Colin Jost's Harvard Journey: From Econ to Comedy
Ever wondered how a comedy star got his start? Did you know that Colin Jost's Harvard experience wasn't quite what he expected?
In his memoir A Very Punchable Face, Colin Jost takes us on a journey through his college years. You'll discover how this future Saturday Night Live writer and performer went from studying economics to diving deep into Russian literature at Harvard.
Read on to learn about Colin Jost's Harvard adventure and how it shaped his path to comedy stardom.
From Economics to Russian Literature: Colin Jost's Harvard Journey
An Unexpected Academic Shift
When Colin Jost arrived at Harvard, he had his sights set on studying economics. But sometimes, life has a funny way of redirecting our paths. For the future Saturday Night Live star, Colin Jost's Harvard experience took an unexpected turn towards Russian literature, setting the stage for his comedic career.
You might be wondering, "How does someone go from crunching numbers to analyzing Dostoyevsky?" Well, it turns out that Jost's passion for grand European novels, which he developed during his high school years, never quite left him. This enduring interest eventually led him to shift his academic focus from economics to Russian literature.
Diving Deep Into Russian Works
Once Jost made the switch, he didn't just dip his toes in the water – he dove in headfirst. He immersed himself in the world of Russian literature, even mastering the Russian language along the way. Talk about commitment!
But Jost didn't stop there. He took on the challenge of writing an in-depth dissertation focusing on Vladimir Nabokov's early works, specifically The Eye and Despair. If you've ever read Nabokov, you know that's no small feat.
From Staten Island to Russia
Jost's academic journey took an even more exciting turn when he received financial assistance to travel to Russia. This wasn't just a sightseeing trip, though. Jost's mission was to translate texts that had never before been available in other languages.
Can you imagine going from speech therapy sessions in Staten Island to translating Russian literature in its homeland? It's a testament to Jost's remarkable personal and academic growth.
Overcoming Challenges
Of course, this journey wasn't without its hurdles. Jost had to reconcile his aptitude for math with his newfound passion for literature. He also had to reassess his professional aspirations after completing his studies.
But these challenges didn't deter him. Instead, they became part of the rich tapestry of his academic experience at Harvard.
The Lampoon: A Comedic Stepping Stone
While Jost's academic focus was on Russian literature, his time at Harvard wasn't all about serious study. He also found time to get involved with The Harvard Lampoon, a prestigious comedic publication that would play a crucial role in shaping his future career.
The Lampoon provided Jost with a community of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for comedy. It was here that he began to hone his distinctive comedic approach, participating in elaborate pranks and intense debates that sometimes lasted up to fourteen hours!
Jost's dedication to The Lampoon was so strong that he even missed his grandfather's funeral to ensure his work was ready for publication. Now that's commitment!
From Literature to Laughter
Looking back, it's clear that Jost's time at Harvard was about more than just academics. It was a period of personal growth, unexpected turns, and the beginning of his journey into the world of comedy.
His transition from studying economics to delving into Russian literature, coupled with his involvement in The Lampoon, laid the groundwork for his future career in comedy. It just goes to show that sometimes, the most unexpected academic choices can lead to the most rewarding career paths.
So the next time you're watching Jost on Saturday Night Live, remember: behind that comedic talent is a guy who once wrote a dissertation on Nabokov. Who knew Russian literature could be such great preparation for comedy?