A Senior Send-Off—Highlights of the Biola English Journey

The 2024–2025 year is coming to a close—and so is the college chapter for our graduating English seniors. After an eventful four-year journey with the Biola English department, these seniors have learned and experienced so much, gaining knowledge and building memories in their various English classes, study groups, department events, and more.

Fig. 1. Janae (far right) with her group that presented on Marxist theory in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, 15 October 2023.

Chase Kelly, a literature emphasis, has had a wonderful time across all his English classes. “From reenacting Shakespeare with Dr. Kleist, to discussing mysteries in a literature class with Buck [Professor Buchanan], my time at Biola has been truly amazing,” he says.

For secondary education emphasis Janae Miller, she cherishes the many conversations the English major fostered across her classes, helping her work through difficult texts with her classmates.

“I have fond memories of a group presentation with three of my classmates for Dr. Williamson’s Critical Theory class. We spent hours trying to unpack an essay and create a captivating presentation, running on late night coffee runs and lots of laughter,” says Janae. “I also loved my creative writing classes with Professor Davidson—it was so fun to experiment [with] writing [alongside] like-minded students and receive and give feedback.”

Fig. 2. The English Guild Christmas Party, 2 December 2023.

Writing emphasis Kaitlyn Jones reminisces about the annual Christmas party that the English Department hosts every fall semester. One of her favorite memories is getting to host the party herself as the English Guild president.

“Everyone looks happy, and it is a great time to be in community with others [in] my major,” says Kaitlyn.

Fig. 3. Hannah (far left) with her Technical and Digital Communication class, taught by Dr. Kleist, 25 November 2024.

Meanwhile, Hannah Jensen, a writing emphasis, considers Dr. Kleist’s Monsters and Mayhem class as one of her favorites.

“It was always a mix of craziness and deep thoughts,” says Hannah, “but I especially remember the day he brought pool noodles to class and had us reenact the duel from Hamlet.”

Secondary education emphasis Madison Fukuda and writing emphasis Ben Bruyninckx have also greatly enjoyed Dr. Kleist’s classes. Their time in the Arthurian Legends class is one of their highlights.

“One day, Kleist had mountains of cardboard shipped to the soccer field,” says Madison. “In teams, we built giant cardboard castles, and afterwards, we launched cantaloupes at them.” And Ben adds, “The whole thing was an absolute joy.”

Fig. 4. Ben (far right) in a study group for a Grammar and Language class, 2025.

Fig. 5. Audrey (second left) and Ben (far right) stand in front of a cardboard fort with some classmates for Dr. Kleist’s King Arthur class, holding cantaloupes and the team’s mascot, Skog the bear, 12 November 2022.

For literature emphasis Zoie Jones, the care and knowledge of the English professors have truly been the highlight of her journey.

“They were so effective at teaching about their passions to unveil the wonders of language—whether it was medieval British poetry or how to craft a short story,” Zoie says. “They made unknown (sometimes intimidating) subjects approachable, which has fueled my enthusiasm for English.”

Writing emphasis Audrey Parker and literature emphasis Katelyn Ho also greatly treasure their time with professors and the English major community as a whole. “From office hours, exciting classes, wonderful moments, and meaningful prayers, they have truly shaped my collegiate experience into something so precious to me,” says Audrey. “I wish every one of them the best of futures—and promise to clog up their inboxes often! [Laughs.]” And for Katelyn, “The shared enthusiasm and genuine love for stories and words has been so formative in helping to cultivate in me a literary life that I hope will continue for a lifetime.”

Lily Hughes, a secondary education emphasis, finds her time with the English department transformative to her life.

“The English program at Biola has transformed my approach to reading, writing, and identifying God’s hand in every aspect of life,” says Lily. “The faculty have poured intention, love, and prayer into my personal development as I continue to pursue Christ. I couldn’t have imagined the expansive academic experience I would encounter alongside my wonderful peers during my time at Biola.”

Fig. 6. Audrey and Dr. Kleist during a jousting tournament that featured wrapping paper lances and gaming chairs repurposed into steeds for the King Arthur class, 11 November 2022.

The same applies to Bridget Waelty, a transfer student with an emphasis in writing, who treasures the Biola English department as a “hidden prize” in her journey.

”Even though these past few years have been challenging, they have been substantially outweighed by joy,” says Bridget. “I feel so blessed to have been a part of it, even if only for a brief two years. Although there is a great deal to acknowledge—such as Buck’s distinguished workshops, to rogue [Professor] Davidson quotes scattered within my notes app, or Storytimes with Grum Grum[1] that never last long enough—I most notably hail each class, each book, each conversation for pushing me to become a more honest woman in my confrontations of faith and language. I am so honored to have been a part of [the Biola English] legacy. … I’ll always remember this place with endearment.”

Fig. 7. Zoie (dark brown sweater) and her Mystery and Crime Literature class, taught by Professor Buchanan, 2023.

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[1] Storytimes with Grum Grum happen when Dr. Kleist pauses class to launch into a lecture on any random topic, whether it’s background context for a book, fun facts, personal stories, or anything else.