In two to four sentences, describe your post-Biola work/life journey.

I started a Ph.D. program at Boston University the Fall after I graduated from Biola. Much of my time has been spent getting to know a new city, building friendships, and reading. So much reading.

What's your current occupation, and in what ways did getting a degree in English prepare you for your job?

I am currently finishing up the first year in my Ph.D. program—which was primarily coursework—and now I will begin teaching and thinking more specifically about what I want to study (gasp!).

As one may guess, getting a degree in English directly prepared me for a graduate program in literature. What may be helpful to know is that Biola really did prepare me well for the kind of study that I’m doing now. Most of my colleagues come from more prestigious schools, and many already have a Master’s degree. However, for the most part, I feel as competent and prepared as they are, and I owe much of that to Biola’s English program. It’s definitely not always easy, but I feel like it was a smooth transition to graduate study.

What was a favorite class or experience you had while a Biola English major?

While I loved many of my classes (and professors) at Biola, Dr. Wang’s History of the Novel class sticks in my mind as one of my favorites. Not only did I enjoy the reading material (I mean, we got to read Middlemarch and To the Lighthouse—what more could you want?), but I also learned so much about research methods and academic style. These are interests and skills that continue with me in my studies.

What about life after college was most surprising to you?

Honestly, I was surprised by how few people have a solid community after college. I was lucky enough to have close friends to do life with, even after moving across the country, but many people my age who I meet do not have that. This realization made me value my friendships that much more. It also made me want to discourage others from simply thinking “practically” about the future—what will be most prestigious, lucrative, etc.; it is also important to consider how one might best pursue community as well.

What advice would you give to a current Biolan majoring in English? Or what's something you did in college that later helped you professionally?

My answers to the respective questions may seem to conflict, but such is the fragility of work/life balance. Professionally, I would encourage students to take and pursue opportunities that might stretch them and give them unique experiences. While I was at Biola, I was able to work as a Writing Program TA, a Research Assistant to a professor, a Writing Center consultant, and a Paper Grader. Some of those opportunities I sought (It never hurts to ask!); others were presented to me. All of them were incredibly helpful in building up both my skill set and resume. While the ones I listed are all academic—and were therefore helpful in the career I’m pursuing—I would venture to say that the same could be said for many other fields. That being said, I would also encourage students to have a robust life outside of their studies and obligations. We study for a purpose—to glorify a worthy God—and will lose perspective and motivation if we do not have other commitments in life apart from school or work.

What are you reading?

What am I not reading? I’ll limit myself to ones I pick up occasionally for fun. I’m beginning a great biography on Hannah More by Karen Swallow Prior called Fierce Convictions and re-reading my favorite C.S. Lewis book, Surprised by Joy.