English Major Spotlight: Hana Handzija
Year: Senior
Hometown: Burnsville, MN
Why did you choose to major in English?
Reading. I love to read, analyze my reading, and discuss books. All things I do in the English major!
What has been your favorite part of your experience in the department?
I love the community I feel in the English department. For a long while, I felt isolated and lonely on such a massive campus, but in the English department I finally found a place where I belonged.
Are you pursuing any majors, minors, internships, or interests outside your English major?
Yes! I studied abroad in Florence, Italy in spring 2023, and I believe that everything I learned about life in Italy will help me bring a new perspective to the texts I read in English classes.
What is a favorite book you read for an English class?
This is a hard one. The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien, was my favorite, and I read it in ENGL 3022 "Science Fiction and Fantasy"!
What English course would you recommend for majors? For non-majors who want to take an English class?
For English majors, I recommend "Science Fiction and Fantasy." It was amazing, because it was essentially a very organized book club, but everyone actually cared about the readings. For non-majors, I recommend the same class. For the same reasons.
What is your favorite thing about Pillsbury Hall?
The energy. I love how homey it feels and how, no matter the day or time, at least one person can be found reading something interesting in a corner of the building.
What is something about the English department that most people wouldn’t know?
Though I don't think this is much of a secret, it is definitely worth repeating: we have some of the best professors on campus.
If you studied abroad, what did you take away from the experience?
Learning in a new space, in a new culture, can only help you grow as a person. Studying abroad is the most incredible, most rewarding experience I have completed.
