English Major Spotlight: Zayna Amanat
Year: Senior
Hometown: Pine Brook, NJ
Why did you choose to major in English?
English has always been my passion, and I wanted to learn how I could apply that into a career. After my first year I learned I wanted to pursue a career in editing and publishing, and this major feels like the right way to go for that.
What has been your favorite part of your experience in the department?
The majority of my classes introduce me to literature I'd never read before and probably never would have looked into. I also went to the Q & A session with [Visiting Speaker] N.K. Jemison through the English department, which was really cool.
Are you pursuing any majors, minors, internships, or interests outside your English major?
I am pursuing a minor in Business Law to add to my skills for a career in the publishing field.
What is a favorite work you read for an English class?
They're short stories: “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang and “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
What English course would you recommend?
A survey of American literature (with Dr. Heather Holcombe—she made the class super fun) and any of the creative writing courses (they're the best).
What is your favorite thing about Pillsbury Hall?
The spiral staircase.
If you studied abroad, what did you take away from the experience?
That I want to travel more. There are a lot of similarities between places far apart, but they're still unique, and I want to explore them.
