The Five Days of English: English Week Fall 2019

Meredith College’s English department recently hosted English week, a beloved semi-annual tradition during which English faculty and students organize daily events catered to the interests of English majors and minors.

Department head Laura Fine reflected, “English Week was great fun, like usual. Dr. Garry Walton with the help of Dr. Tina Romanelli and several students, including English majors Delaney Rhodes, Sofia Mazzola, Laura Austin, and Whitney Pepper, organized and ran the many events.”

The week kicked off on Monday night in Lux lounge, where students gathered for pizza, cookies, and Literary Jeopardy. Organized by English major Laura Austin, the game topics focused on the works that current majors are researching for their thesis projects as well as some classics in British, American, and Young Adult Literature.

On Tuesday, students and faculty enjoyed taking literary selfies at the photo booth stationed outside Lux hall. Life size cutouts of Jane Austen and Geoffrey Chaucer made appearances in many fun photos that are now displayed on a slideshow inside the building. The selfie station brought smiles to many weary-eyed students as they took much-deserved breaks from studying for their approaching midterms.

On the third day of English week, things took a turn for the professional as English majors Delaney Rhodes and Sofia Mazzola moderated a panel of Meredith alumnae in the ground floor of Carlyle Campbell Library. Students munched on snacks and listened to five previous English majors tell about their experiences in the workplace and how Meredith helped them navigate job searches and reach their various career goals.

Delaney Rhodes, ’20, expressed gratitude for her role in the panel and reflected that “It was so wonderful to see students, faculty, and alumnae come together to celebrate the rewarding aspects of studying English and hear how your education will continue to be a value to you even after you leave Meredith.”

Thursday afternoon brought many students across the street to Lucky Tree coffee house for complimentary coffee and the chance to read excerpts from either their own writing or that of their favorite authors. While many students attended to support their peers, several creative English majors stepped up to the microphone to read their own work.

English week concluded with the opportunity to declare an English major or minor. Department head Laura Fine excitedly reported that she “signed several new English majors on Declare Your Major Day!”

This this year’s English week provided yet another example of the fun and educational experiences that Meredith offers for all students, constantly encouraging them to go strong.

Learn more about English at Meredith