Telling Our Stories
Voices of Action celebrates the diversity of students, staff, and faculty at Bard College and across Bard's international partnerships and the greater Open Society University Network. We hope this community-centered project sparks conversation and highlights how we are connected by common interests, especially around civic and community engagement. Voices of Action showcases two platforms: Being(s) at Bard on Instagram (@beingsatbard) and the What Is Your Why? podcast series.
We would love to hear your story!
To be interviewed or to nominate a friend for either Being(s) at Bard or What Is Your Why?, please reach out to [email protected].
Beings at Bard
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Sharing the stories, opinions, and interests of Bard Community members in collaboration with the Bard Center for Civic Engagement and the Open Society University Network's Civic Engagement Initiative. Complete the Google form to suggest a profile.
Being(s) at Bard uses visual storytelling to share personal experiences around culture, history, values, interests, and civic/community engagement of campus community members. These interviews aim to give readers an opportunity to learn from others while also shaping, strengthening, and challenging their own opinions and values. Each post contains a narrative and two accompanying photographs; a portrait of the subject and an image of their living space. To create authentic content, the interviews are conversation based rather than a firm question and answer session.
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Evguenia Alechine“I am a science communicator, but wear many different hats in my career. I do a lot of teaching but also work as a freelancer, both in Argentina and internationally. Since starting in this field 8 years ago, I've transitioned from working with scientific papers to delivering information to the general public. I also switched from editing to writing my own papers, project management, and creating content.”
Evguenia Alechine
“I am a science communicator, but wear many different hats in my career. I do a lot of teaching but also work as a freelancer, both in Argentina and internationally. Since starting in this field 8 years ago, I've transitioned from working with scientific papers to delivering information to the general public. I also switched from editing to writing my own papers, project management, and creating content.”
“Regardless, I mostly focus on teaching, as scientists are not always taught to communicate the science they do.”
“I am also a facilitator at a leadership program for women in science, creating awareness and public action in regard to climate change. My role is to help the women with their visibility as female scientists, as it can get challenging to speak up and own the place you deserve.”
“Here at Bard, I am a visiting faculty member, and a lead for the science communication strand. This is my second Citizen Science, they initially reached out to me after my article published in Nature, about my transition from academica to science communication. The people here are very out-spoken and motivated, and I can see the strong passion not to settle for anything.”
“Science literacy is very important. We often doubtlessly trust the information we come across, or distrust it without a real foundation. People don't always feel as if they have the tools or power to find those answers themselves. It's necessity was very evident during the pandemic, when people started making informed decisions, in regards to masks or vaccines. Since then, the need for better science communicators has increased.”
“After mastering in biomedical sciences, I completed my PHD in biochemistry, in the field of human genetics. I did not want to be an academic scientist, and soon realized that the thing I enjoy the most about science is communicating it. Over time came experience, but networking: being active in my community, is what pushed my career forward. I might not be doing what I thought I would, but I am happy because it led me to my career today.”
Evguenia Alechine - Argentina
Article created and photos taken by Robin Kaiküll ’26 -
Greta Varga ’26“Hungary has a complicated relationship with the global world, sailing between the East and West. Our long serving PM Viktor Orbán and his party have veered far from the formative liberal views that got him elected in 2010 to authoritarian and right-wing principles that now divide the country. For example, they have passed laws making it impossible for transgender people to change their gender, or banned LGBT content in schools or kids' TV.”
Greta Varga ’26
“Hungary has a complicated relationship with the global world, sailing between the East and West. Our long serving PM Viktor Orbán and his party have veered far from the formative liberal views that got him elected in 2010 to authoritarian and right-wing principles that now divide the country. For example, they have passed laws making it impossible for transgender people to change their gender, or banned LGBT content in schools or kids' TV.”
