Shaan, Class of 2011
University School of Nashville | Tufts University, Summa Cum Laude | MFA from the NYU Journalism Institute in Literary Reportage
One thing Shaan loved about learning at Linden was that he could feel what he was learning. While learning about Noah’s ark, they walked the actual size of the ark—and used the variance in their paces to shape a lesson about standardized measurements. In 8th grade, he remembers their teacher, Kim Ross, saying administration would be taking a portion of their fundraising to pay for school items. The injustice of this "taxation" riled them up, just as they were learning about the American Revolution. This type of learning ignited a curiosity and creativity that shaped Shaan's academic interests, and helped him thrive. At the University School of Nashville he received the Outstanding Senior Award before heading to Tufts University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. At Tufts, Shaan created his own interdisciplinary major in Media Sociology and also majored in Spanish Literature. After graduating, Shaan worked at a media start-up for two years, before going on to receive his MFA from the NYU Journalism Institute in Literary Reportage.
Shaan currently lives in New York City, where he is a writer and researcher. He has supported research and production at several audio and TV institutions including Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Jigsaw Productions, WNYC’s On The Media, and Search Engine with PJ Vogt. Shaan is currently working on a book ahead of the 50th season of the show Survivor. Fellow alum Maya Goldfarb ‘13 is his editor at W. W. Norton. Shaan says that one of the things he is enjoying most about writing the book is using how he learned at Linden—telling stories that make you feel what you're reading. He says, “When you watch Survivor you have the music, scenery and camera work to make the show come alive.” He is loving the challenge of creating this same experience with his words.
Anyone who knew Shaan at Linden would say he was a foodie. He did his 8th grade project on chocolate and even established a Cheese Club at Linden. No surprise then that he made Trevor Noah’s favorite cheese board while interning at The Daily Show.
Shaan has many fond memories of Linden, including his acting roles. One of his favorites was in A Midsummer Night’s Dream where he portrayed Bottom. He remembers getting genuine laughs from teachers and parents, leading to the realization that how he says or puts something can affect people. This carried over to his comedy work in high school and college and now into his work as a writer and producer. Beyond the curiosity that was instilled in him, he says the well-roundedness of the Linden schedule still helps him shape his day as a freelancer. He tries to add singing, playing instruments, movement and other creative activities into his days to help balance his writing.
Shaan has had his writing featured in the New York Times, Conde Nast Travel, and Slate, among others. You can read more about him on his website.
