Jade Heise

Major concentration: Literature, Media, and Culture

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

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

I was undecided my first semester at Florida State, with no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was taking a wide range of courses including a senior psychology course, Biology 1 for majors, and a Women in Literature class. The Women in Literature class was with Amber Cresgy, and we focused on African American female literature. I loved the discussions and analysis we did as a class and how interactive the class felt. In that class, you became part of a group that was like a small community. So, when I started my second semester and was faced with the decision of what I wanted to do, I knew I wanted to do literature. I felt like if I could take classes like that one every semester, I would love my time at FSU and I would never get bored.

What was your favorite part about being an English major?

My favorite part was the professors and instructors that I had. I definitely had classes outside the English major where you could tell a professor was not engaged or didn’t really care about being there; they were there more for their research. But, in the English major every instructor and professor I had cared so much about their classes and students. I could name so many instructors who cared so passionately about their area of study within literature and who took an active interest in their students’ academic careers.

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

The one memory I think I’ll always remember from Florida State is Parents’ Weekend my junior year. My dad came in town and my twin sister, he, and I all went to our friend’s to tailgate before the FSU game, and then we went to the game together. It was such a wholesome bonding experience for the three of us, and it is definitely one of the memories of my time here that stands out.

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

My twin sister and I are first-generation college graduates. Growing up, my parents always stressed the importance of academics and going to college. I knew when I got to FSU that I really wanted to do as best I could. I made sure that with every class I tried my absolute hardest. For me, graduating with honors means that I achieved what I set out to achieve from my time at Florida State. It makes me proud of what I did while I was here.

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

I would tell a student debating becoming an English major that if they are passionate about it to do it. It’s a degree that gives you as much as you put in. If you love reading and diving deeper into books, then it is something that you will find really enriching. But, you have to do the work, because if you don’t, you’ll be sinking money into someone telling you to read a book that you didn’t read. You will end up with a degree in something you don’t know much about and that won’t get you far. I loved the program because I read what I needed to read and discussed them in my classes. I was active in class and enjoyed the discussions.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I have a job lined up in an art gallery in Jacksonville, and I plan on working there to help build my resume. I want to start graduate school fall 2022, when COVID has settled down. and I’ll have had time to save up money again. At the gallery, I’ll be helping with archival work, which is my ultimate goal—to work as an archivist.