Stanford D.School

Submitted by: Pallavi Uday

Quirky, innovation, creativity, ridiculous and fabulous are the apt words I would use to describe the Stanford D School. It’s a place that allows one to just be, where ones creativity does the talking.

Right from the wonderful interiors, to the hand made WOW displays to the oh so wonderful supplies and the funky way desks are decorated— the D-School makes you realize that with the right environment, anything is possible. It is a place where creativity runs lose and where no idea is ever looked down on.

I was lucky to see the in’s and out’s of the D-School several times, thanks to the fact that my brother was a student there. It’s a place where one is encouraged to just be and some how automatically everything else falls into place :-)

The fun-creative culture of the D-School is addictive and almost infectious. It’s like the there is a buzz in the air.

I have wonderful memories of the place and I cannot wait to visit again.

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Tony Blair, Daniel Ek, E-40

Submitted by: Olivia Hu ‘12

Only at Stanford do you get to see former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, and West Coast rapper E-40 all within a 7-day time span. Only at Stanford can my eclectic interests in both rap, economic development, and sustainable business models be appreciated. There is no glass ceiling here. There is no fourth wall between you and celebrities or politicians or millionaire CEO’s. This is what Stanford is to me. It is a world of all kinds of possibilities, where many people believe to be impossible. It is a world of start-ups that become billion dollar acquisitions. It is a world of students who have the opportunity to have dinner with world leaders and respected academics who change and question the foundation of theories. It is a world where new research discoveries and new business ideas abound. Many people draw comparisons between Stanford’s campus and Disney theme parks. To me, more than just the physical infrastructure, Stanford is where dreams come true.

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Indira Choudhury, Student Services Specialist at ICME

Submitted by: Anonymous

Like many international students, I run into trouble every now and then, both academically and socially. I often need advice and guidance desperately.

And I couldn’t be more fortunate that Indira is our student services specialist at the Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME). Whenever I have a question, an enquiry, or a concern, she is always there for me. She is quick at responding to emails, willing to set up personal meetings, and more than often she goes an extra mile to offer help and suggestion beyond her duty.

You can tell that she takes a genuine interest in every student, and she will do all she can to help students conquer the difficulties and achieve their aspirations.

Specialized service for every student, Indira truly deserve the title “Student Services Specialist”.

Her lasting patience, kindness and wisdom have entirely changed my Stanford experience, and, like many other lucky students at her service,I thank her whole-heartedly.

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

To the Stanford Class of 2016

Written by: Jason van der Merwe ‘15

Just over one year ago, an excited, bewildered and enthusiastic teenager arrived home from one of the greatest experiences of his life. A South African living in Tennessee, this student’s hopes and dreams suddenly became reality as he was gracefully ushered into Stanford’s student body during Admit Weekend 2011. Exploding with joy, pride and gratefulness, this student didn’t fully understand the implications of such an offer and opportunity. But now his perspective is completely different.

That student is me. I didn’t deserve to get into Stanford; I still wonder how I got in. But what I do know is that I’m incredibly blessed to be in the position that I am in. I came to realize how truly lucky I am for the first time as I experienced Admit Weekend from the perspective of an actual student, and not a ProFro. Through my interactions with prospective students, I gained valuable insight into how carefully picked these admits are and masterfully the class of 2016 was sewn together. This perspective has allowed me to reflect on my own experiences here at Stanford.

I won’t lie - I haven’t always been perfectly enchanted with Stanford. I am a freshman, so I am beginning to approach the end of my first year at Stanford. Looking back at almost three full quarters, I have gone through many ups and downs. The downs have included the difficulties of constructing a new social life, maneuvering through new living situations, dealing with tough classes and never ending homework, bad decisions and missed opportunities. During winter quarter, I struggled to come to terms with my presence at Stanford. I often wondered if I was cut out for the Farm, if I could make it through, if I even fitted in. There were moments that I began questioning my decision to attend Stanford and wondered if I should transfer to somewhere with seemingly “less” challenges.

But I didn’t. And this is why.

Matriculating to college is a difficult process. You leave almost everything you’ve known for eighteen years of your life behind and start somewhere new. You presumably don’t know many people, so your social life needs to be reconstructed. You don’t have the familial support that you once took for granted. And for once, you’re not the top of your class. And then there’s the whole idea of “finding yourself”. I dislike this phrase because it implies that your true identity is simply lost and that you need to discover it. Instead, consider the phrase “coming alive”.

