Majors: English and Political Science

Why did you choose to study English?

I chose the English major because I’ve always loved books, ever since I was little. At college, I wanted to learn more about literature and how it affects the world. I believe it’s important to delve into the viewpoints of authors of the past and present to understand the world around us. Another reason I chose English is because it’s incredibly important to know how to write well and construct arguments in the world we live in today.

What do you feel makes Luther’s English major unique?

Luther’s English major is unique to me because it’s such a close-knit community. The discourse between students and faculty both in and out of the classroom shows just how much the faculty members care about the students and want to see them succeed. The English faculty are always available for a conversation about a class, a paper, or just to talk.

How would you describe Luther’s English faculty?

The English faculty are a brilliant, quirky bunch. It doesn’t matter what class I’m taking or which professor I have, I always look forward to going to an English class. They do a fantastic job of making material engaging and accessible, and have an incredible depth of knowledge in their field. I’ve been fortunate to work for the English department for my work study, and I’ve gotten to know many of the faculty members beyond the classroom. They’re some of the most inspiring people I know and are all-around kind and generous with a real passion for life, the English discipline, and Luther.

Has the program challenged you?

The most challenging part of the English program is engaging with texts that are far outside my own experience. From Chaucer to texts from colonial America, the English major has challenged me to broaden my worldview and get intimately acquainted with the human condition both past and present.  

What do you hope to do with your degree after graduation?

After I graduate with my English and political science degrees, I plan to go to law school. If that plan doesn’t work out, I would like to go into politics or political journalism.

What experiences at Luther have been most valuable so far?

As a football player, I would say that playing football has been one of my most important experiences at Luther. Some of the most valuable intellectual experiences have been from the lecture series events that I’ve attended, from the former president of Ireland, Mary McAleese, to the recent discussion between Robert George and Cornel West. There are also several moments in classes that I would list as my most valuable experiences.

Do you have inspiring stories of leadership or service to share?

The most inspiring service experiences I’ve been a part of in my time at Luther would have to be the event that the football team does every year called G2G, for Get Together. One day during camp, we go to Phelps Park and put on a great event for the mentally handicapped community in Decorah. It’s impossible to come back from that and not be inspired.

What do you like best about the campus life at Luther?

Campus life at Luther is vibrant and engaging. There are many opportunities such as the lecture series for students that are intellectually stimulating. There are constant music events throughout the year that are breathtaking, such as the performance of Handel’s Messiah. But the best part of campus life here at Luther is how most people like to stay for the weekends. People like to be here and it makes campus life that much better.

What’s one class that you would recommend all students take, regardless of major?

I think every student should take Shakespeare at some point in their career at Luther. Shakespeare is such an important contributor to the English language that a person would be doing a disservice to themselves if they did not dive into his works at some time in their lives. Not only that, but the questions and issues he looks at are universal and timeless, no matter what your chosen field of study is.