Shout-out by Professor Divya Victor:
“I’ve been lucky to have Rose in two of my classes, one of which was in Berkey in the Spring of 2023. What I first remember as I write this is Rose’s note to our class as she took shelter during the shooting lockdown. What I remember next is the relief of seeing her, safe with all of us gathered around my dining table. Her presence–like her poems that make of the flimsy gauze of nostalgia the most robust scaffolds and her nonfiction that immerses us into vivid, textured realities– assured others, made them feel that the present was uncertain, the past equally uncertain and that yet somehow, we’d bridge these bookending uncertainties. Rose’s presence in our writing classes exuded the same steadying calm, as if a gentle hand could sculpt a filament of light into a stable creation. In her support of her peers, she is steadfast, subtle, consistent. In her own work, she is fastidious, diligent, deliberate with eyes trained on a far horizon. And what they see — it is our privilege to witness it with her.”
How would you describe your time as an English or Film Studies major at MSU?
My time as an English major at MSU has been incredibly unique because the fluidity of the major has allowed me to enter several activities, whether that be jobs, clubs, or on campus events. The English degree, contrary to popular belief, has set me up with such a wide range of opportunities and nothing that is falling short. I found my love for creative writing when pursuing my concentration, and my passion for event planning while finishing up my cognate. Being a student here, at CAL, has shown me that I am good at not just reading and writing, but communicating and expressing myself. That I am good at something, even if that something has differed from my expectation when arriving at MSU. I only have good things to say about being an English major!
Which classes, instructors, or experiences particularly stand out for you and why? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?
The list is long, but a few classes I would recommend are ENG 229, ENG 223, ENG 429, ENG 483, WRA 480, and WRA 331. These classes, in order, are Introduction to Poetry, Introduction to Nonfiction, Advanced Poetry Writing, Seminar in Literary Editing and Publishing (working for the Red Cedar Review), Publication Management (working for The Current) and Writing for the public interest. This combination of classes has allowed me to fulfill requirements for my major and my cognate, while also providing me with a background on creative and professional writing. My true passion lies in poetry and nonfiction writing, but my career goals are different. Being able to pursue a genuine passion alongside a career goal (while getting work experience) was super key when finishing up my undergrad.
What advice would you give future English or Film Studies majors, based on your experiences in the department?
Take advantage of every advisor you have. This means academic advisors, career advisors, or even advising meetings with professors. There are so many things I felt that I did on my own that my advisors could have aided me in. But with that said, I also met with them multiple times a semester for a plethora of reasons. They are EXTREMELY helpful. I would also say to take advantage of the on campus events: panels, poetry readings, awards ceremonies, workshops, clubs. This is how I met people but also how I got involved with the things that made my college experience unique. CAL is full of opportunity!
What coursework-related projects were/are you working on this year, and what interests or excites you about them? (capstone courses, honors thesis, independent studies, etc.)
I have been involved in a few things this semester! I am about to finish up with WRA 480, Publication Management, and have been able to write a few pieces in the February/March, June/July, and August/September 2024 Issues. I covered topics like queer history at MSU, art initiatives in Lansing, and off campus housing in EL. My work with The Current has not only been great editing and writing experience, but also a great way to learn about the field I plan to go into. I have also been working for MSU’s Arts and Collections department, as a project planning intern for an Initiative that I helped create titled “Arts4U” I started this position in October of 2022, but was completing my work for AL493 during the fall semester. I have continued the position during this semester as well. In a wrap, I plan art and music related “pop-up” events in unique places on campus! often, these are musical performances at the dining halls, but I have also had the opportunity to plan open mic’s, art activities (crafts), and collaborations with MSU Student Made. Micro-performances or opportunities that occur on campus. In the past, we have collaborated with several buildings on campus such as the STEM building, many of our dining halls, the College of Nursing BOTT building, the Beal Gardens, and more. Lastly, I helped found, and started as the Events Coordinator for MSU’s Creative Writing Club. This position was tons of fun, and even challenging at times. I was so proud to be a part of a group of dedicated writers, and also was able to be apart of the committee of judges for the 2024 MSU Creative Writing Student Choice Award. Most of all, it was so insightful to see what my peers were reading and writing about.
What are your hopes and aspirations, post-graduation?
After I graduate, I plan to attend NYU’s Summer Publishing Institute (NYU SPI) with hopes of working anywhere in the publishing industry, but hopefully in production or publicity. I plan to combine my love of writing and reading with my love for organization and planning, and find a position that feels best for my needs. Outside of a job, I also plan to keep writing. MSU has boosted my love for my work, and I really want to find a good group of writers to keep fueling this love. Lastly, college was extremely fun but also very difficult. I want to rekindle my love for nature and reading! as in, reading for fun.