Benjamin P. (IN A NUTSHELL)

Benjamin is an undergraduate student at Harvard University pursuing a degree in English. Prior to college, Benjamin spent five years dancing professionally with the Boston Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet. Having spent most of his teenage years on stage in the ballet studio rather than in the classroom, Benjamin believes in the mutual enrichment that happens when one focuses on the arts as well as academics. Benjamin is passionate about combining creative pursuits like performance and literature, and he hopes to help others see the throughlines between their interests. Benjamin enjoys working on creative writing independently and through the arts and culture section of The Crimson, Cambridge's daily newspaper. In his free time, Benjamin looks to popular culture as a continuation of his interest in literature by close-reading Taylor Swift lyrics for conspiracy theories or connecting the perspective shifts in Jane Austen novels to fourth-wall breaking in Fleabag. Benjamin believes that a love for writing or the fine arts can enhance the understanding of current media and he encourages students to allow personal fascinations to inform their academic and artistic work. Benjamin enjoys working with students to reach breakthroughs in their expression, whether that is in a critical essay or creative project, and he is excited to continue fostering the curiosity of his students.