“Personally, Gustavus and the department helped me land some very neat camera internships via Handshake.”
Originally planning on a major in Biology, Patrick quickly switched his major after beginning his first film class, and is now glad that he made this choice. Since becoming an English major with an additional individualized major in Film Studies, Patrick has found many opportunities to take engaging classes, as well as a community that he has come to appreciate. He has made close relationships within the department that he appreciates, saying “You’ll work on a group project together or proofread each other’s paper, and all of a sudden, you’re planning extracurricular projects with them based on your shared interests”. Patrick has also appreciated the faculty within the department, particularly Professor Sean Cobb. He appreciates Professor Cobb’s real passion for the subject that he teaches, as well as his ability to connect with students outside of class. As a whole, Patrick feels that the faculty within the English Department is incredibly supportive, saying “The professors within the department are constantly trying to involve voices and stories unrepresented, rather than just the ‘classics’”. Patrick is also grateful for opportunities through the English Department to learn outside of the classroom, including a study abroad program in Prague that he participated in. During this trip, Patrick studied at FAMU, which is the oldest film school in Europe. Patrick was able to engage in a mix of lecture and hands-on learning, and created a short film at the end of the program. Through its faculty and educational opportunities, Patrick has had an overwhelmingly positive experience within the English Department. He feels that the department has adequately prepared him for post-graduation experiences, saying “The English Department is very proactive in its career opportunities”. Outside of his English classes, Patrick is also involved on campus with the Gustavus Orchestra and Theater programs.