Stanford helped come alive in ways that I never expected. In fact, even after only one quarter, my parents noticed the difference. My father said to me during winter quarter, “It’s amazing, you’re a lot more relaxed than you ever were in high school.” That’s incredible, granted I have never worked more and pushed myself harder than I have in the past year. I’m more ambitious than I was in high school and I’m more open to new ideas. I have enjoyed some of the most hilarious moments of my life and I have heard some of the most amazing life stories ever. I have argued and debated with peers on many topics and I have learned more than I have offered.

There is only one reason for the growth I have experienced and that is Stanford. Stanford is not an institution - it’s a community of like-minded people who share a goal of enriching the lives of one another and the world with truth, beauty and excellence. I would have experienced the downs at any university that I might’ve chosen, but I truly believe that I would not have gained as much from those experiences if I were not at Stanford.

ProFros: Most of you have made your decisions and the rest of you will decide today. Whatever you choose, be sure that it is your decision and that you are excited for your future. For the Stanford Class of 2016, I want to say thank you. Your presence here over the weekend renewed my excitement for Stanford. I was reminded of youthfulness that should be ever present in my life. I was humbled by the amazing stories that you have. I was amazed to see how fast the year had gone by. I still remember my Admit Weekend clearly.

My advice to you is simple. Get ready for the best times of your life. Get ready to come alive. Get ready to fail and succeed, to become resilient and compassionate, thirsty for knowledge and hungry for truth. You are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to come here and I hope that you will take advantage of every opportunity. I am extremely excited for all of you to join us on campus in September. 2016, welcome home.

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Struggling through finals week

Submitted by: Francisca Gilmore ‘13 

While it’s always hard for me to remember that I actually had fun and lived life at some point this quarter before Finals week, experiencing all the 1 am walks of shame from Green to Meyer, coffees consumed from Coupa, and deliriously hilarious 4 am conversation with my housemates, the horrible experience of finals week always somehow reminds me of just how much I love this place.

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Sangeeta Mediratta, Program in Writing and Rhetoric

Submitted by: Brian Pesin ‘12

My first academic quarter at Stanford was a bit of a mixed bag. I breezed through high school for the most part, and was rudely awakened when my slew of straight As came to an abrupt end at week four. By the end of the quarter, I was doing fine, but not as well as I had hoped.

My situation did a total 180 the next quarter thanks to my PWR instructor, Sangeeta Mediratta. She went above and beyond in every way possible to make sure that we were giving our best efforts in her class. Whether it meant organizing one-on-one coffee dates, fielding late night phone calls and emails, or bringing guests into class, Sangeeta consistently and repeatedly shattered the previous high expectations that her students had for her.

Above all, she truly taught me how to write at a collegiate level. I didn’t realize how crucial this fundamental skill would be in virtually all areas of my life – whether dealing with academics, professional responsibilities, or simply communicating with others. I cannot thank her enough for her attention to detail and commitment to her students and her teachings that gave me the confidence and skills that I needed to flourish at Stanford and beyond.

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Jarreau Bowen ’07, MA ’08

Submitted by: Sam Saenz ‘11

I never thought one person at Stanford would fill so many roles in my life: friend, peer, teacher, mentor, boss, co-worker, brother, and rock. I want to tell you about the person who helped me, and a vastly expanding number of Stanford students, thrive. Not everyone in our tight Stanford bubble knows his name, but everyone knows his work.

Jarreau Bowen ’07, MA ’08, calmly and attentively first listened to me back in the winter of 2009.  I was a shy sophomore awkwardly rambling during an interview about how I wanted to become a Peer Health Educator (PHE).  I shook uncontrollably and got so nervous that I lost track of what I was saying about three or four times (yeah, it was that bad).  I don’t know what he was thinking, but if I was in his shoes I would have thought  I was one confused kid who would never make it as a health leader at Stanford.  Leaving his office, I thought I blew my chance to become someone others looked up to. Jarreau, however, saw more; I guess he saw someone else, someone who desperately yearned to do something with his life.

He made me the PHE in Casa Zapata for two years, and they were my best two years at Stanford (#whosyourdaddy).  Along the way, Jarreau encouraged me to apply to things that I once thought were beyond my reach and taught me the value of self-appreciation, breathing, action, stigma-confrontation, helping a friend, and almost everything I needed to become a better person.

He has seen me at my best, my worst, and everywhere in between. I think what I love most about him is his acceptance and appreciation for who others are.  He doesn’t judge when he’s listening, he’s just there for you in the moment, almost like you’re talking to yourself. After telling him what’s on my mind, I would feel so empowered, like I could change the world.

