Olivia Thomakos is the ATL’s Graduate Student Spotlight for September 2025. Pursuing her 2nd year of PhD in English and Creative Writing, under the College of Arts and Sciences. Read her full interview below.
What course have you taught at URI?
This fall 2025 semester, I am teaching The Short Story. I taught two sections of this course in the spring, and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to a new semester!
Who is a teaching mentor, and what did you learn from them?
I have been teaching in different types of classrooms for the past 10 years, and in that time I have had many mentors. One common thread I have observed in them is their kindness and care. They all see potential in their students and are rooting for their success. That sort of positivity is infectious and leaves a lasting impression.
What do you hope students look back on in ten years and say about your classes?
I hope students remember that their voice and opinion matters. One thing I stress in my class is that each reader is bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the class and to the stories we discuss. It is important to listen and consider the opinions of others as well as share personal understanding. Through this sharing, we can reach a deeper understanding of a text and expand our critical thinking skills — myself included!
What is a time when an assignment/activity did not go as planned, and how did you make it a teachable moment? What did you learn about yourself?
Once when I was teaching 14 year olds in Spain, I had them play a game where they
could make a memory rule while counting to 21. For example, the number 3 becomes the word “apple.” The students would then have to count one-by-one: 1, 2, apple, 4, 5, etc. until 21. The rules compound until each number has a rule. My students decided to change every number to 7. For example: 7, 7, 7, 7, etc. twenty-one times. I learned that I tend to take things quite seriously, and it doesn’t hurt to keep some laughter and playfulness in the classroom.
How do you envision incorporating teaching into your future career?
I would love to work as an English and Creative Writing professor in the future. I am also passionate about teaching English as a second language. I hope both of these paths will have a place in my future.
How do you relax after a long day of teaching?
I like to have a phone-free dinner and watch a movie or show after with my friends. On weekends, I like to take long runs on the bike path near campus.
What is your favorite place to visit in Rhode Island? Why?
After one year of living here, I am still exploring this beautiful state. However, I never get sick of Narragansett Beach. It is one of the first places I went when I moved to Rhode Island, and when I go there now, I like to reflect on how much has changed and how much I have grown since that first visit.