Diaa Alsersawi

Diaa Alsersawi What is your major?
English Literature and Social Justice and Cultural Studies

What is something you wish everyone knew about your major?
Sometimes, people assume that my (English literature) major is mostly interested in grammar and Shakespeare. While that part is certainly present, I wish more people know that doing English literature and social justice and cultural studies is getting trained to critically examine power, systems of domination, resistance, and histories in cultural artifacts — like novels, films, etc.

What are some of your career goals?
I will be starting my PhD in Comparative Literature at UCLA this fall. I am very excited to explore my areas of interest more deeply. I am hopeful that my years at graduate school will help me figure out what is next in my life.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
I would encourage incoming students to explore as much as they can and build connections with their professors — they really want to help and be there for you. Where I was four years ago when I started SPU has really changed in transformative ways, and I am thankful for that change.

What SPU has meant to you?
Because SPU is a small college, I really liked that I was able to create tightknit communities and work closely with my professors and mentors.