary. Writing in particular is infused throughout the SLC curriculum. Faculty and alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, poet laureates, and award-winning screenwriters, and the college is renowned for its Masters of Fine Arts program, a non-credit writing institute, and even a center dedicated to coaching undergrads and developing their writing skills. Thanks again, Mary.
It’s time to meet Chloe, a student athlete currently serving her community as junior class president. A lot of Sarah Lawrence students discover stores of confidence within themselves as they become immersed in academics and student life here. They also find plenty of opportunities to lead. Tell us more, Chloe.
– Thanks, Alex. Choosing a college can be really tough. There are so many choices and so many decisions to make. For me, I love visiting my sister at her college in New York City, but I knew the city life wasn’t for me. I wanted a quieter, more intimate campus where I could really get involved and build relationships. Athletics is just one great way to find community at SLC. I was recruited to swim here, and once I got here, I branched out and joined the tennis team. Now two years, one championship, and countless friendships later, I’m the captain of the team. There are so many ways to find your people at SLC. For me, student government was another way to get involved, meet new people, and serve the community I care so much about. It was my don, or faculty advisor, who suggested I run for sophomore class president and I’m so glad she did. I enjoyed it so much and I’ve even been reelected to serve as junior class president. That’s another great thing about Sarah Lawrence. You won’t just find lifelong friendships among your classmates, but also among the faculty. Our faculty, really everyone here, is so supportive not just partnering with us to create our academic paths, but also pushing us to step out of our comfort zones from time to time and really take advantage of everything available to us at this amazing school. After I graduate, I plan to attend medical school. Thanks to all the support from the Sarah Lawrence community, I know I’ll be well equipped to tackle anything that comes my way. Back to you, Alex.
– You’re gonna ace those med school applications, Chloe. So great that you’ve been active in student government at Sarah Lawrence. I know student senate makes a real difference from planning activities to raising scholarship funds and those elected to serve truly have a voice in the life of the college. Thanks again.
In and out of the classroom, you’re bound to find your people at Sarah Lawrence. That’s certainly true for Hope, a first year theater student who found friends in all corners of the SLC community. with endless opportunities for participation and fun, this campus abounds with opportunity to stay engaged. Take it away, Hope.
– Thanks, Alex. Sarah Lawrence is the perfect place for people with lots of interests. Every student at Sarah Lawrence is ultimately passionate about something, often many somethings, and that passion is infectious in the best sense of the word. It inspires everyone in the community to push ourselves in exciting, challenging, and often unexpected ways. My own passions have always stemmed from a love of storytelling. As a kid, I dressed up as my favorite princesses and put on shows for my family. At Sarah Lawrence, I get to perform in shows while learning every aspect of theater production, and the open curriculum and student-centered culture at SLC encourage students like me to explore all the interests and areas of study their heart’s desire. Maybe that explains how I’ve somehow fit myself into the theater department, the ensemble chamber choir, a book club, and get ready for this one, even a weightlifting club. In the theater department, there are at least two or three student run or student written productions going on at any given time. In fact, I’m actually about to head into rehearsal for a play written by my friend. It’s a great way to raise students’ voices and support their work. I know that my time at Sarah Lawrence will prepare me for whatever I decide to do after college, not just because of the incredible academic experience, but also because being a part of this community teaches you how to thrive in an ever-changing world. They won’t limit you. They won’t tell you to slow down or just pick one thing. No matter where your passions lie, they will help you achieve your goals. Oh, I gotta run. I don’t wanna be late for rehearsal. Thanks, everyone. Back to you, Alex.
– What a story, Hope. It comes as no surprise then an SLC student would feel equally at home in the weight room as they do on stage. So glad to hear you found so much support and a deep sense of community at Sarah Lawrence. And we all can’t wait to see your show.
Whether it’s academics or team sports, Sarah Lawrence students benefit from a spirit of collaboration in everything they do. Let’s hear from Brady, a first year basketball star from San Diego, California. Like many students, Brady came to SLC not necessarily knowing what he wanted to study, only knowing his drive to learn would clear the path. Pass it to you, Brady.
