Written by Yaroslav Valchyshen

Coming from a Ukrainian high school that focused heavily on mathematics and physics, I was used to an academic environment centered on precision, rigor, and right answers. We had math 5 times a week and physics four, while subjects like literature and philosophy were often treated as less important. Because of that, my first impression of Bard’s Language and Thinking program was one of surprise for sure. It was a completely different approach from what I was used to. Instead of the strict pressure to be always correct, we were asked to think freely, write reflectively, and discuss abstract topics that are not so easily put in boxes of logic with questions that had no right answers.

At first, I found it rather challenging and even frustrating. I was not used to expressing and exploring ideas that did not have a concrete, defined purpose. I was even shocked by how the professor was very encouraging, giving an opportunity to everybody to express their own thoughts regarding the material read and not a single answer was ever dismissed, again, a complete opposite to what I had experienced before. Gradually, I started to develop the ability to think critically, communicate and connect concepts that were very much open to interpretation.

One of the texts we studied during the program was “Frankestein” by Mary Shelley. Before the L&T program, I had never read literature in such depth. Being so used to just summarizing the plot and memorizing characters, I was surprised by this unique approach. We were asked to interpret the novel through its ideas, symbolisms, and philosophy. Each discussion revealed new and new layers that I had not noticed on my own. It was the first time I understood that literature could be studied not as something to memorize, but as something to explore, question, and continually interpret. That realization completely changed the way I read and think about texts.

As the program proceeded, we were given the first task, to create and perform an original play. Once again, there was not a single concrete formula for success, only the broad idea to make a meaningful performance that would be worth watching. To be honest, such unpredictability was rather intimidating at first, but through the group effort, active collaboration and open discussion, we all came up with interesting and creative ideas, meshing them together and creating something special.

As time goes on, my appreciation for the program has only grown. It marked a dramatic change from the Ukrainian educational approach, where the logical and applied sciences were considered the most valuable because they were seen as “useful”. While there is truth in that, I have come to realize that much of life can’t be confined to rigid logical frameworks. Ironically, I now believe that the kind of learning encouraged by the L&T has greater real-world utility, planting the seed for understanding disciplines and experiences that go beyond logic.

Written on Nov. 9, 2025