“The Government has also cracked down on "western” education and closed institutions such as the CEU, an affiliate of Bard, forcing them to move to Vienna. When people hear where I am from, they either immediately point out the problems Hungary is facing, or are unaware of them completely. It can be tiresome to face generalisations made about Hungarians, and I do wish there were more opportunities and spaces for informative and purposeful conversation.”
“After the Revolution of 1956, an uprising started by students against the communist Government that left thousand killed and wounded, nearly a quarter-million Hungarians fled the country. Subsequently, Bard welcomed around 300 students who had become refugees. Additionally, it is George Soros, a Hungarian-American philanthropist, who funds the OSUN network, which aims to reach the students who need it the most, promoting the values of free expression and diversity of beliefs. Bard's connection to Hungary was part of the reason for which I and a few others chose this Liberal Education. What I like about Bard is how students are constantly pushed out of their comfort zones to try new things. Regardless, I wish more students took advantage of their opportunities here, as Bard is exceptionally resourceful.”
“I've been dancing since I was little, as it has always been a source of peace and comfort. Last term I took the African contemporary dance course. Although quite challenging, it was much fun, and the professor did a fantastic job integrating his Burkinabe roots into the class. Because of all the joy dancing offers me, I never took it professionally but rather as something I do for myself.”
Greta Varga ’26 - Hungary
Article created and photos taken by Robin Kaiküll ’26 -
Thanasis Kostikas ’26“I'd say that living in Athens is never chaotic, but rather safe, easy to navigate and compact. This however, renders a rather homogenous population. A big problem that Greece is facing is the ageing population, as the youth tend to leave due to the lack of opportunities. Transitioning from a private to a public school, I noticed how financial inequality affected students. Those, who could afford going abroad for conferences or clubs, were led to a more global mindset, with a likelihood of university abroad.”
Thanasis Kostikas ’26
“I'd say that living in Athens is never chaotic, but rather safe, easy to navigate and compact. This however, renders a rather homogenous population. A big problem that Greece is facing is the ageing population, as the youth tend to leave due to the lack of opportunities. Transitioning from a private to a public school, I noticed how financial inequality affected students. Those, who could afford going abroad for conferences or clubs, were led to a more global mindset, with a likelihood of university abroad.”
“Studying the International Baccalaureate, I knew I would go abroad for university, as Greek schools do not accept the diploma. I'd always dreamed of working in the financial sector, so Bard, with it's strong economics department stood out to me, and I wanted to seize the opportunity. I was welcomed by the creativity and great opportunities, that not only allow students to grow as people, but enter their careers with an advantage. People are unsurprisingly very respectful and open to learning more about Greece. There is also a Greek club, where we organize language sessions or movie screenings.”
“Upon arrival I was unfamiliar with OSUN, but interning with them has made me appreciative of their work environment and global outreach. I am constantly reminded of an array of perspectives and ideas. Participating in the Student Leadership Conference, I talked with people from all across the world. The organization is not as known in Bard as in other partner schools, so I wish more students took advantage of what they have to offer. Online classes, for example, offer new insight on how a topic would be taught in a different environment. I think that college is the best place to develop your interests, and add new pieces to your growing personality. A hobby of mine, unrelated to my other interests is tennis. A huge part of my life, it is not only a way for me to relax and train, but meet new people, and figure out my place at Bard. Building a community here is easy, as long as you make an effort, you will never be turned down a friendship.”
Thanasis Kostikas ’26 – Athens
Article created and photos taken by Robin Kaiküll ’26 -
Ondina McDonald ’26“Born in NYC, I grew up in Rome, and would say that the general approach to life is quite different. I feel as if leisure is more prioritized, and do miss the comfort of home. On the other hand, there are prevalent norms that one adheres to and strict groups of people they find themselves in. Something I appreciate about the US is the respect for other people's ways of living. Rome, the center of Catholicism is not the most progressive environment. Moving here for college, I now view it as a hub of innovation and artistic creativity, especially New York. You do find that in Italy, but in an environment with such a strong basis of monuments, how do you work on creating something new?”
