Brandeis Stories

By Steve Foskett and Judy Jaeger
Photography by Gaelen Morse
May 11, 2026

The Brandeis Class of 2026 defined itself by following passions, exploring opportunities and building communities.

As they reflect on their journeys, these four students share how they made their time at Brandeis their own, through interdisciplinary scholarship, access to research, extracurricular involvement and practical experience. Their stories are both individual and universal. Either way, they’re ready for what’s next.

Aaron Rosendorf

“Don’t be afraid to try something completely new, because it might become your calling and open doors you never expected.”

Aaron Rosendorf ’26 came to Brandeis for learning — and for doing. Over the last four years, he has lived the Brandeis ideal of “one foot in the classroom and one foot in the street.”

“The ability to take what is learned in the classroom and implement it in real-world experiences that benefit the community was so refreshing,” said Rosendorf, who studied politics, international and global studies and French and Francophone studies. “Learning by experience is just as important as learning in the classroom.”

As part of the Forced Migration Clinic course, taught by Douglas Smith, Rosendorf worked at The Right to Immigration Institute. After attaining a Brandeis fellowship and work study, he continued working at TRII, helping asylum seekers navigate complex immigration law. Writing, research and French language skills — all were implemented in this hands-on learning experience, he says.

“At TRII, I have been able to directly serve French-speaking clients because of the language skills I developed during my time at Brandeis,” says Rosendorf, a French major who took his first French class at Brandeis.

The experience at TRII helped Rosendorf land his first job as an immigration paralegal, “relying on the expertise I gained from in-class and real-world learning.”

Reflecting on his Brandeis years, Rosendorf has taken hands-on learning to heart.

“Take advantage of opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world experience,” Rosendorf said. “Those hands-on moments will often shape your growth far more than lectures alone. Don’t be afraid to try something completely new, because it might become your calling and open doors you never expected.”

Hedy Yang

“Keep showing up for the things that you care about and finding ways to build communities around them.”

Hedy Yang ’26 chose Brandeis for its academic rigor and the opportunity to pursue a variety of extracurricular, employment and volunteer activities.

“I think this reflects Brandeis’ recognition that intense academic engagement cannot necessarily exist in a silo,” Yang said. “We must find ways to take the knowledge we’ve created and use that to make the world a little brighter and find balance in our lives.”

To that end, the economics and environmental studies double major and journalism minor has served as an undergraduate departmental representative for the Environmental Studies Program, a confidential peer educator at the Prevention, Advocacy and Resource Center and orientation leader. She captained the women’s ultimate frisbee team, wrote for The Justice student newspaper and more. Yang also conducted research with her professors and served as a teaching assistant.

“I don’t think there are many other schools where I would have been able to pursue a double major and minor in three somewhat disparate fields of study and build tight-knit communities with professors and peers in all three disciplines,” she said.

What stood out to Yang about her time at Brandeis is the passion students and faculty bring to everything they do at Brandeis — whether it be a senior thesis, varsity athletics, volunteering or performing arts.

Yang’s advice for her classmates: “Keep showing up for the things that you care about and finding ways to build communities around them.”

Michael Terrenzi

“Be as curious as possible and ask for anything you can!”

Michael Terrenzi ’26 reflected that when they were 18 years old and decided to come to Brandeis, they were looking for a strong liberal arts education that would allow them to explore possibilities.

The art history and French double major said they quickly learned first-hand that it only takes a single act of kindness to change the course of someone’s life.

“Whether it was my professor’s patience, a response to a cold email, or the countless recommendation letters others have written for me, these singular kind acts have changed my life for the better,” Terrenzi said.

A long list of professors and staff had a long-lasting impact on Terrenzi: Aida Wong, Catherine Theobald, Jonathan Unglaub, Sophia Niehaus, Christopher Frost, Alexandra Ratzlaff, Meredith Monaghan, Elizabeth Rotolo, Ari Kramer, Gannit Ankori, Yasmine Vera, Rebecca Strauss and Katie Dunn.

Their advice for future graduates: “Be as curious as possible and ask for anything you can! Explore the depths of Goldfarb and Farber, ask your friends about their homework, be interested in the school's history. Talk to as many people as you can!”

Xiao Lin

“Stay curious and remain open to exploring beyond what feels familiar.”

At Brandeis, Xiao Lin ’26 found the fit she had been looking for: a liberal arts environment in a close-knit community that would allow her to explore different disciplines, learn in small classes and build meaningful relationships with faculty.

“Brandeis felt like the kind of school where I could grow academically while also discovering new interests beyond my major,” she said.

The applied mathematics and economics double major said Brandeis taught her the value of intellectual curiosity.

“Stepping outside my primary fields of economics and mathematics to study philosophy gave me a new way of thinking that deepened my understanding of my own disciplines, and taught me the importance of exploring the unfamiliar,” Lin said.

She said conversations with professors and mentors through the Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Office opened the door to meaningful research opportunities, and credited several professors, including Jingyi Huang, Raphael Scheonle and Benjamin Shiller for sparking passion and offering support, guidance and advice.

Reflecting on her time at Brandeis, she offered this advice to her classmates.

“Stay curious and remain open to exploring beyond what feels familiar,” Lin said. “Some of the most valuable insights come from unexpected places, and stepping outside your main field can deepen your understanding in ways you may not anticipate.”