Hibah Husain (’08) was on campus in May to deliver the address at the Honors Convocation. Zoe Borden (’16) caught up with her after her visit for a quick q&a.
1) What are you up to right now? Both professionally and more holistically?
I’m living in an awesome neighborhood in DC and working as a Public Policy Analyst at Google. I’ve found an inspiring community of cool, good-hearted people in the city (including some Carls), and spend as much time as possible exploring DC’s green spaces and new watering holes. I also volunteer with Code for Progress, a new DC-based tech training program for people from marginalized communities who are interested in leveraging technology for social justice. Regardless of how busy and hectic things get, I try to spend quality time with Appledore Goopy Gyne, the most kind, friendly, and hilarious cat in the world.
2) How has your English major impacted your life? Both professionally and more holistically?
Deciding to major in English was the best thing I’ve ever done. The major gave me tools to analyze complex problems and articulate potential solutions, two skills that have empowered me enormously both personally and professionally.
3) What is one book you read as an English major that has really stuck with you and why?
I can’t answer this question– there were too many! The ones that have really stuck with me are pretty diverse (Tristram Shandy, The Dialogic Imagination, Mansfield Park, Dracula, etc.), but I think they all consciously foreground the connections between how we use our words and how we understand our lives.
4) What was your favorite class you took in the English department and why?
I enjoyed every single class, but two stand out as especially memorable. “Methods of Interpretation” with Susan changed the way I think about the relationship between the word and the world, and “Rise of the Novel” with Jessica gave me incredible insight into how this relationship has evolved over time.
5) Is there any piece of advice or tidbit of wisdom you learned from an English class professor that has stuck with you? If so will you share?
Do not read the Miller’s Tale out loud with your family. I’m not sure if George ever said that explicitly, but it’s definitely an important lesson.
6) What is one piece of advice you would offer current english majors?
Don’t sell yourself short. An English major from Carleton gives you skills that make you an asset on the job market, and as long as you’re confident about that, employers will recognize it!