My vision for the English major revolves around a profound appreciation for the intricacies of language and literature, recognizing their enduring relevance in today’s world. Through my exploration of seminal works like Jean Rhys’ “Wide Sargasso Sea” and Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” I’ve discovered the profound impact literature can have in challenging societal norms and revealing universal truths. These projects exemplify how the English major cultivates critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential skills for navigating our interconnected society.
In my analysis of “Wide Sargasso Sea,” I delved into the intricate relationship between characters and the exotic setting of Dominica, revealing the thematic depth that literature offers. By emphasizing the symbolic significance of the landscape, I demonstrated my ability to engage critically with texts and uncover layers of meaning. This project underscores how the English major equips individuals with the skills to analyze and appreciate diverse narratives, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Similarly, my exploration of nature in Shelley’s “Frankenstein” showcased the transformative power of literature in exploring the human condition. Through vivid descriptions, I explored themes of solitude, resilience, and the connection between humanity and nature, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the English major in addressing contemporary issues.
Furthermore, my interview with Professor Caroline Hunt provided valuable insights into the personal and academic journey of an esteemed member of the English department. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, mentorship, and a passion for lifelong learning, values inherent in the English major.
Looking ahead, I aspire to merge my passion for language and literature with meaningful professional endeavors. The foundation established by my English major equips me with a versatile skill set that transcends disciplinary boundaries. The critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills honed through my coursework have prepared me for success in various fields, from academia to marketing. As I embark on this journey, I hope to leverage the transformative potential of literature to effect positive change in the world around me, whether through advocacy, education, or creative expression. In crafting my final portfolio and personal website, I aimed for a clean and minimalist design to showcase my skills and values effectively. While I am satisfied with the outcome, I wish I had more time to incorporate multimedia elements for enhanced user engagement. Overall, my portfolio reflects my journey as an English major and my commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual exploration.
In the pursuit of understanding ourselves, we often embark on journeys outward—exploring different fields, meeting diverse people, and seeking varied experiences. Yet, as I delved into the “Flower Exercise” from Richard N. Bolles’ What Color Is Your Parachute?, I found that the most profound and clarifying knowledge isn’t found in the external world; it resides within us. This second field report, focused on self-inventory across seven key areas, revealed layers of insights and challenges, ultimately bringing me closer to understanding my own multifaceted being.
The first petal of my flower, representing the kinds of people I prefer to be around, unveiled a tapestry of traits I value. I realized I am drawn to individuals who exhibit social intelligence and perception, those who warmly embrace inclusivity and welcome diverse viewpoints. Through this exercise, I recognized the importance of surrounding myself with visionaries in social change and innovation, individuals who challenge the status quo and inspire growth.
Moving to the petal concerning workplace conditions, I was confronted with my ideal professional environment. Guiding mentorship emerged as an essential element, as well as working alongside a diverse team and in a performance-driven culture. The image of a relaxed attire policy and the option to bike or walk to the office painted a vivid picture of a workplace where creativity and comfort converge.
The skills and competencies petal brought forth a realization of my strengths and areas of expertise. From motivating others towards common goals to developing strategic plans, I acknowledged my proficiency in critical thinking and problem-solving. However, the challenge lay in recognizing the importance of ongoing learning and professional development, reminding me of the ever-evolving nature of success.
As I reflected on the knowledge petal, I embraced my passion for cultural and historical understanding, alongside staying informed about global events. Creative writing and storytelling emerged as a central theme, highlighting my desire to engage in philosophical and ethical discussions that shape narratives and perspectives.
The settings and geographies petal took me on a visual journey, envisioning an ideal location. Close to family in Charleston, near water, and within a medium-sized town’s vibrant downtown, I found a sense of rootedness and vitality. These elements, coupled with an easy commute, formed the backdrop of an environment where I could thrive.
Considering the money and responsibility petal, I grappled with the balance between financial stability and meaningful contribution. While recognizing the need for a fair compensation structure, my sense of purpose emerged as a guiding force. To help others, contribute to good in the world, and advance humanity became the compass directing my choices.
