Aspiring English majors had the opportunity to attend a panel of current seniors in the subject. This event took place in Brothers College 120 last Monday, Oct. 20 from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Several professors who teach English related courses were also present to answer questions and promote some of their classes.
During the event, the panel of seniors answered a variety of questions from the interested underclassmen. These included discussing their capstone projects, different classes they took for their major that they enjoyed and how intense the coursework is.
One student who spoke of her experience as an English major with a focus in literature was Sophia Argenziana (‘26). She explained that she thinks English is such a great choice for students who are interested in English especially, but that English can also be relevant for any other major also.
“I recommend it because you can really use it for anything,” said Argenziana. “You are going to be doing a lot of writing in college and it is going to help you decide what you are really interested in; if you have that creative side or even if you have more analytical skills.”
Argenziana also made it a point to emphasize the wide range of opportunities that English majors have post graduation. During the panel the students and professors addressed the myth that English majors only have the option to become a teacher. They went on to explain that plenty of professions have a need for those with a background in English.
In addition to the students, the professors took turns introducing themselves and some of the courses that they teach in the English department that would be relevant to prospective English majors. They also took the opportunity to promote some other extracurricular activities that would be of interest to those interested in writing specifically. These included the student-run newspaper, The Acorn, and The Drew Review, a collection of essays from students around the school that is published at the end of the school year.
Professor Courtney Zoffness, who directs the creative writing program, was also present at this event. She spoke to the group about some of the courses that she teaches and commented on why she thinks taking English related classes is important.
“To be a maker of the thing you like to consume has a lot of value,” said Zoffness. “I think the creative writers who take poetry or creative nonfiction or fiction find ways to communicate and combine all of their interests in new ways, and discover elements about themselves that maybe they haven’t explored before. I think that’s the value of art.”
Delaney Smith is a first year who is double majoring in English literature and English creative writing and double minoring in history and law, justice, and society.
