issue iii of tmp spring 2026: hot grad summer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Irmak Ersöz
MANAGING EDITOR: Sneha Sinha
OPINIONS EDITOR: Stephen Chmelewski
CAMPUS EDITOR: Megan Vidovich
POLITICS EDITOR: Emma Seel
CULTURE EDITOR: Anaïs Skok
COMMUNICATIONS LEADS: Isabel Nieh Hou & Stephen Li
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Isabel Nieh Hou
FACULTY ADVISOR: Anya Schiffrin
STAFF WRITERS: Emma Cregan, Katie MacDougall, Tanya Reddy Sattineni, Damian Vladimiroff
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jailene Acevedo, Anupriya Aggarwal, Tatevik Barseghyan, Sophie Holin, Jamil Siddiqui, Adhiraj Singh, Tristan van der Mieden, Muriel Jacques
FROM THE EDITOR
dedicated readers of the morningside post,
Whether you’re graduating or not, the end of the spring semester has surely been a whirlwind. From politics to the very halls of IAB, much has changed since we last wrote to you. Through the oscillations of political turmoil, the only constant seems to be the unreliable water pressure at IAB fountains. While we’ve been endlessly spiraling over the job hunt, ceasefires have been signed and torn apart, fickle European alliances have rekindled, and graduation has arrived.
Big or small, I’ve always been terrified of change. Similar to many of you, I am a rampant perfectionist who does not enjoy unpredictability. I like knowing exactly when writers will turn around edits, what life in three months will look like, and whether I’ll be able to go home this summer. Yet SIPA shows me every day, without fail, that we rarely ever know.
Hot Grad Summer, while cheekily titled, explores this very tension between change and reliability. At this stage of our lives, uncertainty prevails through everything—from your capstone client’s last-minute asks to your immigration status. In this issue, our staff writers, contributors, and editors show you that there is some joy to be found in the unknown, too. Whether it’s highlighting the potential that a summer in NYC holds, repairing broken lamps, or taking a comedically innovative approach to networking, I hope Hot Grad Summer inspires you to reflect. Maybe, you’ll become a citrus enthusiast along the way, too!
Amid all of this impending change, I would like to thank our graduating Editorial Board members. Bridgette and Giselle, thank you for believing in me when I was a mere culture editor writing about bad sitcoms. Sneha, I would not be the editor I am today without your sharp editorial eye. I will dearly miss commiserating over wordy articles and editing timelines. Isabel, your talent and devotion have transformed The Morningside Post forever. I’m still figuring out how we’ll ever get a print issue done without you. Thank you all for your hard work, incredible creativity, and wonderful friendship.
From our editorial desk to your carry-on, happy graduation, and have a wonderful hot grad summer!
— Irmak Ersöz, Editor-in-Chief
Campus News
opinion
POLITICS
CULTURE
COMEDY
Professorial Grad Advice
As many Seeples prepare to step into adult life, here are some nuggets of wisdom, humor, and love from SIPA faculty.
You are going to be okay. I have watched students graduate for ~20 years, and I promise you will find your way. SIPA grads always do. Always. But first, you need to have a plan (and write it down). Then stay open, because the best things that happened to most people I know were not in their plan. Work hard. Be a great colleague and friend. Show up for people—including yourself. And no matter what, be clear—don't make people guess. Clarity is kindness. If the answer is no, say it (honestly, no one cares as much as you think!) Lastly, you don't have to have it figured out. None of us do! – Sarah Holloway
First, many of you will face a time, perhaps soon, when you will have to choose between your conscience and what is best for your career. I cannot tell you what to do in those situations, but consider them carefully. The second is that while professional accomplishment is important to many of us, it is also a false idol. Do not worship it. Rather, understand that it is only one of several things that make for a good life. – Lincoln Mitchell
As your certainty grows, practice moral humility. – Stephen Friedman
Keep your eyes open. Never lose sight of your individual goals. Don't let people ever tell you what you can't do, and never give up on yourself. – Michael Nutter
On the job search:
Show up. It’s 90% of most jobs, including your job as a student (though may be a little late!).
It’s less difficult than it seems, at least the jobs themselves. Even if the search is hard, don’t make it harder than it needs to be.
Slow down. Do one thing at a time, and do it well.
Stay positive. Even when you disagree with people you need to interact with, focus on what you can say and do to improve the situation for everyone, rather than trying to be right or prove a point.
For the rest of your life: Stay curious. Don’t be afraid. Find your community and be of service. Reflect. Change what needs to be changed. Be good to yourself. – Emanuele Gerratana
Think early and often about "what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life" (Mary Oliver). Be conscious about how you add value, kind and easy to work with and attentive to detail, equally in your personal and professional life. Keep your eye on the mid to long term as well as the short-term. Many congratulations on becoming a graduate! – Deborah McLean
Before you leave New York: Go and visit some of the places you've been too busy to see! Smaller museums, independent cinemas, restaurants downtown and quieter parts of Central Park. After you leave SIPA: Stay in touch, send news, come back to visit and please send job postings and tips when you have them. – Anya Schiffrin
Now the real adventure begins. Explore broadly, live fully and never doubt your ability to make life better for yourself and those around you. – Teemu Alexander Puutio
i wish somebody told me that searching for a job after SIPA wasn’t just about the work, the money, or the professional doors it might open. it’s also about community. what kind of people do you want to be around? who do you want to call your colleagues and peers? you don’t have to hang out with your coworkers, but you are still opting into a community. the more aligned you are with your coworkers—in terms of values, vibes, and the things you care about—the more ease you will find in their company. find community. do nice things for them, for yourself, and the world around you. – Harold Stolper
We’re always looking for new voices and perspectives. If you have a pitch or article idea, we’d love to hear from you here!
A graduating student’s reflection on finding attachment, critique, and belonging in a place that doesn’t always get it right.