Finally, the core of my flower, my sense of purpose in life, illuminated the essence of my existence. Through this exercise, I articulated my deep-seated desire to contribute to kindness in the world, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion in all endeavors.
This intensive self-inventory was both illuminating and challenging. It allowed me to peel back the layers of my being, revealing intricate details and guiding principles that shape my choices and aspirations. The process was not without its struggles; confronting areas of growth and acknowledging vulnerabilities required courage. Yet, in this journey of self-discovery, I found empowerment and clarity.
As I invite you, the audience, into this reflective space, I share the essence of my flower—a symbol of my inner landscape. Each petal represents not only facets of myself but also aspirations for the future. The challenges faced in this exercise mirrored the complexities of navigating life’s choices and priorities. Yet, through introspection and reflection, I stand rooted in a deeper understanding of who I am and where I aim to go.
Carey Ann Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Southern Tide
Carey Campbell, an accomplished Chief Executive Officer, currently holds the helm at Southern Tide, a national apparel company inspired by the coastal lifestyle. With a wealth of experience garnered from previous roles at both Southern Tide and Belk, Mrs. Campbell brings a dynamic skill set and a deep understanding of the retail industry that helps her lead her team with empathy.
In the bustling landscape of retail and leadership, Carey Ann Campbell stands out as a beacon of inspiration and success. With Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature/Letters, her educational background speaks volumes about her proficiency in communication, critical analysis, and creative thinking. Her career trajectory is a testament to the enduring value of a liberal arts education, coupled with a wealth of industry experience.
Mrs. Campbell, the esteemed CEO of Southern Tide, attributes much of her remarkable success and professional growth to the invaluable support of her professional network, mentors, and industry leaders. Drawing from her own experiences, Mrs. Campbell emphasizes the pivotal role that mentors have played in her career trajectory. This influence has led her to become a dedicated mentor herself, paying forward the guidance and wisdom she has received.
A firm believer in the mantra “Nothing’s too big!”, Carey Ann Campbell encourages individuals to share their aspirations openly with their network.She believes that by articulating one’s goals, whether they seem grand or ambitious, one can harness the collective power of their network to achieve these objectives. This philosophy underscores Mrs. Campbell’s approach to both her personal and professional life, where open communication and collaboration have been instrumental in her success.
In George Anders’ book “You Can Do Anything,” he proposes that “your greatest allies [are] thousands of alumni from your college who can assist you at each stage of your journey.” In our digitally connected world, regardless of location, we are closer than ever to “a network of career allies.” In my discussion with Mrs. Campbell, I discovered that her resourcefulness played a pivotal role in shaping her career. With her innate curiosity and eagerness for continuous learning, she cultivated relationships with mentors and embraced “a willingness to seek assistance.” She attributes her achievements to the mentors who guided her through various stages of her professional endeavors. As Anders outlines in his book, “You simply need to take the initiative and become comfortable with seeking out new connections.” My conversation with Mrs. Campbell affirmed the truth in this statement!
In her role as CEO, Carey Ann Campbell not only leads with strategic vision but also embodies the essence of an English major. Her passion for language and storytelling, honed during her studies, continues to drive success in unexpected ways. From crafting compelling narratives for the brand to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, Mrs. Campbell’s background in English has been a guiding force in her leadership style.
Carey Ann Campbell’s journey from an English student at the College of Charleston to a visionary CEO is a testament to the enduring value of an English education. Her story showcases how the skills cultivated through the study of literature—such as critical thinking, communication, and creativity—can serve as a strong foundation for success in the business world and beyond. Mrs. Campbell’s career trajectory exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship, the importance of sharing goals, and the lasting impact of a passion for lifelong learning.
In Today’s News
Mrs. Campbell serves as
A distinguished alumni and current president-elect for the COFC Club representing the Greenville/Upstate area. (Souce)
Mrs. Campbell participated in the annual Women in Retail Leadership Summit (WIRLS), a C-Suite Panel, which brings together industry leaders to discuss topics such as the current business environment, how they’re positioning their businesses to succeed, and what they’re doing to empower the next generation of women leaders. (Source)
As a USC Retailing Executive Advisory Board member, Mrs. Campbell shares advice with Retailing students.