I’m not the only one Jarreau has affected; in his time at Stanford, he has inspired RA’s, PHE’s, froshies, administrators, ASSU executives, and other campus leaders through innumerable meetings, one-on-ones, and health talks. His love is infectious and spreads through campus, even when he isn’t here. I’m sure his impact reaches far beyond what he originally intended.

Jarreau still listens to me and many students with the same patience and focus that encouraged me to become a PHE.  Now, I find myself working at the Office of Alcohol Policy and Education (OAPE) in one of the most intelligent, motivated, and diverse groups of people I’ve ever met, and I have him to thank for that.  Here’s my lollipop moment, Jarreau Bowen. Stanford thanks you!

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

The Stanford Clock Tower

Submitted by: Brandon Powell ‘14

12 chimes: Lunch, a frenzy of bikes; or midnight, and the jarring primal screams of Dead Week.

3 chimes: Taunting those whose days end at 3:05PM; or mocking those being dragged over the 3AM hump by papers and problem sets.

A four-note melody: Commencement of 1:15PM classes; or a grim sign for early-risers a quarter of an hour into their 9AM lectures

Whether you’re a freshman, still figuring out that no, those chimes are not in fact coming from Hoover Tower; or whether you’re a senior, savoring each chime of your final year; the Stanford Clock Tower is an unwavering reminder that time marches ever forward at Stanford (except that time when it broke and nobody noticed).

Photo: Jason van der Merwe ‘15

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Stanford Splash

Submitted by: Dan Sinnett MS ‘10, PhD ‘12.

Apply to the Stanford Department of Geophysics for grad school? Check.

Get accepted? Check.

Get M.S. in Geophysics? Check.

Do research? Check.

Discover passion for science outreach and education by teaching 7-12 grade students with StanfordSplash? Check.

Do sweet science policy internship? Check.

Realizing you actually need to finish research and your thesis before you can leave?

That’s so Stanford.

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Max Friedman ‘11

Submitted by: Professor Mark Applebaum, Music

I suspect that students discuss the merits of their professors.  They might identify which ones give effective lessons in independent study.  What often escapes their consideration is the fact that some students are good at taking effective lessons.  That is, some students know how to prepare for a meeting; how to productively use their lesson time; how to locate the most useful and intellectually engaging intersection between faculty and student; and how to invite a kind of challenging resistance that amplifies the rigor and vitality of the enterprise.

Max Friedman reminds me that some students are better than others at this skill.

Max was one of 200 students in my course “Rock, Sex, & Rebellion.”  Not satisfied with the large lecture alone (and evidently a glutton for punishment), he enrolled in an independent study to extend his education.  He came with significant questions about the nature and purpose of music.  These were fueled by a passion to understand the complicated personal terrain in which an academic discipline emerges from a pastime, and the promise that one’s artistic and professional aspirations might elide.  He steered our conversations on the basis of a powerful context: a genuine and rare concern about how he might improve the world through music, and specifically what role music might play in a life as a potential educator of children.

Our conversations were often free-wheeling, a mash-up of diatonic theory, the philosophy of aesthetics, and musical hermeneutics.  But Max made it all work.  Not only did he meet my challenges with an intrepid, open mind, he focused the discourse by preparing a daily agenda, bringing musical works and concepts to be discussed, and voraciously tracking down texts mentioned in conversation.  I’ve grown because of the many provocative conversations we had over our weeks together; but I’m especially grateful to have Max remind me that students can take ownership of their education, effectively turning an imperfect teacher into a useful one.

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Julia Landauer ‘14

Submitted by: Miranda Mammen ‘14

Julia Landauer is a sophomore who is considering majoring in Communication or Science, Technology & Society. We both lived in West FloMo and we’re both from New York City; we both love cheese and we’re both newly infatuated with West Coast weather. But Julia drives racecars and I don’t even have my license yet.

Yep, she’s a racecar driver (check out her website!). Not only has she achieved much personal success, she has also made meaningful advances for all young women in the male-dominated racing industry.

Julia particularly inspires me because she subtly rejects the “duck syndrome” that sometimes plagues Stanford students, especially freshmen. (For those of you who’ve never heard the term, the Daily explained it well: “on the surface everyone looks calm but underneath we’re paddling like mad to stay afloat.”) While no one would ever describe her as a complainer, she doesn’t pretend that juggling a Stanford courseload and a growing racing career is easy.

I deeply admire Julia’s commitment to her studies and her extracurricular pursuits. Thanks, Julia, for your continued inspiration. And maybe you can give me a driving lesson sometime?

