Role playing has become a way of life for Sarah Aswell.
“Grinnell has given me the chance to be a writer, an actress, a comedian, a director, a columnist, and an editor, and I’ll always be thankful for that,” she said. “Oh, and a student. I also attended classes from time to time.”
Throughout her college career Aswell has thrived on making people laugh and being creative through her weekly column in the S&B titled “Au Fait,” her participation in two improvisational companies on campus, her role as a Gum writer/editor and her position on the Titular Head committee.
“I can’t really pick my favorite activity, because, although they all have to do with creating things and with humor, they’re still really different,” she said. “Having a community to work with and share my ideas with has been mind-blowingly wonderful, and I pray that I can find that kind of support after I leave here.”
Through improv Aswell found a way to escape from the shyness that she feels when it comes to public speaking. Since there are no lines to remember she has everything she needs when she stands up and often she also has a friend up there with her to get her out of trouble. Comedy has been one of Aswell’s greatest joys and challenges at Grinnell.
“Humor is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve taken calculus. When you do it wrong, it’s horrible, and when you do it right, people say, “Oh. I guess that’s pretty funny,” she said. What’s funny? “Pirates, people falling down, and the truth.”
In addition to improv, Aswell also headed the Titular Head committee and describes Titular Head as “one of my favorite nights at Grinnell. It’s one of the few events were almost the whole campus is present, and rowdy,” she said. “I have a smile on my face all night, and I’m not even allowed to drink.”
As far as post-graduation is concerned, Aswell isn’t exactly sure what she’s planning to do or where she’s planning to go. “My plans for next year are up in the air. And by ‘up in the air’ I mean that I’ll probably be a hobo…I could be going almost anywhere at this point,” Aswell said, and then added, “I’ll probably be using I-80 on May 19.
—Leslie Boyadjian