Blog Post 4: My English Story: Personal-Professional Narrative
As I reflect on my college journey, I am struck by the myriad of challenges and opportunities that have shaped my path through the humanities, particularly English literature, during the tumultuous years of the global pandemic. These past few years have been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring importance of literary study in navigating the complexities of the world around us.
My journey into English literature began with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity about the human experience. Each course, from delving into the works of 18th-century British writers to unraveling the complexities of postcolonial literature, offered me a unique lens through which to view the world. Engaging in critical discourse, dissecting narratives, and analyzing language became more than just academic exercises; they were gateways to understanding the intricacies of society, culture, and identity.
In my senior year, I took a course in British Gothic Literature, where I read Diane Long Hoeveler’s book,Gothic Feminism: The Professionalization of Gender from Charlotte Smith to the Brontës. I wrote a paper exploring how gothic feminism evolved under the creative achievements of female gothic writers and considered how their literary work contributed to the modern definition of feminism. Female gothic articulated women’s dissatisfactions with patriarchal society and addressed the problematic position of the maternal within that society. This journey provided invaluable insights into the evolution of contemporary roles, concepts, and anticipations, drawing parallels between historical models and current societal debates. By immersing myself in the historical context of the female gothic genre, I recognized the enduring legacy of these literary works in shaping our understanding of gender dynamics and power structures.
Furthermore, the interdisciplinary exploration of British Gothic Literature, particularly through the lens of Gothic Feminism, illuminates the enduring relevance of the English major in contemporary society. By delving into Hoeveler’s examination of the professionalization of gender in the works of female gothic writers, I gained insights into historical literary movements and a deeper understanding of societal norms and challenges. This immersion in thick data allowed me to grasp the evolution of feminist discourse and its impact on modern definitions of feminism. The interdisciplinary approach, integrating literature, history, and gender studies, exemplifies the versatile skills cultivated through an English major. Through the analysis of how female gothic writers navigated patriarchal challenges and articulated women’s dissatisfactions with societal norms, I developed a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in our cultural fabric. This understanding equips me to engage with current debates and anticipate future issues, underscoring the practical applications of the English major. Thus, this research journey contributes to a shared understanding of feminism’s historical roots and reaffirms the English major’s capacity to foster critical analysis, synthesis of diverse perspectives, and effective communication of complex ideas in navigating contemporary societal challenges.
In Christian Madsbjerg’s book, Sensemaking: The Power of the Humanities in the Age of the Algorithm, the first principle of sensemaking, “culture–not individuals,” highlights the fact that understanding human behavior requires cultural intelligence. This is because “our reality–and everything we perceive as meaningful–is highly contextual and historical.” This principle articulates the value of understanding historical and social contexts and the importance of cultivating cultural intelligence to gain insights into human behavior. Furthermore, this concept of “culture–not individuals” contradicts the prevailing assumption of our algorithmic age “that human behavior is based on individual choices, preferences, and logical structures” because, as Madsbjerg argues, humans are defined by the society in which they live, and understanding human behavior requires a demanding form of cultural engagement.
As an English major, I have regularly engaged in sensemaking. Resilience, adaptability, and the enduring significance of literary study have been foundational to my growth and development, particularly amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic. From the outset, my fascination with storytelling and the exploration of the human experience propelled me into the realm of English literature. Through critical discourse and the analysis of language, these academic pursuits transcended mere intellectual exercises, serving as gateways to deeper understandings of society, culture, and identity. In Grobman and Ramsey’s chapter titled “Beyond Jobs and Careers: The Enduring Value of the Humanities,” the authors contend that the humanities “emphasize critical thinking and imagination while helping us remember where we’ve been as well as visualize our future.” The breadth of the humanities equips students with “higher-order” thinking they take into their careers and communities. Higher-order thinking and cultural understanding “are as vital as technological expertise in a world of big data and algorithms” because humanities perspectives are needed “to help steer technology to help us do what is valuable and good.”
