Faculty Shout-out by Professor Steve Rachman:

“Adriana is a joy to have in class. In our pop culture course this term, she been so engaged, and her engagement is often infectious. Her openness and willingness to share and connect her own pop culture interests with the ideas in the readings has been truly eye-opening for me. She is part of a constellation of friends and fellow students in class that are delightful and reflect well on MSU and the good of this place where education and friendship can come together so harmoniously.”

How would you describe your time as an English or Film Studies major at MSU?

I am eternally grateful for my time at Michigan State University as I’ve had the opportunity to foster meaningful relationships and sharpen my critical thinking and analytical skills. As a student majoring in English Education, my passion for literature and teaching has also grown tremendously.

Which classes, instructors, or experiences particularly stand out for you and why? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?

As I reflect on my journey as an undergraduate, ENG 340 with Professor Rachman has significantly shaped my experience.. The course explores how popular culture influences our society and daily experiences. Professor Rachman demonstrates genuine care for his students, facilitates engaging discussions, and is willing to dissect diverse topics. His culturally relevant teaching approach is one I will adopt into my own classroom.

What advice would you give future English or Film Studies majors, based on your experiences in the department?

MSU offers an abundance of resources to its students. Future English majors, utilize the writing center, consult your advisors, and visit office hours. MSU faculty and staff are eager to assist you and ensure your success!

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.)

As an English Education major, I am currently crafting teaching portfolios and websites to showcase the progress I have achieved as an undergraduate student. My unit plans, lesson sketches, and assessments can all be implemented into my future classroom and I am extremely proud of this work.

What are your hopes and aspirations, post-graduation?

I am thrilled to share that following my graduation from MSU this spring, I have been accepted into a Masters of Education program at the University of Notre Dame. As part of the program I will be teaching in San Antonio, Texas.