The Class of 2025 Looks Back, Ahead: Part Two

Emerson Today has a tradition of asking graduating seniors from across departments about their memories, they’re hopes, and what they’ll miss most (spoiler: It’s always the people).

Answers have been edited for length and punctuation.

Part Two of the Q&As. Read Part One.

Caroline Larangeira

Hometown: Flanders, New Jersey
Major: Political Communication
Minor: Pre-Law Studies

What will you miss most about your time at Emerson?

Being surrounded by so many creatives. I wouldn’t consider myself to be a super artistic person, but something about being around so many students who are passionate about their craft is inspiring.

I’ll also miss being so close to my friends, of course. I am eternally grateful for the people that this school has brought me and I’m proud of the lovely network of friendships I’ve built throughout my time here.

Describe your senior year in three words:

Blank Street matcha

What was your favorite class, and why?

CC264 Oral Presentation of Literature – [Senior Executive-in-Residence] Ken Grout is an absolute gem of Emerson College. CC264 pushed me so far out of my comfort zone, but I loved it! This class develops communication skills while allowing students to express themselves theatrically, something only to be experienced at Emerson. I encourage all Emerson students to take this course and to meet Ken Grout — he will change your life for the better.

What’s next (or what do you hope is next)?

I’ll be staying in Boston to pursue a Masters in International Affairs at Northeastern University. I am currently interviewing for a few full-time positions in Massachusetts politics as well, fingers crossed!

Faith Pinnow

Hometown: Carmel, California
Major: Journalism

What will you miss most about your time at Emerson?

During my time at Emerson, I’ve had the privilege of working on so many different, exciting projects. My time on Emerson sets has been diverse and fun, from anchoring live election newscasts to hosting my own live sports debate show, and being a guest on other student productions!

What I’ll miss most is collaborating with other students and helping them bring their visions to life on screen. It’s been helpful for me, professionally, as I’ve really gotten to feel out what I like to work on in real time. Before Emerson, I didn’t think I had an interest in sports broadcasting. It was thanks to other students, who included me and encouraged me, that I found my true passion. That, to me, is so special. 

Describe your senior year in three words:

Just say yes.

What advice would you give your first-year self?

Keep being kind to everyone — being kind is cool. Make friends with the Dining Hall staff (they’ll become your surrogate family). Deal yourself in, everybody is still learning with you!

What’s next (or what do you hope is next)?

I may be leaving Boston (for now!), but I won’t be far! After graduation, I’ll be working as a sports reporter for a local New England news station!

ᐧJack Reisman

Hometown: Brookline, Massachusetts
Major: Comedic Arts

What will you miss most about your time at Emerson?

I will definitely miss running into so many people on Boylston Street. Leaving my dorm and immediately running into five different people I knew was always so fun. 

What was your favorite class, and why?

My favorite class has to be Developing an Original Comedy Series, taught by [Assistant Professor] Andy Miara. Since one of my big goals in life is to be pitching and selling my own shows, this class was perfect to gain that experience. 

What song will forever remind you of your time at Emerson?

“Linger “by The Cranberries.

What advice would you give your first-year self?

Embrace the rejection. Especially my first semester, I didn’t realize how many opportunities I would have and I was very in my head about the first few rejections of opportunities I got. 

Kaiyang Zhang

Hometown: Wayland, Massachusetts
Major: Theatre and Performance
Minor: Comedy Writing and Performance

Describe your senior year in three words:

Optimistic, shifting, and preparation

What was your favorite class, and why?

I think one of my favorite classes at Emerson was Writing for TV Pilots with [Professor] Martie Cook, because it taught me scriptwriting, which I had no prior experience with. I started acting at an early age, and it has been a long time since I learned something new that I want to apply to my future. 

What song will forever remind you of your time at Emerson?

I was in an acapella group at Emerson called the Emerson Treble Makers. One of my favorite songs we did was “In Your Own Sweet Time” by Zaska. I’m reminded of my time at Emerson every time I hear that song. 

What’s next (or what do you hope is next)?

I’m hoping to first enjoy my summer. But then I want to finish my scripts and move out to LA to be an actor. I know it’s probably one of the toughest things a person can do, but I’m one of the toughest people I know. And I can say that because I went to Emerson.