Emma Cesario '20
BA English Honors Program
Minor in History
Summa Cum Laude

On Stony Brook: 
Stony Brook is a big part of the Long Island community! I was born at the hospital and my dad got his master's degree here. I also loved going to see shows at the Staller Center in high school!

When I was making my college decision, I interviewed an SBU English major about her experience. She absolutely adored the faculty and felt challenged by the coursework. Based on her experience, I was excited to make Stony Brook my home. If a high school senior interviewed me now, I'd say coming to Stony Brook was more wonderful than I could have possibly imagined. Plus, my tuition has been almost 100% covered by scholarships! I feel so grateful.

On her major and minor:
I'm an English major and history minor. Growing up, some of my favorite things to do were reading historical fiction novels or visiting history museums of some sort. I loved writing my own stories too, which also inspired me to study literature. In high school and college, I realized just how satisfying it is to analyze a text, unpack its hidden gems, and convey my discoveries successfully through argumentative writing or speaking. My history courses have been fascinating as well, especially seeing how American history applies to current events. Meanwhile, my love of music has motivated me to take voice lessons and chorale with the Department of Music!

On her favorite class: 
One of my favorite classes was EGL 301: Paradise Lost with Professor Douglas Pfeiffer. My class only had 11 students, and we spent the whole semester going in-depth with this long and difficult epic poem. I really grew in my understanding by discussing specific words and phrases in the poem, and Professor Pfeiffer brought an enthusiasm and expertise that made each class exciting. The highlight of the semester was the marathon reading we held in the Poetry Center. From 11 am to 8 pm we took turns reading the entire 10,000+ line poem aloud from start to finish, and Professor Pfeiffer even recited passages from memory!

Interests and accomplishments:
I enjoy art history, museums, and cultural experiences, so I decided to spend a Winter Session studying abroad in Italy my sophomore year. I was so engrossed in the art and architecture to the point where I was always trailing behind our tour group in the museums of Rome and Florence! My love for museums also motivated me to intern at the Long Island Museum, where I performed archival research on 19th century paintings with the support of my American literature professors Scott Zukowski and Susan Scheckel. As a result of this experience, I had the opportunity to travel to the SUNY Applied Learning Conference and present to an audience of SUNY professors and administrators about my internship! I also volunteered as a tour guide at the Walt Whitman Birthplace in Huntington and later worked on an independent research project with Professor Scheckel about the influence of American art on Walt Whitman's poetry. I presented this project at the English Department URECA Symposium at the end of my junior year.

On her greatest achievement: 
I would say my greatest achievement is my English Honors thesis, "The Pen in Her Hand: Anne's Voice and the Ending of Persuasion," which allowed me to dig deeper into Jane Austen's novels. Austen's works have always been such a delight to me, and I feel proud that through my thesis I've come to a deeper understanding of the way female expression operates in her fiction. I researched and wrote this 40-page paper throughout my senior year, and was honored to present my thesis at the Stony Brook English Graduate Conference in February.

Awards and accolades: 
In May 2019, I was awarded the Stony Brook English Department Thomas Rogers Award, which is given annually for the most exceptional argumentative writing by an undergraduate student in a literature class. I also have received several Academic Achievement Awards, and I am graduating Summa Cum Laude. This year, I was also awarded the English Department Award for academic achievement and service to the department.

Plans for post-graduation: 
I will be starting a Master of Library Science program in the fall.

On her career aspirations: 
I hope to become a public librarian so I can provide access to education, steward valuable sources of information, and help foster vibrant local communities. I've worked at my local library every summer throughout college, and I'm excited to pursue this field as my career.

Clubs and organizations: 
I've been a member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship since my freshman year where I've made some of my closest friends and discovered a welcoming, family-like community, as well as grown in my personal faith. Throughout my senior year, I've been Co-President of the Alpha Nu Zeta English Honors Society, where I've helped build a literature-loving, service-minded community of English students on campus.

Advice for future Seawolves:
Enjoy the small moments! Enjoy the changing fall colors and the cherry blossoms by the Wang Center! Strive for excellence and pursue your academic passions, but also take time to appreciate relationships and try to stay present in the moment. On a more practical note, attend all your classes, sit in the front, and participate. If you can take physical notes instead of using a laptop, I think that's a good way to show your professors that you are fully present and engaged in their course. Class participation is a big reason I've been able to develop relationships with faculty. Having faculty mentors makes a world of difference when making career decisions and applying to jobs and grad school!

On her favorite SBU memory: 
It's too hard to pick a favorite memory, but one of my favorite moments was the first time I went to Roth Regatta my freshman Year. It was a warm, sunny day, and there were thousands of excited students filled with so much energy. I loved being surrounded by so much excitement, and it was so fun to take part in a uniquely Stony Brook tradition.

On graduating during COVID-19: 
There's no doubt that missing out on all the campus celebrations is painful. I took graduation photos alone in my backyard, rather than with all my friends on the campus that has come to mean so much to me. I definitely feel as though I haven't had closure or the chance to say goodbye, especially to my professors. On the flip side, I'm truly grateful that Stony Brook is playing such a large role in keeping our campus and local community safe, and I have so much respect for the efforts of the entire campus community, especially Stony Brook healthcare workers. I'm also happy to be at home with my family. We've definitely been enjoying more quality-time together!

I was chosen as the student speaker for the English Department Convocation! The ceremony will be published on YouTube, but I am still so honored and thrilled to close my time at Stony Brook in this way. I'm also excited to watch my professors address the graduating class. Of course, the English Department holds a special place in my heart, and I'm proud to be graduating as a part of this community.