Christiane Betfarhad ’26 arrived at Kenyon as a student in 2022 with a simple goal: to make the student experience everything that she and her peers want it to be. Since then, she’s worked hard at that objective through a variety of leadership roles, including first-year class president, sophomore class president and, now, Student Council president.
Those efforts haven’t stopped the psychology and neuroscience double major from enjoying all that campus life has to offer. Betfarhad, who is from Westport, Conn., is active in the College’s musical scene — she is co-president of the Owl Creek Singers and part of the Chamber Singers — and serves on the executive board of the Middle East Student Association. She’s also part of the rugby club, a fellow in the Office of Admissions, and a member of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadow cast.
Still, she found time to answer a few questions about her Kenyon experience so far, her love of New Student Sing, and why she’s currently obsessed with the Neil Young song “Harvest Moon.”
Besides Gambier, where is your favorite place in the world to be?
I studied abroad in London this past spring and truly fell in love! James Lighthill House in Angel Islington will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Why did you come to Kenyon?
I came to Kenyon because I was inspired and in awe of the panelists I met during my Admitted Students Day visit! Everyone was so intelligent, well-spoken and confident with diverse, interdisciplinary interests and passions. I thought that if I could come to Kenyon and be anything like them, that would be the best decision I could make for myself.
Fill in the blank: My experience at Kenyon would not be the same without ______.
First Year Class Committee! I got to meet so many new people and create change within my first semester of being at Kenyon, which is something I never thought I could be able to do or would be capable of doing.
What is your favorite Kenyon tradition?
New Student Sing!! I’m on campus early because of work, so I love getting to sing and welcome the new students to Kenyon through our four traditional songs. Not ready to think about singing the songs on the Rosse steps during Senior Week though. I also love having the whole community together on Middle Path in August for the annual community picnic, eating, playing and conversing after being a summer apart. It’s what makes Kenyon so special.
What Kenyon class would you love to take — again or for the first time?
I didn’t get to take “Philosophy of Love” with Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy Alexandra Bradner because of a scheduling conflict, but I’d love to take that class! I read a book called “Socrates in Love: Philosophy for a Die-Hard Romantic“ in the spring, and I found it so fascinating to learn about the different kinds of love we feel and how it manifests in the world.
If there was a soundtrack to your Kenyon experience, what song would be on repeat?
I’m always thinking about music but, especially as a senior, I’ve been trying to create playlists that fit the mood of the seasons, so currently I’m really into the song “Harvest Moon“ by Neil Young.
Where do you find satisfaction outside of your work/studies?
Seeing my friends grow and flourish as we’ve gotten older and had to step into leadership roles.
What is something interesting that you have read recently?
I recently read “Touching the Rock“ by John Hull in my “Philosophy of Perception” class, and I found it to be really interesting reading about the world from the perspective of a seeing person who became blind.
What new skill would you like to learn?
I neeeeeed to learn how to DJ.
What is the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
Always see the bigger picture. My dad taught me that life is like a rollercoaster with constant loops — you’ll have your highs and your lows — but the overall goal is to progress with an upward trajectory. Being at the bottom of one loop isn’t the end of the world — it’s a small moment in the grand scheme of your life, so keep pushing forward.
The Kenyon Ten is an occasional question-and-answer feature that highlights students, faculty and staff.