Saying Goodbye To Those Who Have Made Their Mark: Q&A with Paul Isaachsen and Sam Sanders
by Sabrina Roshan on April 29, 2009 in Culture
You know them, you love them and you will miss them when they’re gone. They are the men behind our dances, our quorum calls, our talent shows, and our international nights. Their presence in the forum makes us feel like we’re at home. The joy they bring into our lives cannot be captured in words and their parting will fill us with sorrow. They embody everything HKS should aim to exemplify: dedication, energy, brains, wit, eagerness, positive attitudes, and most importantly of course, strikingly handsome good looks. They are HKS.
They are second year MPP students Paul Isaachsen and Sam Sanders. And we have some parting questions for them.
Q: What do you plan on doing after you graduate?
Paul: I was going to say that I’m trying to find a job. But really I’m dreaming about cooking, sports broadcasting, surfing, traveling, writing, and being a house husband for a successful woman.
Sam: I want to work in public radio or be the White House’s official talent show planner.
Q: What is your best HKS memory?
P: International night was phenomenal this year, and just as good last year. It is an amazing event for bringing the HKS community together and showcasing our diversity.
S: Election night. A lot of HKS folk took over the square, and when Obama was announced the winner, I knew I was experiencing history with some of the smartest, most incredible people in the world. I was honored to be in the presence of my classmates.
Q: Worst HKS memory?
P: Having to exit Cronkhite nine times last year for false fire alarms. When it was burger day, the alarm went off. When someone made toast, the alarm went off. When someone made popcorn, the alarm went off. I think Harvard knows that the building is a death trap.
S: When I first saw the boat for the boat cruise before everyone else showed up, I thought “damn it, this is a ferry…I hope it doesn’t rain…” and then “screw it, the drinks are cheap, and we’ll play the music loudly.” It ended up being a fun time.
Q: Favorite part of daily life at HKS?
P: My favorite part is bumping into people in the Forum and around school and just having a chat. It’s the only way to find the love.
S: My favorite part is bumping into people in the Forum and around school and just having a chat. It’s the only way to find the love.
Q: Favorite professor?
P: Jeff Liebman – he is a bit awkward and an average speaker, but yet a great teacher. His ability to communicate the economics of public policy is exceptional. I was really looking forward to being his TF this year, but then he took a job in the Obama administration.
S: Timothy McCarthy and Luciana Herman.
Q: Favorite class to CA/TF or Favorite CA/TF?
P: I was a TF for API 105A – Markets & Market Failures with Cases. I loved teaching that class. One of the best experiences second year students can get at the Kennedy School is to teach in an area in which they have expertise. It provides great exposure to the subject and other students and makes you realize how hard it is to get up and teach on an everyday basis. Many students don’t fully appreciate how difficult that is.
S: Syon Bhanot (MPP ’09) – his office hours got me through the core.
Q: Favorite food at the cafeteria?
P: Buffalo chicken wrap. It’s my default lunch when I don’t feel like anything else.
S: Deep-fried broccoli. I mean think about it – it’s deep fried, broccoli. That’s just amazing.
Q: Favorite HKS event?
P: After international night, I would say the Spring Formal – don’t miss it!
S: This year’s talent show. It made me stop trivializing the work I do here. Usually, I look at what other students are doing in their spare time – they’re off saving the world, forming non-profits. What I do in my spare time is throw parties for us, and I often felt that work wasn’t as valuable as the serious, philanthropic, social change work others do. But after the talent show, I thought of it differently. My work is valuable. Because if I can help future (and present) world changers at the Kennedy School relax, recharge, and go into the world a bit happier, a bit calmer, then I’ve done my part. I’m saving the world by enriching the lives of the world-savers.
Q: What do you think is the most important lesson you have learned at HKS?
P: People are poor at estimation and bring many biases to their decision-making. As a result, their gut instinct about the correct course of action is often not very good.
S: We shouldn’t be scared of fame. Being here at the Kennedy School, you see John Kerry in the hallway or the UN Secretary General in the Forum. After two years of that, you realize: a) you shouldn’t be uncomfortable around these people; and b) you are probably just as qualified and can aim to be just as successful.
Q: Will you make an alumni donation when you’re rich and famous?
P: Yes but it would be in the form of financial aid for Australian students attending HKS.
S: Yes but only to the KSSG Activities Committee.
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