– Thanks, Alex. A lot of my friends always knew what they wanted to do with their lives. For me, however, that wasn’t the case. I’ve always been interested in so many things like environmental science, biology, math, sociology, and so much more and I get to explore it all at Sarah Lawrence. Collaborations with faculty and other students make it all possible. For example, my urban ecology professor is also my faculty advisor. She helped me settle in during my first year and she’ll gimme academic and career advice throughout all four years here. In her class with only 12 students, all first years, we connect our interests in environmental science, public health, and pre veterinary medicine, working together to tackle the impacts humans have on our environments. Meanwhile, I get to play basketball, the sport I love competitively. I love that Sarah Lawrence’s collaborative environment and academics is paralleled in athletics. Here our team has 18 guys from all over the world, all pursuing different interests who come together in hopes of accomplishing something great. Winning a SkyLine conference championship and getting a bid into the D3 NCAA tournament. For years, I’ve wanted to pursue basketball and see how far it would take me. Now, here I am after being recruited by Sarah Lawrence, 3000 miles away from home on an adventure, learning how to balance my classes, winning basketball games, and spending time with my friends and girlfriend, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m only in my first year here at Sarah Lawrence and I’ve experienced so much already, like faculty mentorships, explorations in here with fields, and an exciting first year of college basketball. I’m in great hands and in a great position to find success down the road, and I can’t wait to see where Sarah Lawrence takes me. The ball’s in your court, Alex.
– Nice, Brady. Now you might have caught this, Sarah Lawrence’s mascot is the griffin, which symbolizes the combination of strength and intelligence. That’s a perfect metaphor for student athletes like Brady. The Griffins compete in 15 NCAA division three sports and the comradery of a team provides a sense of belonging like no other. Cheers, Brady.
Meet Zen, a sophomore studying urban policy. At Sarah Lawrence, Zen found a beautiful campus to live and study with easy access to the city’s bounty professional and cultural resources. Tell us more, Zen.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. Studying urban policy, I knew I wanted to be close to a city with excitement and opportunity. At the same time, I wanted to go to a school with a close-knit culture and campus. At Sarah Lawrence, I’m able to have the best of both worlds. The Bronxville Station is a quick walk from campus and it’s only a 30 minute train ride to Grand Central. We have shuttles to both that station and to downtown Yonkers. With the local community and New York City integrated into many of our classes, you have easy access to explore the whole region. I commute twice a week to the city for my part-time internship. There, I’ve learned a lot from my studies in urban policy and it’s given me the chance to see things in action. I’ve been able to use these experiences to strengthen my many research projects about the city and I plan to continue that in future internships. Thanks to our proximity to the city, I’ve been able to turn academic theory into concrete reality. We have frequent alumni events and internship fairs, including both local and city connections, which is how I found my current internship. Many students through these valuable connections have been able to find opportunities with NGOs, law firms, production studios, and more. Ultimately at Sarah Lawrence, you’re a part of a tight-knit community while having the opportunity to explore and connect in a global city. So many students at Sarah Lawrence are able to incorporate urban exploration, volunteer work, and a mix of both into their coursework, social lives, and work aspirations like me. That’s my story. Alex, take it back.
– Thank you, Zen. Sarah Lawrence is clearly deeply connected to the city and the region. Of course, we only had time to scratch the surface of all New York City has to offer, from incredible food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, underground performances, Broadway shows. With so much to explore, SLC students have boundless opportunities to make connections and thrive. Take care, Zen.
Even students who attend college knowing exactly what they want to do in their careers find unexpected benefits from Sarah Lawrence’s open curriculum. That’s certainly the case from Meliki, a sophomore from Brooklyn, New York. Let’s hear how taking courses across different areas of study at SLC continues to expand his horizons. Go for it, Meliki.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up y’all? Growing up, I was fortunate enough at an early age to know exactly what I wanted to do in life, so I knew that whatever college I chose had to provide the creative freedom I desired. I love the way the arts are infused into our curriculum. For someone like me who’s been an actor all my life, I will say that my life revolves around the arts. I’m able to make connections .for what I’m learning in all my courses and then use that in my own personal projects. Because of Sarah Lawrence’s interdisciplinary curriculum, I’m in control of whatever courses I want to take and I’m discovering talents that I didn’t even know I had. As a sophomore, I’m already writing directing and starring in my own films and music videos. For example, I’m taking what I’m learning in my psychology courses to better understand the complexities of human beings, making me a better storyteller. After all, human beings are complicated. There’s beauty and the layers that make us who we are. What I think is really amazing about Sarah Lawrence is that we have faculty here that really support us and encourage us to succeed and have a balance in everything that we do. I know that I not only wanna be a great artist, but a great person. When I first started college, I would not have imagined what I’ve already accomplished halfway through. I’m currently working on a TV mini series I created in my first year, and who knows what’s next. That just goes to show you that there is no limit for you at Sarah Lawrence. Back to you, Alex.
