Sophia Kiyanitsa

Sophia KiyanitsaWhat is your major?
English

What is something you wish everyone knew about your major?
Majoring in English will teach you much more than literary themes, types of poetry, etc. You’ll practice a deep level of interpretation that will likely carry past the literary sphere and make you a more present, observant participant in everyday life. My most important takeaway: Language exists to serve its speakers and writers — not the other way around. You’ll likely end up tossing your “I’m silently judging your grammar” mug.

What was your most impactful class?
Advanced Grammar, which I later served as a teaching assistant. Learning the inner mechanics of the English language is difficult, but the payoff is well worth the trouble: With a deeper understanding of English’s rules as a safety net, you’ll be able to analyze your own work and experiment with words and structures.

What are some of your career goals?
After graduation, I will begin a full-time investment writer role. In terms of creative work, I would love to eventually publish a short story collection, a poetry collection, and a novel.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
Your sense of self will be challenged, and that’s okay. It can be disorienting, but I’d encourage you to lean into the challenge of discovering or rebuilding your identity.