Faculty Shout-out by Ellen McCallum
I feel immensely fortunate to have had Paige in three film classes: so willing to deliberate the questions our texts and films present, such a lucid and insightful thinker, Paige’s insights so often bring the whole class discussion up to a next level. Paige’s writing was consistently eloquent, nuanced, even meticulous in its consideration of the texts and the questions she was grappling with. She fostered fruitful collaborations with her colleagues and was consistently mentioned by her peers as helpful to their learning.
How would you describe your time as an English or Film Studies major at MSU?
Being a Film Studies major has been both fun and very challenging. Because this major is focused on theory, analysis, and writing, I have had to really zero in on improving my writing skills, which has been very good for me. I was also able to make some good friends within the major because we would often have multiple classes together. I have also watched a lot of really wonderful, interesting films for Film Studies classes which I may not have seen (or been able to see) otherwise.
Which classes, instructors, or experiences particularly stand out for you and why? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?
Professor Ellen McCallum and her courses on film theory stand out to me as my favorite professor and courses, respectively. I really solidified my skills of reading, writing, and analysis throughout the duration of these courses and wrote some of the best work of my college career. I feel as though the skills honed through these courses will be extremely beneficial for both personal and professional use. Professor McCallum has also offered me helpful guidance academically and professionally.
What advice would you give future English or Film Studies majors, based on your experiences in the department?
Manage your time as efficiently as possible and try to get things started/completed as early as possible. Long readings and essay/paper deadlines will start to pile up pretty fast otherwise.
What are your hopes and aspirations, post-graduation?
I still have a lot to figure out after I graduate, but my hope career-wise is to utilize the writing and analysis skills I have developed in college in order to benefit me professionally. I also hope to find a job that enables me to move somewhere new and exciting.