You’ve got to be okay with the fact that most of the time there isn’t going to be a “right” answer. In literature, things are open to interpretation and you’ll always disagree with somebody. Don’t be afraid to defend and support your ideas, but be able to listen to all sides of the argument. Be flexible—sometimes being able to change your mind is just as important as having an opinion in the first place. Also, be as curious as you possibly can. If you don’t know what a word means, look it up. If a piece of literature bothers you or intrigues you, think about why that is. Just like the rest of your college experience, you’ll get out of it what you put into it.
Hometown:Doylestown, Ohio
Major:English: Literature
Stephanie Monsanty '11
Why did you choose to pursue your degree?
I chose to pursue a degree in English: literature because I’ve always loved to read, and I knew that the written word had to be part of my life. People always talk about the different worlds you discover in literature, but I would argue that I’ve discovered just as much about myself from reading. When you read something that truly resonates with you, it forces you to turn inward and examine why—and for me, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of being an English major.
What types of jobs are available for students who share your major?
Literature majors go into a variety of different jobs, often in places you wouldn’t expect. Some become teachers, writers, editors, or publishers. Others work in public relations, advertising, journalism, and broadcasting. Some go on to law school and become lawyers. Literature majors can be anything from actors to librarians to politicians. You’ll find them in any field that requires good communication skills and an understanding of language.
How will you use your degree upon graduation?
After graduation, I’d love to work in the publishing industry. I’m currently a tutor at the Writing Center and I enjoy helping people with their writing, so I’d like to do some type of editorial work. I also plan on going to graduate school at some point, and maybe teaching at the college level in the future.
What activities are you involved in?
I’m part of several English-related organizations like the Sigma Tau Delta honor society, the Calliope, and I’m president of the newly-formed English Society. I’m also involved in FLOCK, and this past school year I was part of Sophomore Service Honorary and the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, and I served on the Subcommittee for Advanced Placement and Honors.
What elements should a person possess in order to succeed in your major?
A Literature major should have a love of reading combined with strong writing and communication skills. Being able to express observations and ideas about literature is just as important as reading critically. A good understanding of the writing process also leads to a better grasp of a piece of literature, so it helps to be a writer as well as a reader. It’s also beneficial to be interested in other subjects; English has a lot in common with other fields like history, philosophy, and psychology, so the liberal arts education at Mount Union provides a great foundation for a major in English: literature.
