MA in English

Jillian Shank, 2025

Jillian Shank

What was your specific area of study and how did you choose it?  

I knew George Mason was a perfect fit for me when I discovered that they had an English concentration titled, "Teaching Writing and Literature." I wanted to get my MA in English, not Education, so that I would be qualified to teach Dual Enrollment English at my high school. This concentration was the perfect fit for me, as it provided me with the necessary content to teach English at the collegiate level, and also the professional development to improve as an educator. 

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

My time at George Mason helped me keep the momentum with continuing my education and reinforced my desire to be a lifelong learner. 

Which accomplishments during your time at George Mason are you most proud of?

The accomplishment I am most proud of is working with Debra Lattanzi Shutika to get my paper, currently titled "What Was More Clever: The Dad’s Joke or the Wife’s Decision to Laugh?" published. I hope to have it published in a journal this fall. 

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your George Mason career?

Debra Lattanzi Shutika made a difference in my George Mason career by believing that my final paper could be publishable, and meeting with me periodically to get it ready to send to folklore journals for consideration. This meant (means) a lot to me. 

Eric Anderson made a difference by supporting me unconditionally with any issue I have had (and I've had a few!), my entire time here at George Mason.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

I would tell them that it is worth it, and to enjoy using grad school as an excuse to get out of pretty much anything you want; I am going to miss that. 

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I have been working at my high school alma mater for the last five years and am eager to continue working here for the foreseeable future. Now that I have completed my masters, my next goal is to become Nationally Board Certified.