– That’s awesome, Meliki! Thank you. I love hearing about how Sarah Lawrence’s faculty encourage and support students in finding the right mix of courses across subjects to help them meet their goals. Good luck with the new TV show, and don’t forget to invite me to the premiere. Thanks again for sharing. New York City needs no introduction, but what you might not know is that you can access everything it has to offer without actually living there.
Let’s hear from Sabrina, a junior from Los Angeles, California, majoring in Integrated arts. Sabrina sings the praises of Landmark College and the many paths it offers students. In addition to academics, Landmark is a neurodiversity hub. It’s Office of Career Connections partners with employers across the globe to build internships and career opportunities for its students, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. I’ve been singing longer than I can remember and focusing on opera for the last six years, so I went to music school, but I found that it didn’t really mesh well with my learning disabilities. I’m here because Landmark supports me while allowing me to build my own path. The Integrated Arts major has allowed me to put together a plethora of classes that cater to my goals. The Integrated Arts program is expanding every day so I get to be part of the force that shapes it for the future. They’re helping me build an environment where my love of music and my desire to sing opera can flourish instead of being crushed. I’ve been provided opportunities to sing everywhere on campus, from the dining hall to graduation. I’m even writing music in one of my classes right now. The Office of Career Connections is helping me arrange an internship to sing opera in Germany this summer. I get to do what I love and I get credit for it. I have ADHD and I’m on the autism spectrum, and Landmark is the first college that I’ve been happy at. When I struggle or fall behind, the faculty support staff and my friends come to support me immediately. The Drake Center is there to help with homework. Our peers are there to work together and faculty and staff are always there to help, inside and outside of the classroom. Even President Eden has an open door for students. If in high school or college you felt like they didn’t actually want you to succeed because of your learning difference, Landmark can be the support that you didn’t know was out there. Now, Alex, I’ll leave on the high note.
– Judging from what we just heard, Landmark is helping Sabrina find her voice. It could be your key to success too, with degrees in integrated arts, communication, business, psychology life science, computer science, liberal studies, and general studies, as well as online programs. Check this place out and find your path like Sabrina has.
Okay, here’s Zoe, a junior from the Bronx, New York, majoring in psychology, to talk about the undergraduate research opportunities Landmark offers students. The world renowned Landmark College Institute for Research and Training mentors student researchers and the Center for Neurodiversity involves student interns in advocating for the benefits of a neurodiverse society. Take it away, Zoe.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. As a student with learning disabilities I needed support that many colleges don’t provide. Landmark was a great fit because it specializes in learning differences, or LD. One of the things I appreciate most about Landmark College is having the opportunity to conduct research related to LD. I was fortunate to be invited to intern with the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training, also known as LCIRT, the only LD research institute on a college campus exclusively for students with LD. LCIRT is on the cutting edge of practices that shape LD education. At the start of the pandemic I researched the impact that COVID-19 protocols had on neurodiverse students. But what was even cooler was I got to propose my own research project to look at the intersection of neurodiversity with adoption and foster care. This was really close to my heart because I was adopted. I worked with faculty members and we got a grant for the program. I was even asked to present our findings at an important conference for college student affairs leaders. That was quite an honor. LC also makes it easy for students to start groups and clubs and I was able to start an affinity group for adopted and foster care students. I’ve also been extremely active in Landmark’s Centers for Diversity and Inclusion, especially the Center for Women and Gender and the Stonewall Center. Landmark has been a supportive environment that has helped me become a leader on campus and explore my many other interests, including art. I love to draw and often sketch people around me, like you, Alex.
