Exploring New Horizons: A Media Studies Graduate’s Journey Through Campus Opportunities
Edited by Vismitha Yaji
The first installment of Student Voices shares the journey of Vaishanavi (V), a media studies graduate with an artistic passion for theatre.
Vaishanavi speaks about her experience at The New School, highlighting the flexibility of academic schedules and the opportunities for extracurricular involvement. She also shares how she has balanced her studies with managing productions and an on-campus job, emphasizing the importance of schedule flexibility.
We had the opportunity to dwell more into the conversation focusing on student life, professional opportunities, and learning beyond registered courses.
Speaking about student voices, and student life, can you share any moment from your student life that you’ve had over the past year that’s challenged you and taught you something valuable or something new?
One thing I’d like to share is how I got into theater at The New School, which was all thanks to the flexibility in my schedule. I hadn’t done theater back in Bombay, but I wanted to try something new. So, I applied to be the Stage Manager for Blithe Spirit, a student-led production. It was challenging since I’d never done anything like it before, but having three days of classes and four days free made it manageable. That balance allowed me to explore theater, which I wouldn’t have pursued without that flexibility.
What is the one thing you wish more people understood about being a student today?
After the pandemic, online classes gave us a lot more time to explore beyond academics. There’s a concept called ‘The Three Spaces’: work, home, and a third space like hobbies or social activities. For me, the third space evolved with more free time and digitization, allowing students to do much more than just focus on their degrees. Now, we can balance academics with our other passions, and I think people need to realize that students are doing the best they can in every area of their lives—they’re juggling a lot!
Was there a particular class, event, or experience here that changed your perspective on something?
A lot of your New School experience and who you become really depends on the classes you take and the people you meet along the way. While you can’t always predict who you’ll connect with, focusing on your class interests can lead you to the right friendships. For me, this worked out when I took, “Poetry Machines,” during my first semester. The relaxed vibe of that class gave me the space to make friends and truly enjoy the experience. The classes we choose and the people around us shape our journey as students.
Which one of your productions, because it’s an experience outside academics, helped you model or channel your passions further?
Blithe Spirit will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the production that embraced me when I had no prior experience. Everything I’ve discovered and become since then started with that team. Eight months later, I’ve worked on five productions and am now diving into my sixth! It’s the kind of belief that only fellow students can have in each other. If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: look at those posters, scan that QR code, and reach out. You never know which project will change your life or shape your career. Theater wasn’t even on my radar when I started at The New School. But one flyer—one QR code—changed everything for me.
What is the one thing that you would want to change from your student experience, specifically speaking in terms of your course?
I’d love to take courses across different colleges—like writing courses from the creative writing program at Parsons—but there are so many restrictions around doing that. I understand why, given how specialized certain fields are, but I believe students should have the opportunity to explore different subjects, even if they’re pursuing a degree in something else. A degree is just one part of your life at a particular stage, but that stage is also about personal growth. If institutions limit our potential, we risk becoming just one version of ourselves, rather than exploring all we could be.
How do you manage your time and studies? Do you have any specific techniques or routines that work for you?
Sticky notes! They are everywhere around me—on my desk, on my laptop—keeping me organized. I write down my schedule and know exactly what I need to do and when. I also aim to finish assignments either the day of or by the next day, between today’s class and tomorrow’s, as long as it’s manageable. Since you might have classes just three days a week, you can use the other four days to stay on top of things. Creating a routine that fits your schedule helps you stay organized and get a lot more done!
Is there anything you would want to share with the New School community or new students, having experienced many things on and off campus?
Definitely write down the addresses of all the New School buildings—you’ll be walking around a lot, so knowing where your next class is will save you time. As for making friends, don’t worry—it’ll happen! You just don’t know who they are yet, but you’re not alone in this journey. Everyone at The New School is dealing with similar challenges, even if the intensity varies. Also, keep an eye out for cool flyers on the notice boards—there are always unique opportunities to explore both the campus and the city!
If you’d like to share your own stories, we’d love to hear from you! Submit your contributions here or reach out to us at smscommsandevents@newschool.edu.