Going Forth

For Leslie Bleichner '07, education is everything. If a school building represents the world of education, Leslie has spent time in every classroom; as a teacher, administrator, diversity practitioner, and beyond, working for organizations like Teach for America and the Posse Foundation. In this episode, Leslie shares insights from her experiences across the educational spectrum, assuring us that...

Jenn Mattern Lalich ‘92 considers herself the queen of ‘almosts’: almost a famous actress; almost a world-renowned playwright; almost the author of bestselling books. But every time she got close to something big, she says, her mental health always seemed to get in her way. Today, Jenn and I discuss brains, burnout, and what happens when our best plans go terribly awry. We wrestle with productivit...

When Lawrence Sumulong '10 was a student at Grinnell, he got a job as the student photographer for Grinnell Concerts. Flash forward ten years, and Lawrence found himself backstage at the New York Philharmonic photographing John Williams and Yo-Yo Ma.  Today, Lawrence's work has appeared on New York City billboards and Grammy-winning album covers; in publications like The New York Times , The...

Can you imagine working at an organization, post-graduation, with three other Grinnellians? For Anton Jones '02, Lizzy Hinman '20, Abraham Teuber '22, and Caulden Parkel '22, it's just a typical day at CLIMB Theatre. In our inaugural episode of Season 2, we explore the power of connections, how Grinnell helps you make meaningful ones, and where those connections can take you.  For more inform...

Hosts Nicholas Lampietti ‘25 and Meredith Benjamin ‘24 are back, and excited to explore what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose alongside a dynamic new slate of guests. Hear from alums, students, and CLS staff about education, climate change, technology, law, and more. From making it big to learning from failure, we're going to cover it all. To kick off the season, they play a rou...

They say home is where the heart is . While for most graduates Grinnell is home for four years, for some Grinnellians, it becomes home for longer. On the season finale of "Going Forth," we revisit four alums who have found their way back to the "jewel of the prairie." Sarah Purcell '92 ("Inside The Ivory Tower - Research and Higher Education"), Teague Craig '09 ("Inside Our Heads - Mental Healthca...

Think about how you made your childhood best friend. Did you email them a personal resume? A list of references detailing why you'd make an awesome companion? Did you scout out the top student in the class, with the hopes that their excellence might help you succeed?  Or did it start because you simply began playing together, sharing a common purpose or goal? Mike Lawrence thinks that we shou...

Once upon a time in a drawing class at Grinnell, Chris Lowery '92 met Suzie Treinen '93, and the two fell happily in love: not just with each other, but with the act of artmaking itself. With $4,000 in the bank, two M.F.As in printmaking, and no desire to get a so-called "real job," Chris and Suzie moved to New York, planning to stay for no more than a couple of years. Flash forward nearly three d...

"The business of life" is one of Philip Kiely's '20 trademark phrases. It won't take you long to figure out why! On this episode, Philip shares his tips, tricks, and wisdom for maximizing your professional trajectory. From finding your niche in the tech world, marketing yourself, and working on lucrative side-hustles, Philip is a repository of useful information. Not only that, he extends some pre...

By now it's no secret that Grinnell can take you incredible places. On Part #2 of our miniseries "Here, There, and Everywhere," we interview Crys Moosman: recipient of the 2022-2023 Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. Together with their advisor Kathy Jacobson and Assistant Dean & Director of Global Fellowships and Awards Ann Landstrom, they share their story and the journey upon which they are about...

As the end of the academic year approaches, you may find yourself on the verge of a new chapter in your life. Maybe you are graduating. Maybe it's a summer internship or a new job. Maybe you'll be studying abroad in a place you've never been, where the language and customs are very different from your own. Whatever it is, periods of transition can be tricky, but they also present a rare opportunit...

It can be hard to imagine your professors as students. But once upon a time they were, and in this case, they might have done some of the exact same things you do! In this episode, Meredith and Nicholas sit down with Sarah Purcell '92 and Sheahan Virgin '08, both of whom are currently teaching at Grinnell. They share their trajectories through the world of academia, their work balancing teaching a...

