Alexandra Rittie
When I started my undergraduate studies at UMBC, I was pursuing a degree in the Computer Science track. It seemed like a good career option and fit with the ideas and aspirations I had for myself at the time. I had always loved English and writing, but I never considered studying it until after a full year of realization that Computer Science wasn’t meant for me.
At the beginning of my sophomore year, I changed tracks completely to pursue dual degrees in English and Psychology, even though I still wasn’t sure that those subjects were what I really wanted to study. It wasn’t until my second semester that year, when I took my first class in medieval literature, that I truly started to become passionate about my English degree. From classes on the poetry of World War I and William Blake, to seminars focused on the portrayal of food in medieval literature, I found myself exposed to a breadth of different subjects and works from all sorts of authors and time periods.
The professors I met here continuously encouraged me to advance my
abilities and research into topics of my choice. I took a number of
classes with Dr. McKinley, and her encouragement helped me to pursue
topics I found interesting, providing me with insights and guidance
along the way. The enthusiasm she and all the other professors showed
for their subjects meant they kept themselves open to discussions both
in and outside of class and provided the utmost support to the students
studying with them. Now, I work for the federal government, utilizing
the critical thinking and writing skills I gained in pursuit of my
Bachelor’s degrees every day. Working at our headquarters office means
handling a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, as we assist with
the administrative tasks that allow for our nationwide offices to
continue their own work in support of our mission. While I do sorely
miss my time at UMBC with
the English department, my hope is to continue in this line of work and
eventually pursue a graduate degree. Whether I stay with my current job
or decide to change tracks again, I hope to carry the passion nurtured
here with me along the way.
Posted: November 8, 2021, 6:23 PM
