Harley Preston

Major concentration: Literature, Media, and Culture

Hometown: tallahasseE, Florida

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

When transferring to FSU, I had no idea what I wanted to do in terms of a career field, but I always knew that I loved literature and did well in literature classes. I realized that through enjoying my studies I would eventually learn what I wanted to use them for.

What was your favorite part of being an English major?

English Professor David Johnson’s senior seminar in film adaptation. I learned that he was a great professor from the previous class I’d taken with him, and the subject of the seminar was so interesting. I enjoyed learning the material, and Dr. Johnson’s encouraging comments really boosted my confidence as a writer.

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

My favorite part about my time at FSU was my minor in museum studies, which required me to intern at two institutions, where I learned a lot from both. The memory that stands out most to me is giving a tour at FSU’s Museum of Fine Arts and seeing my fear of public speaking turn to excitement when the subject was something I was truly passionate about.

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

Neither of my parents graduated from high school, so just going to college was a huge step for me. Graduating Magna Cum Laude is just more proof that I am my own person and can accomplish the goals I set.

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

A lot of people are going to tell you that you can’t do much with an English degree besides teach English. So, if you’re like me and that’s not what you plan to do, get plenty of experience in other areas, enjoy your classes, and prove them wrong.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I plan to expand upon my minor by going into a field related to arts and culture. My second internship, at The Grove Museum, taught me that I’d really like to earn a graduate degree in arts administration, so I am looking into programs now.