Major: English
Hometown: Mount Sinai, NY

Q. What makes the College of Arts and Sciences at URI unique?
The College of Arts and Sciences at URI is especially unique because it provides a genuine experience in which students can be themselves. Further, it has gifted me the opportunity to maintain an open mind and has inspired me to become a lifelong learner. 

What accomplishments and/or activities at URI are you most proud of now?
I am most proud of my participation in the URI Service Corps spring break program, becoming Vice President of Community Service for my sorority, Kappa Delta, as well as earning the Provost Academic Excellence Award from the English Department. 

What research projects, internships, experiential learning, and/or study abroad programs did you participate in at URI? 
I was lucky enough to participate in URI’s honors program. This past year, I spent some time each semester developing my honors project in which I developed a mock syllabus for a potential 11th or 12th grade class entitled “Delving into the Forbidden: Banned and Challenged Book Syllabus.”

What do you value about your liberal arts education?
Via my liberal arts education, I have been able to work on my communication skills (in speaking, writing, and listening). This has helped to enhance my confidence as a leader and my empathy as an individual. 

What have been some highlights of your time in the English department? 
English has always been a passion of mine. From a young age, I have always found solace in reading and writing. In the nerdiest way, there is a sense of excitement I feel when I am able to piece together my words in just the right way or when I am especially invested in a story. In particular, I have really loved classes such as ENG 243H, ENG 304, ENG 333, ENG 383, and ENG 450G. As I hope to be an English teacher one day, I wish to share this passion with my students. 

What’s next for you?
As mentioned, I hope to be an educator. My certification is Secondary Education with a Middle School Extension. Thus, I am eligible to teach grades 5-12. I have enjoyed my experiences in the 8th and 10th grade classes the most so far. However, I truly would be lucky/excited to teach any grade!