Most of us dream of having a successful career that is both personally and professionally fulfilling. But what about both at the same time? Kari Bassett '98, a self described "IT professional by day and social justice warrior by night," knows a thing or two about what it means to lead a double life. On this episode, she walks us through her career: from working in a children's psychiatric facility...

Making your way to the edge of town leads to vistas of gently rolling hills blanketed in corn, interrupted only by power lines. Sometimes it is hard to imagine the world that lies beyond our little corner of Central Iowa.  In the first episode of this new series, Nicholas explores travel opportunities sponsored by the CLS in the form of "externships" and "treks." You'll hear from the experts...

Medical school may be tough, but you are tougher! That's what Dr. Alison Nair '02 is here to tell you.  If you are considering a career as a doctor, you know that there's more to the field than gets taught in biology class. From selecting specialties to finding work-life balance to maintaining professionalism under duress, Alison walks us through some of the steps and challenges a future M.D....

A spirit of social justice and ethos of activism infuses the Grinnell Campus. For many Grinnellians, it's the reason they find themselves amidst the cornfields of rural Iowa. But what does it look like to live a life dedicated to making the world a better place? Dixon Romeo '16  is an organizer fighting for racial and economic justice on Chicago's South Side. Stepping away from his his many j...

What did you do today, Grinnellians? If you are like Nicholas and Meredith, you might have slept in, wrote a paper, ate some dinner, etc. But if you are anything like Nathan Clubb '11, your answer might sound more like, "today, I launched a political campaign."  When Nathan Clubb was just a senior at Grinnell, he decided to run for the Iowa State House of Representatives in order to draw atte...

As campus transitions back from spring break, we're pressing pause on releasing new episodes this week. Instead, Meredith and Nicholas reflect on the wonderful conversations they have shared with alums and CLS staff thus far. The hosts also share their excitement about episodes currently in-the-works and tease what's to come as we reach the end of the 2021-2022 year. Stay tuned!  As always, w...

Today's episode of Going Forth doesn't go too far from Grinnell. In fact, it takes place around the corner at SHAW, where Nicholas and Meredith chat with Teague Craig '09. A staff counselor: Teague's journey back to Grinnell is nothing short of extraordinary. From conducting anthropological field work in Tanzania to supporting children at a hospital in San Francisco, Teague shares their fascinatio...

Remember how the students of East High feverishly chanted "summer!" in the opening scene of High School Musical 2, just anticipating the adventures summer break has in store? That's how you should feel when the school year ends, too. However, for many of us, crafting a meaningful summer experience can feel daunting.  Today, Meredith and Nicholas put Rachel Edwards Harvith '00 in the hot seat,...

After listening to our last episode, you went home and wrote a book — now what?! Or maybe you adore books, but aren't certain that you want to write them yourself — what else is out there? Part II of our segment on all-things-literature features Clare Mao '14, a literary agent at Europa Content in New York. Clare represents writers and their interests at every step along a book's journey, and few...

Before Ali Benjamin '92 was a bestselling author, she was a Grinnellian unsure of what to do with her life. On today's episode, Ali tells us how she wove her way through marketing, public health, and even unemployment, before setting out to write her first novel. Since then, Ali's books (among them, " Positive ," " The Thing About Jellyfish ," and " The Smash-Up" ) have garnered global attention....

Considering a career in government affairs? Look no further! Jay Dick '93 has done it all. His career in and passion for government, the legislative process, and grassroots advocacy has spanned from Iowa to Washington DC. On this episode, he describes his work with Americans For The Arts, the "perfect" political resume, and the value in maintaining a connection with Grinnell long after you leave t...

Meet Erich Giebelhaus, a '92 alum who works for the largest public health system in the United States. Erich has spent the past two decades planning for the worst — literally. Whether it be terrorism, natural disasters, or — yes — a pandemic, Erich's agency seeks to prepare New York City to respond effectively in emergency situations. Erich knows the ins and outs of public health like no one else,...

Considering a career in healthcare? If so, this episode is for you! Meredith and Nicholas chat with Mary Jane "MJ" Shroyer, Director of the Health Professions Career Community at Grinnell about medical and pre-health professional opportunities. MJ offers wisdom on standing out in the application process, the interplay between pre-professional goals and the liberal arts, COVID-19's effects on the i...