Faculty Shout-out by Dr. Yomaira Figueroa: Raisa is a quiet force. In our English Capstone “Decolonial Love & the Diasporic Novel” Raisa brought much needed insight and excitement to the discussion and her writing each week was one of the things I most looked forward to reading. I know that Raisa will excel in anything to which she sets her mind and I am grateful to have been her professor in her senior year. Congratulations, Raisa, and continue to ‘create dangerously’!”
Faculty Shout-out by Dr. Jyotsna Singh: “I am so delighted to hear Raisa Morrison’s voice as she is a departing as a senior. I recall her as diligent, curious, and a hard worker. I am proud to be part of her journey! Good luck!”
How would you describe your time as an English or Film Studies major at MSU?
My time as an English major at MSU was really impactful. The people and experiences I’ve had along the way have helped positively shape me into the person I am today.
Which classes, instructors, or experiences particularly stand out for you and why? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?
I’ve really appreciated the smaller class sizes that CAL offers, particularly for required courses. My capstone course I took last semester with Professor Figueroa really helped strengthen my writing skills and knowledge about literature. Additionally, I took an English class early on in my studies with Professor Singh and she really challenged me as a writer and student overall. In the future, I will use both the lessons I’ve learned and challenges I’ve overcome to help me beyond my studies.
What advice would you give future English or Film Studies majors, based on your experiences in the department?
I would advise future majors to use everything CAL has to offer and engage with others in the major. The department has events, resources, and staff committed to helping students succeed which are underutilized (especially among underclassmen). Some of my closest friends and best experiences have resulted from my engagement with the department. I definitely recommend future majors to take a class, attend an event, or join a club that the department has to offer if it interests you!
What coursework-related projects were/are you working on this year, and what interests or excites you about them?
This year I completed a portfolio project as part of my capstone course that was very interesting because it allowed me to develop my work and showcase my growth as a writer. I’m also working on a final creativity quest project for a CAS/CAL course. The project is very exciting because it combines both my interest in Human Resources and passion for creative writing.
What are your hopes and aspirations, post-graduation?
Post graduation I aspire to receive my master’s in a specialized Human Resources program and enter the career field. Hopefully, I will continue to do the things that inspire me and foster the connections I’ve made at MSU.
Please reflect a bit on the strange experience of being a graduating senior during this moment of local and global crisis. What resources have been most useful to you in navigating this unprecedented situation?
Being a graduating senior during this time of global crisis has definitely challenged me and altered the plans I had for post-graduation. I’ve used this unprecedented experience to reflect on my personal situation and involvement with the world around me. Particularly, the sacrifices that individuals are making globally to contribute to everyone’s well-being. Connecting with others via social media, watching television, and journaling my daily experiences have helped me navigate through this time.