May 15, 2017

Kierstin Gray was bucking trends before she left Bryn Mawr! She designed her own major in Film and Culture Studies and is now a freelance consultant.

I got here by always trying to take a career path that built upon an interest, and learning to tell the story of my professional path in a creative way.

Did you have a Bryn Mawr mentor? Yes, Cynthia Chalker from the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research

My mentor taught me that I should try to not take myself too seriously. It is important to know how to let go.

I dream of someday… Hard to answer this one because I am always dreaming, and living the dream every day 🙂 I’m a strong believer in actively working to achieve a dream, as well as always coming up with new ones.

In my spare time, I… well, when I HAVE it, I usually like to investigate new hobbies or make things. Of late I am trying to complete a quilt. I think I will design a custom console for my record player next…

I wish I had more time to spend learning skills that don’t directly have relevance in my life, like glass blowing or furniture design. Now that I think of it, I should make time.

What I love most about NYC is… The city is always something new and something old at the same time. We are a village made up of millions of people, so that flux of new and old is what makes it feel vibrant and alive.

My time at Bryn Mawr taught me the value of friendship, of trying to understand and know yourself, and that the best thing that you can do for yourself and your future is to find ways to do what you believe.

My advice to the Class of 2021 is… Make the most of your time at Bryn Mawr. No matter how strange or different it might be, you will always be the better for trying something different, and it just may be those times that you remember and treasure most!

My advice to the Class of 2017 is… Welcome to the world! You have all the tools to be successful so always be true to yourself, surround yourself with friends and those you love and who love you, and don’t be afraid to show the world the same tenacity that got you through 4 years. See the world as a place that you can make into what you want, and be willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

If anyone is interested in connecting with me, email at kierstin.gray@gmail.com. Please be patient with me because I am often out and about nationally and internationally, but I will get back to you!