Ondina McDonald ’26
“Born in NYC, I grew up in Rome, and would say that the general approach to life is quite different. I feel as if leisure is more prioritized, and do miss the comfort of home. On the other hand, there are prevalent norms that one adheres to and strict groups of people they find themselves in. Something I appreciate about the US is the respect for other people's ways of living. Rome, the center of Catholicism is not the most progressive environment. Moving here for college, I now view it as a hub of innovation and artistic creativity, especially New York. You do find that in Italy, but in an environment with such a strong basis of monuments, how do you work on creating something new?”
“Coming to Bard, I was overwhelmed by how much I enjoyed it. Being surrounded by such a creative community is very encouraging and refreshing. I believe L&T to have been a great introduction to College, drawing or writing poetry under a willow tree really changed my approach to creative thinking. Although the honeymoon phase did in a way end, I find joy in acknowledging the community around me, as we all cohabit a rather small campus. The isolation many of us feel is an opportunity to evolve as a person, as life will only get faster from here.”
“Surrounded by music my whole life, it has been a way for me to connect to myself and my family. When singing, I enter a completely different state. What I really love about music, is that it's a universal language, and by interpreting it through your own lens it becomes yours. At Bard, I have access to the amazing conservatory and am constantly inspired by students so passionate about their craft. As much as I adore classical music, I also love jazz and musical theater, and believe that Liberal Arts will allow me to approach music in a more interdisciplinary way. I think that musical literacy is very important, being able to differentiate commercial music from artistic, and listening to music as an experience rather than solely something casual. It is as important to create art that has meaning, as it is being aware of where your inspiration comes from.”
Ondina McDonald ’26 – Rome
Article created and photos taken by Robin Kaiküll ’26 -
Aleksander Demetriades ’25“I think that everyone has their own interpretation of Bard. Although different, they are individual and genuine. Coming from a close-knit family with 3 siblings, I was interested in an environment that allowed me to have closer dynamics with the community. To me, Bard is a space that allows for genuine connections, rather than being a number on paper.”
Aleksander Demetriades ’25
“I think that everyone has their own interpretation of Bard. Although different, they are individual and genuine. Coming from a close-knit family with 3 siblings, I was interested in an environment that allowed me to have closer dynamics with the community. To me, Bard is a space that allows for genuine connections, rather than being a number on paper.”
“Life at Bard can get quite slow. Often feeling isolated, it is important to make sure that we are aware of life outside of campus. One way to recognize the wider community around us is by participating in elections. Last August, I started working as an intern with [email protected], where we help students with registration, protecting their right to vote, and hosting forums. Most importantly, we are focused on providing non-partisan information on the candidates and their initiatives. The past semester had been particularly busy, due to the recent midterm elections. As Bard now hosts a polling location on campus, it is especially important to ensure that students are up to date with the topic. Being a student is a full-time job by itself, so trying to catch up on responsibilities such as voting can be daunting for many, especially for students who never had that opportunity or privilege to do so. Witnessing students turn out to vote was gratifying in the sense that something we had actively been working on had a true impact.”
“The College environment is very unique, as having a centralized student body inevitably, leads to a large number of activities and organizations. I also work with the Open Society University Network, where I see how the programs and events that benefit students come to be. There are a variety of opportunities, both virtual and in-person, to be civically engaged, and I believe that most students do so in their own way. From what I have seen as a PC, there are numerous clubs whose leaders spend an immense amount of effort running the programs. Going to even one meeting, does not only offer you the chance to meet individuals with similar interests and forge connections but can also motivate others.”
Aleksander Demetriades ’25 – Miami Beach
Written and photographed by Robin Kaiküll ’26
What Is Your Why?
What Is Your Why? is a podcast series in which civic engagement leaders talk about their work, challenges, and what keeps them motivated. The series showcases voices of action at Bard College and within the Bard/OSUN international network.