Imagine A World

Christian Tanja, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Knight-Hennessy Scholars, is dedicated to empowering future leaders through storytelling. Jordyn Sanico, an Admission Outreach Coordinator, finds inspiration in uplifting others, shaped by her mother's influence. Together, they discuss their mentorship experiences and overcoming imposter syndrome. They share fascinating life moments, including performing at Carnegie Hall and their passion for making higher education more accessible. Their journey reflects the powerful impact of community on personal growth and leadership.

In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 cohort) and Sydney Hunt ('23 cohort) speak with Yousuf Khan ('19 cohort) about how basic science research can directly improve the lives of everyone, the role that tennis has played in his life, and his experience traveling to New Mexico for a game show.Highlights from the episode:(04:34) The story behind Yousuf's name(06:11) Growing up in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) and attending the University of Maryland(12:05) Developing his current research interests (28:15) Facilitating the KHS conversation(30:53) Writing his Imagine a World statement and reflecting on the importance of academic humility(36:12) Participating in a Netflix game show

In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 cohort) and Ashley Yeh ('24 cohort) speak with a group of scholars and friends about how their Knight-Hennessy Scholars friend group came to be. Sanaa Alam ('23 cohort), Hannah Melville-Rea ('23 cohort), Leona Neftaliem ('23 cohort), Jocelyn Ricard ('23 cohort), and Takondwa Semphere ('23 cohort) give us an insider's look at some of the beautiful moments within their friendship and discuss how various aspects of KH programming have helped them to meet and strengthen their bonds with each other--mentioning Immersion Weekend, Day One, the retreats, Storytelling with Dan and Lisa, and the Deep Dive sessions.Highlights from the episode:(05:43) How they met--reflecting on KH Immersion Weekend, Day One, Fall Retreat, Storytelling with Dan and Lisa, and Deep Dive sessions.(13:36) First impressions of each other.(18:16) How regularly meeting at Denning for Lunch helped with strengthening their bond(21:35) Sanaa's Dance Moms Instagram fan page(26:06) Watching Alma compete in the Miss USA competition on TV(30:53) Some favorite memories and experiences with each other(35:51) Staying in touch after graduating (41:30) Their similarities(44:12) Rapid fire questions about who is the most likely to start a viral TikTok trend, survive a Zombie apocalypse, plan a spontaneous trip to another country, and win an argument with a complete stranger.(51:43) Advice on building authentic and enduring friendships while in KH

In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 cohort) and Sydney Hunt ('23 cohort) speak with Marcus Frost ('19 cohort) about his memories of home, transition to Stanford, experiences navigating cancer, chemotherapy, and recovery, and ideas for how to check in on your friends. Highlights from the episode:(04:34) Delicious go-to dishes when cooking(07:07) Reminiscing on home and journey to Stanford(19:50) So you want to build a microscope? and reasons behind getting involved in medicine(27:17) Navigating cancer, chemotherapy, and recovery(32:56) How to check in on your friends(38:30) Improbable facts(42:29) Advice for those applying to Knight-Hennessy

Join us for Part 2 of a Knight-Hennessy Global Study Trip (GST) to Turkey! In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 Cohort) speaks with Jocelyn Ricard and Pierce Garver (both '23 Cohort) as they recap their memories from their 10-day trek in Turkey.Highlights from the episode:(2:24) First impressions of Turkey and go-to Turkish treats.(13:33) Lessons learned from site visits.(19:34) Hopes, expectations, and reality of the Turkey GST.(30:19) Rapid fire questions about the group dynamics and events.

Join us on a Knight-Hennessy Global Study Trip (GST) to Turkey! In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 Cohort) speaks with Ayça Alemdaroğlu, the Associate Director of the program on Turkey and a research scholar at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law at Stanford University, who also served as the Faculty Leader for the Turkey GST.Highlights from the episode:(3:04) Ayça's upbringing, journey to Stanford, and love of political theory.(8:44) Ayça's research on the most recent election in Turkey.(17:50)Ayça's experience coordinating GSTs and what she hopes the our group learns from our time together in Turkey.

We're back for Season 2 of IAW! Kick back, relax, and listen to Sydney and Willie's conversation with Douglas Henze (2023 Cohort).Highlights from the episode:(7:04) Douglas's journey from playing football in Birmingham, Alabama, to focusing on engineering at Stanford.(19:43) Douglas reflects on his struggles with concussions and how his experience shaped his research focus on aging and Alzheimer’s.(25:18) Douglas discusses balancing gratitude with acknowledging life's challenges.(33:25) What do people often get wrong about STEM folks?(48:11) Improbable Fact(s)!

Tune into our first episode of season 2 next week! We've got new hosts and new perspectives, but the same authenticity from our KHommunity.

Tina Seelig, the Executive Director of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, and John Hennessy, its founder, delve into the essence of effective leadership. They discuss the innovative 'Leading Matters' podcast, revealing insights from various thought leaders. Through engaging stories and personal experiences, they highlight the unique Knight Hennessy leadership model and the importance of diversity in leadership styles. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how great leaders think and act in today's world.

The Imagine A World season finale is here, and it’s a bittersweet goodbye to Taylor Goss, a KH scholar you’ve come to know and love as our podcast co-host. As Taylor completes his time with the Knight-Hennessy community and moves on from Stanford, he shares about the world he imagines—where music and art are recognized and funded, not only as means of emotional expression, but also as drivers of social change. Taylor reflects on his homeschooling days in Louisiana, his passion projects, and the core childhood memories that helped shape where he’s going next.Stay tuned! Imagine A World will return in fall 2024 with a brand-new season and new co-host Sydney Hunt. (6:12) Taylor’s experiences growing up in Lacassine, Louisiana, being homeschooled, and becoming interested in the guitar (19:23) Transitioning from high school to college by taking dual enrollment classes at McNeese State University, attending a program at the Berklee College of Music, and then attending Louisiana State University on a Stamps Scholarship(25:46) How music became a lifelong pursuit for Taylor through providing a community, whether the mentorship he received from the Lake Charles music community, or the Coastal Voices project in the LASAL Scholars program(32:55) What brought Taylor to apply for Stanford and Knight-Hennessy and his advice to applicants(37:11) Taylor’s thoughts on his Imagine a World Statement about valuing the social and political potential of the arts and increasing public funding for arts education(44:55) Taylor’s research at Stanford studying music technology and policy at CCMRA and on homeless housing policy through the MPP program(49:00) Taylor’s upcoming move to Malibu to work as a recording engineer(51:25) The history of Taylor’s hair(54:58) Rapid-fire mailbag questions for Taylor, on everything from transmogrified kitchenware to Halloween costumes(1:05:11) An original song by Taylor