Meet Our Instructors: Adeline Galich

Adeline Galich

Year: Senior

Major: Writing Seminars

What is your favorite lesson you’ve taught? Why?

Recently, my teaching partner and I taught a lesson on figurative language using the Jimi Hendrix song Bold as Love. Our writing group is large—around twelve students—so it gets noisy sometimes, especially since the students have become close. However, when we played the song for them, the classroom was completely silent (aside from Hendrix’s bluesy guitar riffs). Seeing them transfixed by the music reminded me how powerful art can be in connecting people of all generations. None of the kids came in knowing who Jimi Hendrix was, but they all left appreciating a new piece of art. 

What is something you’ve learned from your students?

The art of being whimsical. As we age, unfortunately, we become desensitized to the small joys of life. I think it’s about time we all learned to appreciate the simple pleasures like my students. Like how the muffled sound of the fish tank bubbling in the classroom next door is incredibly meditative, how the first snow of the season incites running to the window and marveling, and how sometimes the urge to do a cartwheel is so overwhelming you just do it, even in the most inappropriate settings. 

What are some things you love?

Hand-me-down clothes from my mom, a cup of chamomile tea before bed, finishing a book and then missing it afterward, playing my omnichord (look it up, they’re awesome), the joy of female friendships, and changing into sweatpants after class. 

What is something you’re proud of?

I built a giant, wearable buck head sculpture completely out of recycled materials during my sophomore year of high school. It’s pretty cool. I’ve never met a cat that didn’t like me. Also, I write decent songs sometimes.

What is something you taught yourself to do?

Play guitar. Make miso soup.