As I look towards my future in English, I am filled with a sense of optimism and purpose. I envision a future where the insights and skills honed through my humanities education are not just valued but embraced as essential pillars of a sustainable and equitable society. Whether pursuing a career in academia, publishing, or public service, I am committed to leveraging my passion for literature to effect positive change in the world around me.
In conclusion, my English journey amidst the pandemic has been a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire, challenge, and transform. As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the lessons learned, the connections forged, and the unwavering belief in the potential of literary study to shape a more just and compassionate world. Another quote taken from Madsjberg’s book Sensemaking is that “Instead of attempting to reduce that complexity of all of these layers of humanity — like a journey determined by the reductions of a GPS system– the sensemaking practice follows that North Star.” We learn “to navigate through the rich reality of our world, developing a finely honed perspective on where we are and where we are headed.” In times of crisis and uncertainty, it is literature that lights the way forward, illuminating our shared humanity and reminding us of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Much like literature, “sensemaking allows us to determine where we are. And, most important, sensemaking puts us in touch with where we are headed.”
English has been valuable to me in forcing me to pursue attempts at success in the face of ambiguity. I think English will be viable for me professionally for this reason, by fostering “sensemaking” skills for decision-making in complex environments and in the face of uncertainty. English studies offer a humanistic approach to understanding complexities that data alone cannot address. In Christian Madsbjerg’s Sensemaking (2017), his principles emphasize the importance of cultural insight. Liberal arts skills enable me to adapt messages for a global audience effectively. In an interconnected world, these skills are essential for thriving professionally. Liberal arts skills, with their cultural depth, are invaluable for success. Sensemaking is more than knowledge; it’s about synthesis and connection. All of the skills that I have gained through my studies in English have have come about through my application of knowledge and experience. English gives me the humanistic approach to answer question, which would be helpful to me professionally as many professions lean increasingly toward reliance on data. Liberal arts-based skills are an almost strategic imperative for professionals seeking to thrive in an increasingly globalized and interconnected professional landscape that requires both data and the ability to make connections between information. My ability to synthesize both knowledge and experience increase my adaptability, flexibility and resiliency that will help me navigate how changes, such as those from globalization of business, will bring to industries, requiring professionals to be able to draw connections and synthesize information to make sense of the changing world around them.
Part II
At College of Charleston, my English major has allowed me the ability to create written and creative projects for my English elective courses that have enhanced the skills and given me practice in developing qualities that I believe will contribute to my success at a job after college and in my career long-term. Immediateluy, I think of two written projects (7-14 page essays) and one more creative project (social media project) that support how my English major will benefit me both long- and short-term in my career path and career development.
1. At the beginning of my senior year, I took a course in British Gothic Literature, for which I read Diane Long Hoeveler’s book Gothic Feminism: The Professionalization of Gender from Charlotte Smith to the Brontës. For this course, I wrote a paper exploring how gothic feminism evolved under the creative achievements of the female gothic writers and consider how much of their literary work contributed to the modern definition of feminism. Female gothic articulated women’s dissatisfactions with patriarchal society and addressed the problematic position of the maternal within that society. Through the experience of reading and writing this paper, I learned how modern roles, ideas and expectations have developed from, changed or advanced from past molds and traditions. By learning to reach into the past for answers on current debates or future issues, we better prepare ourselves on how to avoid past pitfalls.
2. I wrote a research paper for a course on the Eighteenth Century about how The Spectator (1711-1712) set a new standard for manners in 18th century England. This essay and my research gave me the opportunity to learn The Spectator was influential in shaping its’ readers views on manners and infused politeness into the culture. Public discourse was shaped by this print media. It developed and dispersed ideas on many topics, including politeness, behavior and manners, that were discussed in social clubs. Thus, this print media was a source of news and clubs were locations were society would discuss these ideas and public thought was cultivated. With a sense of observation of others, we can develop a fuller view of humanity, but also draw on historic trends in the consumption of ideas. The knowledge of public thought and the formation of society shows how consumers are easy to create and eager to consumer. This kind of “sensemaking” of the past could help to reach conclusions on what methods are most effective for advertising, reaching or publicizing products, fashions or consumer goods.
