The English Students Association at UVA
Need Advice? Connect to a Peer Mentor!
We all know that college can be overwhelming. From deciding what to major in to which classes to take, sometimes you just need some advice from someone who has been there and done that. That’s what ESA’s peer mentors are for! Peer Mentors are upperclassmen from every concentration and program in the English Department, each of whom have a unique perspective on the major and what it can offer. So if you’re considering majoring English or just want to talk to someone about poetry, the peer mentors are ready and available to chill in the Alderman cafe with you, grab Bodos, or just sit on the lawn and get to know you!
Aaida Tesfa
General English, art2yw
Like many of my fellow majors, I have loved English and literature since I was a kid. Drawn in by the chance to enter a new world and to leave changed, I learned and grew from the experiences of people I've never met. Although I don't have a concentration, I've focused my studies on post-colonial and global literatures, hoping to find a space which represents my and many others like (and unlike) me's experiences.
Oliva August
Transfer Students, oda2qc
I am Olivia August, I’m the transfer peer advisor. I transferred from VCU which means I do have tattoos but also I love UVA which is a pretty great place to read books.
Being an english major is pretty dope because I like to think really hard and then pass out in a pile of books with my laptop on my face and/or my cat, which I only decided to get after becoming an english major.
I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go and I always look like I’m trying to remember something I forgot, but also I love Faulkner and talking about women from the bible and how they subverted all gender norms with their sexual prowess.
PLEASE come talk to me I am disgustingly friendly and the only thing that will be awkward is how much I seem to like you upon immediately making your acquaintance.
Andrew Michael
Modern Literature and Culture
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Emilie Mills
Modern Literature and Culture, elm5sb
I chose the Modern Literature and Culture concentration mainly because of the room it allows for interdisciplinary work; you can craft your own curriculum, in a way, while still getting all the benefits of the core English requirements. It becomes increasingly obvious how applicable the English major is to other disciplines.
Ruxandra Bageac
Global Literature and Culture
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Vanessa Braganza
Medival and Renaissance Literature
vmb4ah
Rachelle Husband
Comparative Literature, reh2xb
I am a 4th Year, Comparative Literature and Foreign Affairs double major. I chose literature because it has the capacity to break your heart, challenge your thinking and uplift your spirit with each sentence. I specifically chose the Comparative Literature major at UVA because it allowed me to take interdisciplinary courses in other departments, like Russian literature and German poetry courses. The major also challenged me to take literature courses in Spanish, which was incredibly rewarding to both my language and literature skills.
Gillian Lee
Poetry Writing Program, gcl4kd
Poetry! Word art! Form! Language! Beauty! Truth!
I write and read poetry all day and night as a grateful member of the Area Program in Poetry Writing, class of 2017.
I'm also an astronomy minor, probably. And I am a poetry mentor. Listen:
Life would be dreadful and boring if not for poetry.
Reading poetry will improve your life.
Send me an email, let's get bagels, let's trade fav poems, let's (snap)chat.
Tanner Pruitt
Poetry Program, trp3gy
I chose the Area Program in Poetry Writing within the English major to learn as much as possible about poetry and to improve my writing. After a few years, I also joined the Distinguished Majors Program to complement my creative writing with original academic research.
Cameron Vest
Prose Writing Program, cmv3vp
"English major, because when the machines take over, literature will be the last bastion of humanity. Literary Prose, because someone has to keep creating that literature."
Selina Horsley
English and the Curry School, smh6pd
I always knew that I wanted to be an English major, but later discovered that I would be the most fulfilled if I could teach English to middle or high schoolers! I love that my job will allow me to discuss literature with young adults at such formative points in their lives. The dual program also allows me to graduate with a degree in English as well as a Masters in Teaching in 5 years, which is pretty awesome.
Katy Greiner
English and the Curry School, mkg7as
I'm an English major because our introductory lecture series make me cry good, happy tears. Because I only have my one life, but through books and words, I can begin to understand the experiences of others -- and that empathy is one of the most transferable, valuable skills you can hope for in an increasingly connected age. Because our English department is one of the best of the country, and because English has made me a better person, a better friend, a better citizen, a better human.
I'm so lucky because on my journey to my dream profession, teaching, I get to study what I love. Curry has been the one of the culminating experiences of a lifelong goal, and I'd love to discuss the program with any prospective students!