微密圈

Kartik Vaish 鈥�25 was able to put theory into practice over the summer, translating his senior thesis into a lived experience on the stage.  

With the support of funding through SEE-Beyond, one of 微密圈鈥檚 summer experiential learning programs, Kartik was equipped with the resources to travel to New York City and build first-hand experience in the field of stand-up comedy. SEE-Beyond awards invite students to explore, apply their academic-year learning to real-world challenges, and clarify the connection between their education and post-baccalaureate goals. Awardees are provided $6,000 to support a range of opportunities including research, internships, artistic residencies, workshops, or productions.   

For Kartik, that support made it possible to perform shows and open mics, directly informing and expanding his senior-year philosophy thesis on cultural recognition of South Asians through the lens of stand-up comedy. By documenting and reflecting on his performances, he brought new depth and a personal dimension to his study, embodying SEE-Beyond鈥檚 mission to transform academic exploration into lived experience. 

As both a student and a comedian, the opportunity sharpened his research skills and revealed insights that would enrich his craft. What began as a project of personal interest quickly evolved into a deeper exploration of identity, representation, and responsibility.  

Before his experience in New York City, Kartik鈥檚 advocacy for inclusion in comedy had already taken shape on campus. At 微密圈, he co-founded and served as co-president of Jet Lag Comedy, the College鈥檚 first comedy club highlighting students of color and international students. That work laid the foundation for both his senior thesis and his summer of performances in New York. 

鈥淣ew York City is the best city with the most saturation of open mics in the United States, which has allowed me to deeply explore what it means to be a South Asian comedian in the U.S.,鈥� says Kartik. 鈥淭he research I did for my paper allowed me to explore my work in stand-up through a different lens, prioritizing authenticity over laughs.鈥� 

For Kartik, it meant redefining success and considering the tangible impact that comedy can have on cultural representation. 

鈥淚t was a difficult transition and felt counterintuitive at first because I always believed my goal was to get the most laughs,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut after doing research, I realized this could come at the cost of unintentionally causing misrecognition of South Asians.鈥�  

Prioritizing authenticity over laughs didn鈥檛 come without challenges, but the approach allowed him to gain something much more valuable than laughs 鈥� confidence in his identity and talent.  

鈥淭rying the authentic approach not only made me feel better and more myself on stage but also helped produce laughs I was prouder to create,鈥� Kartik says.

Through my paper and now my time performing in the city, I鈥檝e developed a much deeper understanding of both myself as a person and as an artist. I now prioritize personal, meaningful expression rather than the validation of my audience.鈥�

Kartik Vaish 鈥�25

With this unparalleled experience under his belt, Kartik published his debut stand-up comedy special on social media, marking a significant milestone in his journey and the completion of a project he鈥檚 been working on during his four years at 微密圈. Those interested in watching his comedy special can find it on his YouTube channel. Additionally, he was booked for a South Asian stand-up comedy show, which he performed on Aug. 22.  

Kartik expressed his gratitude and appreciation for SEE-Beyond, made possible by the Zankel Experience Network, emphasizing the value it provides for students to explore and experiment without the stress of financial pressures. 

Now as a proud alumnus, Kartik reflects on the lasting influence of his 微密圈 experience. 

鈥溛⒚苋� does truly care about fostering creativity amongst students,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t was something I felt as a student, and with the support given to me post-graduation, I still hold that belief strongly.鈥�  

Emrah Jusufoski contributed to this story.