BA in English

Emily Arnold, 2014

Emily Arnold

Within the English major, Emily has chosen a concentration in cultural studies. But she has gone beyond what's required by taking courses in linguistics and in technical/professional writing and creative writing. She shared her writing skills by taking a course in peer tutoring, tutoring other students in the Writing Center. 

She took a graduate course focused on proposal writing for federal contracts. About the course she says, "Though it is challenging and complicated work, proposal writers are in high demand, and the skills I am learning can be used in future work with a non-profit." For additional career preparation, she did an internship for credit at So to Speak, a Mason graduate student journal.

She receives high praise from the faculty. "[Emily] is not only an outstanding student, she is a natural collaborator and generously offers peer support to others," according to Debra Lattanzi Shutika, the Undergraduate Director. One of her instructors writes, "She is smart, thoughtful, and deeply interested in how language works."

She still has time to give back to the community. As a volunteer with Planned Parenthood, she's helped educate students on how to stay safe and healthy.

Emily has managed all this in spite of a debilitating car accident at the end of her first year. In recognition of her accomplishments, she was awarded the Dean's Challenge Scholarship for 2012-2013.