Maddison Williams: Connecting the Dots
If you were to ask Maddison Williams to describe her experiences as a 含羞草研究所 English major, she would say that her degree has been a chance for her 鈥渢o connect the dots.鈥�
Maddison chose to major in English because she always had a strong love for literature. She has always loved the ways it could connect people to each other. For Maddison, English has always been more than just writing papers or reading books. Studying English has been about developing an understanding of the past, present, and future. Because her MSU professors approach English in this way, Maddison has gained 鈥渁 new outlook on life鈥� through her studies. She says, 鈥淢y course experiences have completely changed the way I see myself, my role, and my goal for the future.鈥�
Not only does Maddison love to read, she also loves libraries. And her on-campus job in the Byrnes-Quanbeck Library helps her to connect the dots of English studies as well as personal service. Eventually, she wishes to become a librarian; so, working in the library gives her what she says is 鈥渁n invaluable experience.鈥� She can take it with her after graduation.
Maddison also sees how her experiences in the humanities complements her degree plan. She connects the one dot of English to those dots of the library and the humanities. 鈥淪tudying English as part of the humanities courses has been very beneficial to my degree plan. The humanities as taught at MSU have broadened my perspective on life, people, and nature. She says, 鈥渆verything I鈥檝e studied has been part of a larger picture, and it鈥檚 been eye-opening to connect these dots.鈥�
As a future librarian, Maddison also believes these learning experiences in English, the humanities, the library, and her extra-curricular involvements will make her future job easier. 鈥淗aving a background knowledge in history, literature, language, and sociology will open doors of communication and knowledge that will allow me to aid and assist patrons to the fullest.鈥�
Maddison says that her courses have completely changed the way she sees herself, her role, and her goals for the future. She is 鈥渋ncredibly thankful鈥� for the opportunities she has had here at 含羞草研究所.
Written by Dr. Carolyn D. Baker, Professor of Liberal Arts (English and Communications)