3. For a course on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I created a social media campaign on instagram that shared information and research about the event, the news coverage afterwards, long lasting effects of the events (such as ruining opportunities for generational wealth for victims’ descendents), and how Tulsa’s residents were actively rebuilding the community through centennial projects and art that commemorated their history. This project was an opportunity for me to challenge myself by creating content that would be attractive to viewers, drawing in an audience to learn about historic events and understand those events within the context of their effects on our contemporary social issues and discourse. My intention was to spread awareness, to have something buried become something important to the present-day conversation, and for today’s youth to see that our world is still a work in progress. Our social issues began a long time ago and change is incremental and spans multiple generations. Furthermore, the project gave me the opportunity to practice making a project on social media that would translate several messages via content both written and visual. The challenge of making history relevant, attractive, cohesive, truthful, and compelling within the framework of an internet platform revealed both beneficial and challenging. It was an experience to gain practice creating content that would appeal to an audience on a platform that is invaluable to the success and reach of today’s companies by acting a global marketplace. As digital platforms facilitate remote work, collaboration, and e-commerce on a global scale, proficiency in using these tools becomes increasingly indispensable for professionals navigating the digital landscape. One of my sources of inspiration was the New York TImes’ interactive model of “What the Massacre Destroyed” that showed both a timeline and moving visual of the city to effectively convey the scale of the massacre that occurred in Tulsa on 1921. This example showed me that the ability to make information accessible, compelling and interactive using digital technology is becoming increasingly relevant to news sources online.
English studies continues to prove itself essential for my professional viability in today’s interconnected world. Largely, it all starts with my ability to relate to, communicate with and understand others. Through writing, reading and research, I have learned about different people and cultures, learned about different perspectives and others points of view, developed a sense of self and how to manage my identity in relation to others and my environment, as well as learned that some of our most inherent ideas (such as traditional gender roles) come from and can be traced back to literary examples from different generations, eras or time periods. In summary, being able to study things before encountering them through my own first-hand experience has helped me to practice how I would approach, solve, consider, change, resolve current and future problems, questions and challenges. It’s about experience, really. While every book I read, idea I learn and word I write might not necessarily be meeting a specific end-goal, they are all pieces to the puzzle of experience that I will be working on for the majority of my professional life.My English studies have proved to help me discover and strengthen my ability to adapt messages, ideas and information to new technology and digital communication tools in an effective way that considers the needs of a globalized works and international, multicultural audience and consumer-base. Liberal arts-based skills are an almost strategic imperative for professionals seeking to thrive in an increasingly globalized and interconnected professional landscape.
Part 1: Finding my Own Delights: Inspired by Ross Gay’s “Book of Delights”
One particular delight that resonates with me is rain: the way it falls, collects, creates a ripple effect. The way that the rain requires that we wear our favorite rain boots (that we don’t regularly) have the opportunity to wear. Or pull out our umbrellas, or just find delight and joy in jumping in the puddles that grow around me.
As English majors, we are trained to analyze texts with precision and depth, but we can also be inspired by our environments and translate these small delights into text. In this delight, the minute details serve as a lens through which we can explore empathy, understanding, and the shared joy of things out of our control, like the weather.
This delight encourages me to interact in new ways with my surroundings and to recognize old things as being delightful, rather than inhibiting or tiring. Finding delights, such as the rain drops in a puddle of water help me to foster a richer engagement with the world around me.
Host: First we dive into the first lines of the poem, where Cummings takes us into uncharted emotional territory with the words, “somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond.” The juxtaposition of the unknown and the embrace of it sets the tone for a poetic exploration of love’s transformative power.
In his poem, we see the deliberate manipulation of language through his use of all lower case words. The absence of capitalization could be understood as unconventional, statement-making. The spacing could also be understood as unconventional. The unconventional spacing emerge as a testament to the poem’s experimental nature, which can be understood as being synonymous with the unpredictability of the journey of love, the topic in the poem.