– You captured all my best qualities, Zoe. Thank you for also sketching the many remarkable opportunities Landmark students have to show the world that neurodiversity is diversity. Landmark students can transform the future of LD research and education while shaping perceptions of what it means to learn differently. Thank you so much, Zoe.
Willkommen, bienvenue, and welcome Carolina, a senior from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Carolina is a liberal studies major who will tell us about the multicultural atmosphere she’s helped create on campus through the Centers for Diversity and Inclusion. Carolina will also introduce us to the amazing study abroad trips that introduce students to other cultures. Part of Landmark’s experiential education. Carolina.
– Hola, after things went wrong at my first college I was really starting to lose hope that I was gonna be able to find a college where I can succeed. That is until by some miracle I discovered Landmark College. It was exactly what I was looking for, where everyone is committed to helping students overcome their learning challenges without judgment. I finally feel that I’m in a place where I can truly be me. I found my potential for leadership and creativity. Students who come here discover they can be campus leaders and that we are all valued for our differences and similarities. For example, I am one of the founders and leaders of the Pa’lante Center. When I first arrived at Landmark College I made it my mission to create a center for Latinx students. As a student from Puerto Rico, I saw the importance about adding a Latinx perspective to the college’s Centers for Diversity and Inclusion, also known as CDI. Everyone at CDI has become like a second family to me and campus leadership gives students 100% support. As a leader of the Pa’lante Center, I can see how this honor has allowed me to grow. CDI isn’t the only opportunity to explore other cultures and viewpoints. LC’s Office of Experiential Education offers study abroad and study away trips all over the world. I had the opportunity to travel to London on a study abroad trip, an amazing experience that allowed me to learn more independence while soaking in the culture of another country. Other study abroad trips have gone to Botswana, Germany, Japan, Ireland, and more. These opportunities have allowed me to share my story and to meet students from all over the world who also learn differently. Gracias, Alex.
– That was a world-class segment, Carolina. What an incredible way to experience other cultures. Landmark’s study abroad programs happen during January term and in summer. Also during summer, Landmark offers programs for high school juniors and seniors, students who are transitioning from high school to college, and visiting college students. Amazing segment. Thank you so much.
Felix, a freshman musician from Westin, Connecticut, majoring in Integrated Arts, is here to tell you why Landmark’s residential campus of under 500 students is exactly the right size. With small classes, comprehensive support, personalized advising, and a six-to-one student to faculty ratio, Landmark’s beautiful Vermont Campus has a perfect environment for students who learn differently, take it away.
– Thanks a lot, Alex. Hello everybody. I chose Landmark because I wanted a college that understands learning differences and has a small and flexible community that knows my learning needs. I looked for a small school in the New England area and I found Landmark. Located in the quaint Vermont town of Putney, it feels like home here. On my first day at Landmark I felt homesick because I didn’t think I would make it through college. My advisor told me that I’m on my own, but I’m not alone. I’m living independently, but I have many people to support me. Landmark’s small campus makes it easy to find whatever you need and there’s so much support for students. For instance, whenever I feel I need help to boost my performance in classes I go to the Drake Center. Academic support has helped me in many ways and led me to being inducted in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. A big part of who I am is music and Landmark has a variety of music courses that students can take. I’m also a DJ at the college’s internet radio station, WLMC, which gives students a chance to go on air, speak to the listeners near and far, and play music or host a talk show. By the way, this sculpture behind me is a cool artistic representation of Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony” by renowned artist Charles Ginnever. It stands on upper campus. I feel incredibly lucky that the LC community is full of beautiful artwork and people who are positive and upbeat just like me. I wanna get the most out of my college experience, along with my bachelor’s degree in integrated arts. Well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s been an absolute pleasure. Bring it home, Alex.
– That’s so impressive, Felix. It looks like Landmark College has become a home away from home for you. Thank you for showing us this beautiful and artistic environment on campus, including the Fine Arts Building gallery that regularly features student and faculty artwork as well as exhibitions by regional artists, so cool.