Lydia’s Parting Words

By Lydia Schmelzer ’23

I never thought that I would end up being an English major at Macalester. With the end of my freshman year and entire Sophomore year on zoom, I felt even more confused about what to study and what interested me than I had when I started Macalester. Towards the end of my second year, as registration neared, and I had to declare my major within days, I stress-called my mother for some guidance. Her sage wisdom reminded me that it was probably best to major in whatever department had the most classes I wanted to take. Such simple and obvious advice. As I poured over the course catalog for the millionth time, the pull of good classes in the English department was too compelling. English had always been my favorite class and reading, writing and discussion had always been my academic interest. It was silly to convince myself otherwise. My experience in the English department has been so enriching. Being an English major has taught me how to give language to complex ideas and concepts, both in the classroom and outside of it. Things I’ve learned in my classes, whether it be about conducting an interview for a profile writing piece, or feminist theory, have been endlessly applicable during my time at Macalester outside of English as well. 

The English department has also taught me a lot about the importance of community and showing up for each other outside the classroom. This past Friday, I went to the honors project presentations. As professors, friends, and families packed the Harmon Room to the brim, all chatting and eating samosa, I kept thinking that this summed up what my experience in the English department has been. There was so much delight in the room, as onlookers turned their heads to hear uproarious cheering as each student took the stage. It was so heartwarming to see presenters and the audience find so much laughter and excitement and learning and writing. After the presentation, I mentioned that these presentations, and the joy we took in this type of community made me proud to be in this department. 

What I will miss about the English department is the respite that it has often provided me from a chaotic day, week or semester. Unlike so many of the buildings on campus, Old Main two’s walls are covered with department photos of past English majors and alum, flyers, and a micro-gallery of student’s research projects. There is a real lived-in quality to the department’s space that fosters a homey and communal feeling. All of the study rooms, lined with professor’s published works or old honors projects remind me that even though students continue to cycle through the department, there is a lineage and history here. The department has such a local watering hole for my friends and me, particularly on Bagel Monday, which has grown so popular I am often forced to send a frenzied email to my coworkers asking them to save me one. I know that I can always make myself a cup of tea in the well stocked lounge, run into a friend for a chat by the bagel table, or seclude myself in the writers room to get some homework done, for once. I have been so grateful for the community that everyone, students, faculty and staff, are committed to building in the department. I will miss the department a lot but am excited to see what all of the future students will do there!