Written by Sierra Ford

I am American and grew up going to traditional public schools. Bard College was definitely a welcome shift for me as, for the first time, I got to actively participate in student led discussions with my peers on topics I am passionate about.

The Language and Thinking program was quite an experience for me. This was the first time where I was encouraged to think about texts and what they may say about my experience in the world. I also learned how to think creatively and collaboratively. L&T provided me the creative space to learn and think with my peers who came from different backgrounds which made the educational experience even more robust.

For the first time in my academic career, I had the opportunity to discuss texts with my peers. I learned how to debate and defend my perspectives and this pushed me to think critically about the readings I was engaging with. L&T helped strengthen my discussion skills and I grew confident speaking in front of others.

The inclusion of international scholarship helped broaden my worldview by exposing me to diverse experiences outside of my own.

The Language and Thinking program is one that deviates from traditional education because it creates an environment where all students can share their perspectives. Being a student in the L&T program definitely instilled a confidence in me to defend my perspective. I felt comfortable discussing with peers who I knew would be willing to engage with me even if they did not agree with me. The academic confidence I had in L&T as a freshman has sustained me throughout my tenure at a liberal arts college.

Working with the students in my L&T cohort was incredibly rewarding because we were all coming from disparate backgrounds with unique experiences. I believe our diversity allowed for more robust conversations because they included all of our experiences and ideas. I appreciated the space to listen to my peers and work through new concepts collectively.

My participation in L&T was one that forced me to go out of my comfort zone. The program included classwide performances in front of other students and a level of creative vulnerability that I had not experienced before. As an introvert, being pushed outside of my comfort zone helped me socially as I took more risks and embraced hanging out with different people.

Bard College’s Language and Thinking program deviates from traditional education. The program embraces creativity; it is intrinsic to the curriculum. This program has taught me that no matter what academic discipline you pursue, there is always room for creativity. Thinking requires innovation and L&T helped me not only recognize this, but put it into practice.

Written on Nov. 6, 2025