Alison Gleeson

Why did you choose to study at Bard College Berlin?

Studying in a large and vibrant city such as Berlin had always been my dream and to be able to combine it with a fascinating liberal arts curriculum meant I knew I would just love it. It was exciting to see so many of my interests represented in the course options - I could hardly decide which ones to take for my first semester!

How would you describe our community in a nutshell?

Students at BCB come from all over the world! There’s a continuous exchange of ideas and cultures as well as a place for every voice on campus. People are friendly, engaged, and open, and there’s always something fun going on on-campus.

Where is your favorite place to study on campus?

The study rooms are perfect for me as they’re more of a designated quiet area. If I need a change of scenery I’ll probably be in our library.

Are you involved in any student clubs or organizations? If so, which ones?

Not as of yet!

Favorite book you read in a class, and why?

It's hard to choose, but I would say Plato’s Republic was my favorite. It was for our core module, so it accompanied us throughout the semester and we would analyze it chapter by chapter. It was one of the many books this past semester which forced me to immerse myself and animated me to look forward to class discussions.

Write briefly about one of your courses that left a lasting impression on you.

Introduction to Ethics was my favorite course last semester. As the name suggests, we read key philosophical texts from antiquity up to the 20th century. The nature of the course ensured that a broad spectrum of philosophy was read while critically engaging with the texts during class discussions. Taking the course solidified my interest in philosophy and my wish to pursue it even further during future studies.

What surprised you the most about BCB?

How peaceful Pankow is! Berlin conjures up images of a never-standing-still-city (which it can be!), nevertheless, Pankow represents a more quiet enclave ensuring that you can study in peace and then soak up the fun in the city when you choose to do so.

Your favorite thing to do in Berlin on the weekends?

Berlin has an amazing synthesis of art, music and culture. Visiting the museums has to be one of my favourite activities on the weekend. For example, I’ve booked tickets to the highly coveted Caspar David Friedrich exhibition coming to Berlin in a few weeks time, which I’m really looking forward to.
Public transport connections are mere minutes away from campus and transport you right into the heart of the city, making spontaneous trips around Berlin extremely easy.

What are your plans for after BCB?

I feel like I have a kaleidoscope of options waiting for me after graduation, but for now I know I would love to continue with graduate school.

What does a liberal arts education mean to you?

A liberal arts education for me means to not only delve deeper into topics I have long been interested in, including aspects that only an interdisciplinary approach can provide, but to be able to explore new areas of interest in ethics, politics, art, and history.