Photo: Emily Dehn Knight

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Kaela Farrise ‘14

Submitted by: Tori Lewis ‘14

So, in my life, there are only 24 hours in a day.  I thought that this was one of those rules that everyone follows…until I met Kaela Farrise ‘14.  She’s a rebel, who fits a week’s worth of work into a day and still manages to nap at 2 in the afternoon.
 
I met Kaela my freshman year when I lived in Ujamaa.  We pretty quickly became friends… she’s a really honest and frank individual who knows how to have a good time which is the kind of person I love to be around.  There are very few memories of my freshman year which don’t include her and all the very best ones feature her prominently: spur-of-the-moment dance parties in B157, movie sessions which included such gems as “Bring It On,” figuring-out-our-lives-and-majors-and-future-careers chats.

She’s as involved in campus activities as is physically possible - it’s truly awe-inspiring. She is the High School Conference chair and the Community Service chair of the Black Student Union, she is the cultural responsibility chair of the Society of Black Scientists and Engineers, she is an executive board member of Voices, she is a core member of Stanford Black Pre-Law Society AND she is the co-president of Project Motivation.  But what really inspires me about all of these things is that she doesn’t just do them to have them as feathers in her cap or lines on her resume. She puts her whole heart into them. She doesn’t pretend it isn’t hard (ask her to explain “on struggle” to you and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what this schedule is like), but she manages to remain incredibly centered through it all.

She radiates strength and a fierce energy that is pretty unstoppable.  She’s one of the bravest people I know.  I don’t know what she’s going to do with her life (most days, she’s not sure either) but I do know one thing: she’s going to change the world. 

Editor’s Note: Give kudos and thanks to the person, place, or moment at Stanford that inspires you by submitting your story today!

Kate McGrath ‘10 & Jamie Tam ‘10

Submitted by: Alfredo Martinez Jr. ‘12

This is a story of smiles and laughter. Honest ones. Lots of them.

It was 3:45AM on May 16, 2010 at the Stanford Track. The event was Relay For Life, a Stanford event dedicated to raising money for the fight against cancer. The event challenged participants to stay up for 24 hours because cancer doesn’t sleep and, for one night, neither would we. Add in exhaustion, stress, low temperatures, weary feet, and one started imagining excuses to sit this one out. You would find reasons to keep on going, though, if you looked for them. At that hour, after walking for a ridiculous amount of hours, I went looking for Kate and Jamie.

Kate McGrath ‘10 and Jamie Tam ‘10 stand out the minute you’re nearby. Their energy is infectious, and it’s for real. I first met them in 2009. With Kate, it started with an email, asking what I could do for Relay For Life. Kate, the Relay For Life Chair, replied, encouraging me to start a team since I seemed like “the perfect team captain” for my frosh dorm. With Jamie, it started with a meeting about raising money and recruiting teammates. Jamie, the President of Colleges Against Cancer, the group that hosted Relay For Life, told me I mentioned some great ideas that I should continue pursuing. I had never raised a single dollar for a cause, had never recruited anyone for an event, had never participated in Relay For Life, and had never even met Kate or Jamie, so I was surprised to hear these two have such confidence in me. Turns out they both knew more than I did. My Relay For Life team that year raised over $600 in less than two months and I joined the group’s leadership the following year. Their encouragement and inspiration? It helped, and it further convinced me that I was on the right path.

Fast forward to 2010. Bundled up in a tent in the middle of the freezing track, they were still smiling, laughing, and asking us how we were doing. In the middle of a very long night - 17 hours into the event! - they burst out into song and made us all smile and laugh with them. It was funny, unexpected, uplifting, authentic, and just what I needed. It was a reminder that in this Stanford community, no matter what you’re going through, you never have to walk alone. 24 hours out on a track didn’t seem so bad if it meant getting to share a moment with these two.

And that’s about as Stanford as it gets. Anybody who has ever been a Stanford student will tell you that it challenges you. It pushes buttons. It invades your comfort zone. It teaches and confuses. It inspires and overwhelms. It pressures you to make something out of nothing. It forces you at your most weary and beaten moments to reach out to the wonderful people at Stanford who just so happen to be the most intelligent, amazing, and inspiring collection of humans in the world. It opens you up so you can gain more from others. And, before you know it, it makes you a better person.

So here’s to you, Kate and Jamie, for all the smiles and inspiration I got to experience for two years. For helping me become a better person with every little encounter I got to enjoy. And because that one time you two burst out in song at 3:45AM on a weekend night in the shivering cold at the Stanford Track during Relay For Life? That was so Stanford.