Think beyond ...

Junior
Majors: English and Theatre Arts

Q. A double major, eh? Aren’t you ambitious!
A. My first year I was in constant turmoil over whether to major in English or theatre arts, until I decided to go for it and do both. I just followed my heart and did what I love—I couldn’t be happier. 

Q. Do you find the two disciplines intersect?
A. Yes! For instance, I was asked to serve as dramaturge for a play directed by a professor at Drew. I helped the designers and actors understand the script’s cultural and foreign-language references. I liked the experience so much that I’m actually taking a class in it this semester. Looking forward, I’m planning a career in the entertainment industry, probably in theatre and film producing and directing. The English program, which has helped me hone my critical and analytical writing skills, works perfectly for me—it’s all about the art of storytelling. 

Q. You’re well on your way to a career in entertainment, as a research assistant on a book about Israeli film, yes?
A. The English department chair recommended me for the job. I’m using Drew library resources to find reviews and academic analyses of a topic referenced in the introduction and conclusion of the book.

Q.  Dramaturge, research assistant—sounds like your professors know you.
A. They really understand who I am—my personality, my interests—and then give me that extra nudge to take my passion and skills one step farther. Drew professors really take the time to get to know their students inside and outside of the classroom.

Q. What about your courses? Tell me about a favorite.
A. My sophomore year English major survey, Read Your Eyes Out—a full-year course in every major literary period, from Beowulf right on through Toni Morrison. Not only did it give an extremely thorough education, but it was taught by eight different English professors, so you get eight different perspectives, styles and personalities. It’s a great intro to the English department.

Q. How about when you’re not involved in academic pursuits? What are you up to?
A. I’m executive editor of the campus newspaper and a tour guide—to name a few. My friends and I have movie nights—usually musicals and foreign films—and we like to explore campus. We also like to hop on the train to New York in search of discount Broadway tickets.

Q.  There’s a rumor you were recently in the Hall of Sciences. What’s an upperclass English and theatre arts major doing there?
A. I was visiting the observatory to see the lunar eclipse with a friend who studies astronomy. It was pretty spectacular. We saw the rings of Saturn through an enormous telescope!

Q. So, you’re friends with scientists too?
A. I don’t have just one group of buddies. They all have different interests, different majors, different backgrounds—and yet at Drew we all come together.

Q. Have any advice for students thinking about an English major?
A. In Drew’s English program, you get a broad understanding of both literature and the world, since good discussions in English classes always lead into discussions of history, philosophy, psychology, religion, gender and politics. An English major makes you a better critic, thinker, analyzer and learner, and that foundation can take you in any direction.