Cummings crafts a vivid and intimate image. The mention of “your most frail gesture” and “my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly” creates a delicate dance between vulnerability and the awe-inspiring nature of love. The poet captures the essence of surrender, as if the heart willingly travels to uncharted realms, embracing the unknown with open arms.
There seems to be an almost paradoxical tension. For example, between “nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands” evokes a sense of tenderness and fragility, revealing the profound impact of love on the poet’s perception of the world. In this way, the poem intertwines and juxtaposes a sense of vulnerability and strength.
[Closing]
Host: In the spirit of Poetry Unbound, we hope this exploration of E.E. Cummings’ “somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond” has allowed you to delve into the intricate tapestry of emotions that poetry can weave. Remember, literature has the power to transport us to unexplored realms, and in its verses, we often discover the nuances of our own emotional landscapes.
Thank you for joining us on this poetic excursion.
Growing up as a middle sister, I learned many lessons through the experiences of my older and younger sisters. I was constantly seeking to protect them, understand them, and support them, even when their struggles, triumphs, achievements, disappointments or goals were different than my own. However, this closeness changed and shifted as I grew up and we all attended different boarding schools. As I began studying French literature, I found myself deeply connected to Marcel Proust and Levi-Strauss. Their perspectives on how to handle themselves, their own darkness, their thoughts and perspectives on the world and how they conceptualized their reality all served as models to me when I was doubtful or struggling to understand my own reality. Feeling a connection to another person through their writing gave me great peace when I needed it most. Just as Steve Martin felt after reading W. Somerset Maugham’s The Razor’s Edge, a story about a quest for knowledge,I felt that through learning, and reading in particular, I “could have secrets possessed only by a few” (Hitz 28). That’s what people need most in their youth, some words of guidance, which I think literature can provide, which in turn can make people, if not better human beings, at least feel better for a period of time in their lives.
Throughout my life, literature has provided me with guidance, reassurance and a sense of comfort. I’m inclined to believe that my personal experience serves as enough evidence for me to believe that literature makes people “better,” kinder, and softer. In “Does Great Literature Make Us Better?,” Gregory Currie argues that there lacks “causal evidence: we need to show that exposure to literature itself makes some sort of positive difference to the people we end up being.” I would include myself in the group of individuals who “will probably soldier on with a positive view of the improving effects of literature, supported by nothing more than an airy bed of sentiment.” But that airy bed of sentiment is all the evidence I need! After all, if literature has the capacity to show us how to relate to others, find connection and find solace in it, then I think that literature has improving effects on people, whether those effects are short-term or long-term probably depends on the person.
I was particularly fond of Currie’s reference to Martha Bussbaum’s book “Love’s knowledge,” in which she argues that narrative form gives literary fiction “a peculiar power to generate moral insight.” I love this! Narratives have a beginning, middle and end. It’s nice to read a story that presents a character, a challenge, a (hopefully) journey towards overcoming obstacles and eventual triumph. I agree that narratives would generate moral insight by allowing us to see the beginning, middle and end of a tale, imparting a lesson or wisdom to the reader.
I agree that reading can help us to empathize with other human beings, in addition to helping us connect with ourselves. In the article “Does reading fiction make us better people?,” Hammond discusses how books can teach us about the world, especially through our identification with characters in books. The article states, “without necessarily even noticing, we imagine what it’s like to be [the characters] and compare their reactions to situations with how we responded in the past, or imagine we might in the future.” Reading stories gives us the opportunity to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, to empathize with another person’s experience, to dive into another culture, assume a different perspective. Specifically when reading fiction, the reader is more likely to “suspend disbelief without questioning the veracity of what people are saying,” and view a characters life over a span of time, even many years. For me, reading fiction and other literature, has given me the ability not only to better understand human beings, but also to better understand myself. I have found comfort in knowing that my struggles, challenges or feelings at a certain point in my life are shared by another person (an author, character, sociologist, philosopher).
