# @reedadmission on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Crl-s0Jv6NV
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33609114-reedadmission-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3391871820.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-04-28T20:35:12.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Reed College Office of Admission (@reedadmission) — https://gondola.cc/reedadmission

## Caption

Today is the last day for seniors to turn in their theses, which means it’s the perfect day for another Senior Spotlight!

Benjy (he/they) is a sociology major from Oak Park, Illinois. His thesis delves into the social implications of coffee shops (because there are so many in Portland!). Specifically, he is looking at unique coffee shops that are creating community connections in their neighborhoods. Cafes have been an important place for social gatherings for centuries: from the conversations in 18th century Parisian coffeehouses that resulted in modern concepts of democracy, republicanism, and revolution, to coffee shops in the 60s and 70s that served as critical spaces for the anti-war movement. However, many of today’s cafes are incredibly different from their predecessors, often serving solely as a place for people to work on their laptops or grab a $5 latte to go. 

In the modern American context of weak public engagement and communities falling apart, cafes that specifically try to create connections are important places for understanding people’s attempts to weave community. Benjy’s thesis adviser is Professor of Sociology Alex Hrycak, an esteemed scholar whose work focuses on gender, culture, and Ukraine. She recently gave a speech at the European Parliament on women's issues in Ukraine. 

You’ll be most likely to find Benjy at the Paradox—Reed’s student-run coffee shop—unless they're painting in the art building or rehearsing for a theatre production. If he’s not doing class work, Benjy is probably taking advantage of the Reed alumni network and getting to know the many alumni who are working as urban planners around the world. They love becoming friends with their professors, as well, and often take many office hour slots to chat about recent readings or discussions from class. Benjy also adores taking a good nap on the Great Lawn or admiring the moss in the Reed canyon.

#reedcollege #lovereed

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 180
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 5

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Reed College Office of Admission | @reedadmission | https://gondola.cc/reedadmission | University |
| moshea.mo | @moshea.mo | https://gondola.cc/moshea.mo | Photographer |

## Tags

reedcollege, lovereed

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