Sarah Wickes '26

BA English
Minor in Writing and Rhetoric

 

 
On Stony Brook: 

I chose to study at Stony Brook because I was drawn towards the university’s dedication to fostering diversity and academic enrichment. I found the campus incredibly beautiful when I first visited in the springtime, and could envision myself as a student here. My decision was also highly influenced by my acceptance into the Honors College, which offered a tight-knit community where I could meet dedicated and passionate people of all different disciplines.

On her major:

I originally entered Stony Brook to study Psychology, however I switched my major to English after my first semester because I wanted to pursue my aspiration of working with literature. I will always testify to the importance of literature, as it illustrates the beautiful complexity of the English language while also encouraging people to critically engage with both stories and the world around us. In conjunction with my major in English, I also chose to minor in Writing and Rhetoric so that I could study all kinds of communication, whether it be technical language, non-profit outreach, and even the rhetoric of surveillance. Being both an English major and a Writing and Rhetoric minor has allowed me to have a versatile, interdisciplinary experience during my time at Stony Brook.

What degree are you graduating with?

I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Favorite class: 

One of my favorite classes that I have taken was EGL 311: Literary or Critical History, which was taught by Professor Julia Brown and focused on performance and power: Biopolitics, feminism, and queer theory. I found the course readings to be incredibly fascinating and relevant to the current state of modern culture. The subjects of power dynamics and gender politics eventually went on to inspire my senior thesis paper. Not to mention, Professor Brown made every class thought-provoking, engaging, and entertaining, so I never wanted to miss a session. Some honorable mentions go out to PSY 240: Social Psychology with Professor Andrea Pittarello, and EGL 311: Literature in the Age of Oil with Professor Michael Tondre.

Interests and accomplishments:

I am interested in the arts in all of its forms, from literature, to visual art, music, and film. Recently, I have completed my senior thesis paper, “Margaret Atwood’s Literature: Why Ecofeminist Justice Matters,” under my advisor Professor Jeffrey Santa Ana. During my time at Stony Brook, I have been on the executive boards of several organizations, such as the Yang Residential Hall Council and Alpha Nu Zeta International English Honor Society. I have also served as an editor for multiple Stony Brook affiliated publications, including The Sandpiper literary magazine, Stony Brook Young Investigators Review, and the Kaleidoscope Honors College Magazine. Through all of these experiences, I have made many meaningful contributions to our school community and met lifelong friends along the way.

Plans for post-graduation:

My plans for post-graduation involve an internship or an entry level position in the publishing industry, ideally as an editorial role. I am also looking forward to returning home and spending more time with my family and my cat, Marbles.

Advice for future Seawolves:

Do what you love, and do it with passion!

Favorite SBU memory:

My favorite memories at SBU were all of the little moments I shared with my friends—walking between classes, sitting outside in the ERC quad, playing games in our dorms, and getting dressed up for events. I will miss these little moments when I graduate, but I know that these friendships will not disappear, even when we are all eventually out of the cave.