Welcome to Fast Five: Rapid-fire, insightful interviews with GS students and alumni!
The sense of freedom that the Dual BA Program provides students is exhilarating, excitingly daunting, and a catalyst for growth. That was certainly Evan Rork ‘23GS’s experience!
Now an alumnus, Rork worked as an administrative legal assistant at a New York law firm and is looking forward to pursuing further legal studies, potentially in Ireland! In the meantime, he has stayed active in the GS alumni community, currently serving as co-chair of the GS Alumni Association (GSAA)’s Outreach and Communications Committee. Rork shares some standout moments from his Dual BA experience, plus the rewards of being part of an international GS community that lasts long past graduation.
What is your GS story in one sentence?
I had given up applying to colleges after getting into my top choice early, but then I found the Trinity-Columbia Dual BA Program!
What was it like being a part of the Dual BA program and having to navigate college in two different countries?
It was exciting, having never been to Ireland. I think compared to many of my more ‘traditional’ friends with meal plans and dorms, the Dual BA gave me a greater, sometimes daunting, sense of freedom and independence right from the get-go. By the time I came to New York, figuring out college seemed easy.
How do you continue to stay involved with Columbia after graduating?
I'm currently serving as one of the co-chairs of the GSAA’s Outreach and Communications Committee. A real highlight of my involvement has been hosting a panel of recent Dual BA alumni for current students the past two years.
What advice would you give to new students starting the Dual BA Program?
Take advantage of being a student at both schools! I think it's too easy to think of yourself as a Trinity student when you're at Trinity, and a Columbia student at Columbia. But you have access to so much from Columbia when you are in Ireland—like the Center for Career Education and library services—and the same is true when you're in New York with access to things at Trinity. That's something really unique and powerful about the International Dual Degree Programs.
What is a favorite memory or lesson from your time at GS?
I hosted a JTS and International Dual Degree trivia tournament one year. I loved getting to meet so many students from the other programs and we had an awesome turnout. I still have the little trophy stashed away somewhere in my house!
