A conversation between Alison Lin '03 and her advisor Ian Rosenstein, associate professor of chemistry, was featured in the fall-winter 2002 issue of Hamilton's Alumni Review. The following is an excerpt from their meeting.
Advising at Hamilton is much more than course selection. Since the elimination of distribution requirements, the role of the advisor is central to ensuring a liberal education. Here's an excerpt from a recent advisor/advisee conversation:
ADVISEE: Alison Lin '03, Watson Fellowship finalist, Fulbright Scholarship applicant, chemistry major, French minor. Does not plan to pursue graduate school in chemistry
ADVISOR: Ian Rosenstein, associate professor of chemistry, working on projects in the general area of organic free radical chemistry
FIRST MET: When Lin took an organic chemistry course with Rosenstein as a first-year student
WHY SHE PICKED HIM AS HER ADVISOR: Lin looked for someone "available — I see my advisor around the building all the time." She said she appreciates being able to talk to him about projects outside of chemistry and her hopes and plans for the future.
LIN: I'm looking at two different … no, three different women's studies classes. Then also Non-Verbal Communication and Social Interaction with (Professor Doug) Raybeck. Then I just have to decide between advanced organic and inorganic chemistry.
ROSENSTEIN: Was there something else? Were you looking at a psychology course? Did you rule that out?
LIN: Yeah. Well I decided that I wasn't going to try for a psych minor because I already have the French minor. I was thinking about maybe doing education.
ROSENSTEIN: We should talk about that. One education class may not do much for you in the long run. You may want to go into education, but if you do that, you're going to need a master's in teaching or at least several courses to get your teaching certification. You already know from the tutoring you've done that education is something you're clearly interested in. You've already shown a commitment to working with kids. It's not going to help you getting into a program. I think there may be other classes that will serve you better. Let's look at the three women's study courses. What are your motivations?
LIN: Film and Literature looked interesting, and I know the professor, she's really nice. The Asian class [Women in Modern Asia] I was looking at because I don't have anything to do with Asia in my studies.
ROSENSTEIN: Right. You haven't taken any history. But you lived in Africa and have French which includes European culture.
LIN: Then with Power of Narratives, I talked to [Professor] Minnie Bruce Pratt. It is going to be writing with readings. Creative writing. I really want to learn how to write narratives. Just from my traveling, I want to be able to talk about my experiences. Whatever you do, being able to write, talk about your own experiences …
ROSENSTEIN: That course is probably the one you're going to get the most out of for what you want to do in the future. Especially if you get the Watson, you'll need to be able to write reports. A course where you really have the chance to work on your writing skills will be most valuable to you. I guess the other question is one of the other women's studies courses or the anthro course.
LIN: Someone told me about it and then it's with Raybeck — I've heard such good things about him. … It looks fun doing the observations. And it has field trips. I haven't had a class with a field trip since I've been here!
ROSENSTEIN (laughing): Four years and not a single a field trip?
LIN: Right. Oh well, one because we went to Syracuse for chemistry.
ROSENSTEIN: That doesn't really count. I think with either the Watson or the Fulbright this could be valuable. You're hoping to go to places where they don't speak your language, and you'll be forced to engage in non-verbal communication at times. Your French will get you by in most of Madagascar, but many of the Malagasy don't speak French.
LIN (laughing): Right. I could probably get something to eat and maybe find somewhere to sleep.
ROSENSTEIN: I think that would be a great course for whatever you do next year. So in addition to your senior project and your chemistry course, you've got an anthro course and a women's studies course. It's a terrific mix of courses. For the chemistry course, I think it's just of matter of what you're more interested in.
LIN: I have to decide whether to take organic or inorganic chemistry. I'm leaning toward the inorganic, and it's not exactly an interest so much as the structure of the course. I'm still thinking I might want to do one of my courses pass/fail. Does it matter?
ROSENSTEIN: Grades don't matter that much because it's not what motivates you. It's better if you learn and have fun. Having a course pass/fail may mean you can more easily dedicate more time to one thing over another, but I don't think it will make a difference in how you work for a course. I don't really see a reason for you to take a class pass/fail, but it is an option.
LIN: Okay. I still … but it isn't going to fit … I'm really tempted, I really want to take a dance class. Am I going to be able to? I might see if I can get signed in to one and then just audit it. Will that work?
ROSENSTEIN: Yeah that will work. For the chemistry courses you don't have to decide now. I can give you a copy of my syllabus. Go to both organic and inorganic the first week and then decide.
LIN: Okay.
WHERE DO THEY GO FROM HERE?: If Lin gets a fellowship, she plans to head for a warm climate to do her research. For a career? She's interested in education, social policy, women's issues and public health. For Rosenstein, it's back to the chemistry lab.
