If you were to describe a Kenyon student in five words, what words would you use? What are you listening to as you walk on Middle Path? What is the hottest major at Kenyon? What is one thing your friends from home don’t understand about Kenyon? These are some of the eclectic and thought-provoking questions posed to unsuspecting students on campus by Molly Hunt ’27 and Maud Karambis ’27, the founders of Kenyon on the Street. The Instagram account, which was established in February, was created by Hunt and Karambis as a platform where they can share short interviews done with students on Middle Path. The account quickly gained the affection of the student body. In an interview with the Collegian, the duo discussed their rise to fame.    

Hunt and Karambis only became good friends this semester, growing close through mutuals. In the beginning of their friendship, they bonded over their shared desire to break out of their usual routines and try new, spontaneous activities — what they call “side quests.” On their list of potential side quests was starting an Instagram account where they would ask friends random questions on Middle Path. This was inspired by comedian Billy Eichner’s game show, Billy on the Street, and various videos that have recently gained popularity on TikTok of students being randomly interviewed on college campuses. 

Karambis and Hunt had no real expectations for their account. They imagined it would be a fun pastime to entertain their friends, but likely not amount to much more. Their first interview with Leo Kaufman ’27, a member of Alpha Delta Phi, was planned beforehand. What they did not foresee was the Kenyon AD Instagram account reposting their video, which resulted in a wave of new followers. Noticing the positive response to the video, Karambis and Hunt decided to continue posting. Their questions range from asking students to explain their “fits” to asking them to explain their Kenyon “hot take.” 

According to Karambis, walking on Middle Path can often feel like walking a runway — she calls it the “Walk of Fame.” “I guarantee everyone at one point thinks, ‘I bet everyone thinks I look so cool,’” she shared. Kenyon on the Street brings this feeling into existence: “Let’s give you your moment,” Karambis exclaimed. 

Karambis and Hunt estimate that around 60 percent of students agree to do an interview, while the remaining 40 percent politely decline. Earlier in the semester, when the account was still being established, students were more likely to decline, confused by the bizarre interaction. Now, Hunt and Karambis are often met with excitement when they approach students. “We’ve actually been approached, and they’ll be like, ‘Are you Kenyon on the Street? Can I do an interview?’ which is really funny,” Hunt said. 

Other than their interview with Kaufman, all interviews have been completely random. The duo’s routine is simple: They go outside on Middle Path, choose a student who is walking their way and ask them one of the questions they have prepared on their Notes app. If an interviewee doesn’t like the question or their answer, they are able to redo the interview with a new question. However, they are not allowed to hear the question before the camera is turned on. “That’s our journalistic integrity,” Hunt said. 

Hunt and Karambis make an effort to choose interviewees who represent different aspects of the larger Kenyon student body. Thus far, male athletes have been the most difficult demographic to cover because they have been most likely to refuse an interview. “We’ve asked them, they just say no,” Karambis explained. 

Kenyon on the Street now has nearly 600 followers on Instagram, making Karambis and Hunt campus celebrities. “I’ve gotten people come up to me and be like ‘oh, you’re Kenyon on the Street,’” Hunt shared. “I’ve never talked to them before, and it feels weird being perceived by other people”. 

Karambis and Hunt are pleased with the positive impact the account has made on the community. “I think it’s really nice to see that, when certain people are posted, their friends comment,” Karambis noted. “I want people to think that their friends are funny and cute. … Everyone kind of has their moment.” Hunt agreed, adding that the account is a reminder that Kenyon can sometimes feel like “one big friend group.”