The Yale Alumni Association caught up with Lorelai "Rory" Leigh Gilmore ’07 to discuss her favorite memories of campus, how her alumni experience still shapes her today, and her advice for fellow Yalies.
Why Yale?
I chose Yale because it has one of the best English departments in the country and I was drawn to the opportunity to study under some of the most renowned writers, literary scholars, and journalists. In addition to a well-rounded liberal arts education, there are so many resources and opportunities available for students interested in journalism such as the Yale Daily News, the oldest college daily newspaper in America. I was impressed by the diverse student body and the many extracurricular activities that Yale had to offer. I knew that I would be challenged academically, but also have the chance to explore my interests outside of the classroom.
What's your favorite memory from your time at Yale?
There are so many great memories from my time at Yale, but one that stands out was attending the Yale-Harvard football game with my mother and grandparents. The camaraderie among the Yale community was palpable and the tailgate before kickoff was a memorable experience, too. Plus, we won that year so the celebration afterward was especially sweet! We now have a tradition of attending The Game together every home game, and the energy and excitement of the rivalry is truly something special.
What advice do you have for fellow Yalies?
My advice to fellow Yalies would be to take advantage of all the opportunities that Yale has to offer. Whether it's joining a club or organization that aligns with your interests, attending a lecture or workshop, or getting involved with the student newspaper like I did at the YDN, there is so much to discover at Yale. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. The experiences you have outside of the classroom can be just as valuable as what you learn in your coursework. And of course, always prioritize your studies and take advantage of the world-class education that Yale provides. The combination of academic rigor and extracurricular engagement is what makes the Yale experience truly unique and special.
How does your Yale experience continue to shape your life?
As a proud alumna, my experience at the university continues to shape my life in many ways. The rigorous coursework and exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas challenged me to think critically and creatively, skills that still serve me well. In addition, my time at Yale also instilled in me a sense of humor and, if you're still reading this, HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY from the Yale Alumni Association!
Rory Gilmore is a fictional character from the television show Gilmore Girls, which aired from 2000-2007 on The WB. Gilmore's character is well known for attending Yale for part of the series. Student blogs from Yale Admissions have explored What Rory Gilmore Got Wrong and The Yale Daily News: Gilmore Girls vs. Re(Yale)ity.
But, our Getting to Know You alumni Q&A features are no joke! In this series, alumni share who they are, their most meaningful Yale memories, and what inspires them. Share your responses with the YAA and they might be featured in an upcoming edition. Check out our recent interviews with Lulu Wong ’90 and Brandon Sherrod ’16.
