Emily Hankinson, Former English Major
After four years of hard work, I am finally a graduate of The Ohio State University. On May 7, Ohio State awarded 11,734 degrees. I am part of the biggest graduating class of Ohio State thus far and am joining an alumni association of more than 550,000 members. Standing in the Shoe surrounded by thousands of my closest friends singing Carmen Ohio made me realize that no matter where I go in life, Ohio State will always be my home.
During my last semester at Ohio State Newark, I achieved all my goals. I successfully completed a thesis on the interpretation and representation of violence in Suzanne Collins’ novel The Hunger Games and received research distinction in English. I finished my English major, professional writing minor and Spanish minor and graduated summa cum laude. I wrote my last papers as an undergraduate and met Cardale Jones at commencement. I walked down onto the football field, got my diploma, celebrated with friends and family, and knew that I had accomplished something huge.
Starting in August, I will take classes through Kent State University to pursue a master’s degree in library and information science. My focus is on academic librarianship and I plan to work in a university library. I will be working as a graduate assistant for the next year doing research, writing and helping with outreach programs. I’m excited to start work in a field more closely related to the career I want to pursue and to collaborate with professionals. Until then, I’ll be working in the Alexandria Public Library helping with the children’s summer reading program.
Life after Ohio State will be a big change. Even through the endless hours of studying, Ohio State is one of the best decisions I made. I want to thank the professors who challenged me, the friends who encouraged me, and the family who supported me. I’m ready to start the next chapter of my education with Kent State and look forward to starting a career where I can use my experience from Ohio State and Kent State.
Emily Hankinson was a student at Ohio State Newark majoring in English and minoring in both Spanish and professional writing. She worked on campus in the Writer’s Studio and off campus in a local library. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in library and information sciences after graduating in May. In her free time, she likes to read young adult novels; travel; and spend time with her friends, family and two cats: Tigger and Sadie.