Student Profile Series: Emma Tolliver

The English Department presents Emma Tolliver (she/her). Emma is an English (Criticism emphasis) and Political Science - Public Service double major who is also minoring in Human Rights Studies.

What is a must-read for an English major? 

Braiding Sweetgrass. It is a beautiful and interdisciplinary work by an indigenous scholar, and I think there's so much to take away and learn from that text.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to be a prosecutor working on cases related to human trafficking and other forms of sex-based violence. I also hope to have a Pomeranian and a large home library.

What are you passionate about?

Community! I think it's so important to know where you came from and who you're surrounded by. I really think everyone should try to get involved in their local community somehow.

What do you like to do in your free time to unwind?

I've recently gotten back into Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I also enjoy writing poetry.

If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be?

"Taking Time". I feel like I've grown up fast and am just recently learning how to navigate taking my time. It's certainly been a learning process.

What makes you proud to be an English major?

I've become a much more thoughtful person as a result of being an English major. I'm proud of how much I've learned and how much I've improved as a writer.

If you had one wish for the English Department/Community here on campus...what would it be?

I wish that English majors would feel empowered in their decision to study English. Writing is a coveted skill, and students should have pride in their skills and ability to articulate their ideas.

List 3 of your favorite English Professors.

Professor Chaganti, Professor Menely, and Professor Miller.

List 3 of your favorite English classes.

ENL 180, ENL 155A, and ENL 189

Cats or dogs?

Dogs.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl.

Best Major in the Whole World?

English!