Junior | East Elmhurst, NY

Why did you decide to become an English major?

I always loved reading, books, writing, the smell of old books, etc. I always wanted a guide while I read classics like Robinson Crusoe, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and being an English major gave me that very opportunity as well as the chance to be exposed to other great authors and texts.

What classes have you most enjoyed, either in the department or outside?

I had a freshmen seminar with Prof. Elaine Freedgood and that was my first exposure to a class that pushed my love for reading and books to the next level. It was centered around author's notes and notebooks and it really changed my perspective on how I enjoy to be taught and how I want to share my ideas in a class. Coincidentally, I took my Major Texts course with her as well and it was challenging but the highlight of every week.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I'm reading a few books that I didn't get around to during the semester. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, Chelsea Girls by Eileen Myles, I wrote this for you pleasefindthis by Iain S. Thomas, and The Politics of Friendship by Derrida.

If you could create any class, what would it be?

I've always wanted to take a class on contemporary works by Latin/x writers. Because of the canon of most English courses it's difficult to be exposed to other more recent works by people like myself. 

Do you have any minors or another major? Does the work in your other discipline(s) inform the work in your English courses?

I'm also a psychology major and there are times when Freud comes up in both majors for me. The way that things are framed and the way language works is addressed in both English and psych, which is really interesting.  

Where do you hope your English degree will take you?

I hope it opens new doors for me whether it be through networking or finding new jobs, but also meeting new, interesting people and ideas that mold the way I look at the world everyday. Also, that it betters my writing.

What advice would you give to students considering majoring in English at NYU?

I started out as a neuroscience major on the premed track, but I wasn't doing it for me. It took me some time but eventually I found a place where I succeeded and was genuinely happy in and I took a leap of faith. So I say, if you really love something, do it. Things and life will eventually sort itself out. I think for now it's up to each one of us to find the thing that really fulfills us. Books really do change a person and the way the world looks to them. It's a wonderful experience and an amazing department. I wouldn't have done it any other way.