Student

What is poetic cartography? Simply, it seeks to accomplish the same thing a map does - guide the reader through an unfamiliar place. Instead of county borders and bodies of water, however, I want to explore something harder to find on your handy atlas - the human situation in that unfamiliar place, the beauty and pain within those borders and seas.

Going into PWR 1 in the spring of my freshman year, I knew that it would be a work-intensive but worthwhile class. In short, that’s exactly what it was—but it was also much more.

            When I showed up at Stanford for my freshmen year, I was terrified. Somewhere down the hall, I was certain, lived a girl who had patented technology and sold it to Lockheed Martin. I’d heard about her at the welcoming speech at my local alumni center, where they listed the glistening achievements of the 2014 entering class, none of which seemed to describe, well, me.

Hey everyone,

First, I would like to congratulate all of you on your acceptance to and, more importantly, decision to attend the realest, chillest, funnest University in the world, and I know I speak for the entire Stanford community when I say that we are incredibly excited for your arrival in September.

Brace yourselves. Actually, don’t. This year should be one of epic exploration, a year where you do whatever feels right, whatever will make you happy. You have been given an opportunity to be at a place that allows for failures, accomplishments, upsets, and inspiration as you’ve never experienced it before.

"Knowing that I was considered “good enough” to represent Stanford on its airwaves gave me a sense of belonging, responsibility, and community involvement."  

- Allie, '14

Brandon's perspective

"Instead of studying for a final, I baked cakes as dorm birthday fairy. Instead of spending time in the library, I holed myself up in MemAud rehearsing musicals." 
 - Brandon, '14

"By allowing myself to get uncomfortable initially, I grew to understand the class and greatly enjoy it. "  

- Alvin, '17 

"I had to learn to adjust to Stanford’s course pace and difficulty; had to find the best method for me to succeed academically. " 

 - Chris Fleming, '17 

"I suggest [Econ 102A] because it makes you feel supported at an incredibly overwhelming point in your academic career." 

- Clara Meister, '17