What made you decide to pursue English as a major?
I chose English as my major because I was always a bookworm and I always loved writing. Growing up, the most influential people in my life were English teachers. It seemed like a no-brainer; I just wanted to read and write. I knew I’d love it. I figured why not learn how to make a career out of doing what I love?
Can you describe the learning experience here at Brockport?
My experience at Brockport was always a positive one. All of the professors I met have a genuine love and passion for what they do. This is especially true for the English department. Not only do the faculty exude passion for literature, they also are extremely passionate about teaching. They all taught with a certain excitement that was refreshing and inspiring.
Tell me about a faculty or staff member who has had a significant impact on you.
If I had to narrow it down to just one, I would say that Dr. Megan Obourn had the most significant impact on my learning experience at Brockport. I took more classes with her than any other professor. She always went to extreme lengths to make sure I understood the material and made herself available to discuss an assignment or even just to brainstorm ideas.
Not only were her course subjects incredibly intriguing, some of them were outright controversial. I was amazed at how she was able to address touchy subjects passionately without being biased or condescending toward different opinions. Her classes did more than teach me how to interpret text; they introduced me to a new way of interpreting the world. I am lucky to have had Dr. Obourn as a professor. The experience was as enlightening as it was educational.
What have you been up to since graduating? What are your future goals?
Since graduation, I’ve been doing administrative work in the Corporate Office at Saks Fifth Avenue. In addition, I interned for Pow Kids Books, a small publishing company in Brooklyn. I’m hoping in the future to delve further into the publishing industry. I hope to fuse my passions and make a career doing public relations for publishing companies. I am also looking to further my education and pursue a graduate degree in either publishing or public relations.
What are you reading right now?
Recently, I’ve been reading the Harry Potter series. I’ve always loved the movies, but I’d never read the books (I know, shame on me). I am currently on the fourth book in the series and I’m really enjoying it. They’re different from the movies, so it feels as if I’m reading new Harry Potter adventures. It is so much fun!