Ashley Gill

Major concentration: Editing, Writing, and Media

Hometown: Hillsborough, New Jersey

How did you decide on English-EWM as your major?

I chose EWM as my major because it combined many of my interests in one major. I enjoyed studying literature, but I knew I wanted my career to be in media. EWM allowed me for to pursue my own interests within the major while also preparing me for the career I wanted.

What was your favorite part of being an English major?

My favorite part of being an English major was how much freedom I had has a student. I was able to explore all my interests while studying EWM, and I also discovered new interests along the way. From film classes to literature classes to editing classes, I felt like I was exposed to so many fascinating areas of study within the English department.

What one memory of your time at FSU do you think I’ll always remember?

During the spring of my sophomore year I was fortunate enough to study abroad at Florida State University’s London campus. I will always remember studying Shakespeare in London and having the opportunity to see Macbeth in the Sam Wanamaker playhouse. The theatre is only lit by candles, and seeing Macbeth performed in this setting was a truly unforgettable experience.

What does it mean to you to graduate Summa Cum Laude?

Graduating Summa Cum Laude has meant a lot to me, and ending my FSU career with this distinction is a perfect symbol for all that FSU has allowed me to achieve. From the invaluable classes to the fantastic teachers to the campus resources, I would not have been able to graduate Summa Cum Laude without all the resources that FSU had to offer.

What would you tell a student who is considering English as their major?

I would not hesitate to tell any prospective student that choosing English as a major is completely worth it. All of the teachers within the department are brilliant, and they make engaging with English interesting and exciting. English classes allow you to explore your interests, engage with new perspectives, and see the world through new lenses. Despite being an English major, you don’t just learn English; you also learn about history, the humanities, art, gender studies, film science, theology, and so much more.

What are your post-graduation plans?

While I don’t have any concrete plans for post-graduation, I am interested in going to graduate school, and I also know that I would like to live, work, or study abroad. Hopefully, when the pandemic ends, I will be able to travel and see where my EWM major will take me.