Dear readers,
Happy Miscellany Monday! It is time to meet your editors. This year, these three women will be sharing what’s on their mind, whether it be literature and art, discussion-based classes during the COVID-19 era, or seeing Laird transform. Read on for a brief Q&A!
AMANDA MOSBORG (’21)
1. Why did you choose to be an English major?
I was very torn between Geology and English. After several terms of STEM classes, I realized I was doing it more out a desire to say I was a science major than out of a passion for the method and material itself. So I switched to English, where I found a new confidence in small discussion, writing under time pressure, and humanities research.
2. Favorite book you’ve read in high school or college?
Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser or The Marvelous Equations of the Dread by Marcia Douglas
3. Favorite word
Papoose
4. Favorite children’s book
Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White or Snipp Snapp Snurr and the Red Shoes by Maj Lindman
5. If you could only do one: writing or reading?
I would write!
GRAY HARRISON (’21)
1. Why did you choose to be an English major?
I was really back and forth between American Studies and English for so long, because I am interested in the way literature intersects with other art forms and aspects of culture. But ultimately I decided that the thing I love most in my classes is finding meaning in stories and characters, so I went with English! I also loved the professors, fellow English majors, and the welcoming environment of the department.
2. Favorite book you’ve read in high school or college?
Arcadia by Tom Stoppard or Cane by Jean Toomer.
3. Favorite word
I love the word debonair.
4. Favorite children’s book
It’s hard to pick just one, but I love all of the books Kate DiCamillo ever wrote.
5. If you could only do one: writing or reading?
I would read!
LENA STEIN (’21)
1. Why did you choose to be an English major?
I’ve always felt that reading has taught me the most about looking at the world.
2. Favorite book you’ve read in high school or college?
A toss-up between Frankenstein by Marry Shelley and M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang.
3. Favorite word
Antsy
4. Favorite children’s book
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
5. If you could only do one: writing or reading?
I can’t lie, I would probably read!