Anna Nichols, a BSC success story 

Being an English major granted me a wealth of opportunities. With the guidance of the English faculty, I created my own food writing course, where I learned to write restaurant reviews and articles about my swashbuckling adventures working as a cook and intern in Frank Stitt's kitchens. The flexibility granted in fulfilling my English requirements enabled me to spend my entire junior year studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I took classes that furthered my passions, like food photography and food writing, while also taking intensive Italian and Dante courses.

I couldn't have had more support from the faculty at BSC. I spent the majority of my four years at 'Southern (when I wasn't cooking, reading, goofing off, and generally having a ball) in Dr. (Susan) Hagen's office, picking her brain about what direction my life would take. I discussed delicious entrees and culinary adventures in Dr. (Michael) McInturff's chair. Dr. (Fred) Ashe gave freely of his time, spending hours helping me improve my writing skills and finally instilled in me a love for grappling hooks! And, with the caring and patient guidance of Dr. Cowan, I wrote a book that means the world to me and my family as my senior thesis for the Honors Program. The professors made my time at 'Southern. I am one of those students who needs loving guidance—and those mentors gave it to me ten-fold!

Life after 'Southern has been quite an adventure so far! I moved to Székesfehérvár, Hungary, three months after graduation to teach English and American culture (and no, I don't have a teaching degree!) The experience has been profound. I now comprehend just how much work teaching is! Does the grading, planning, and mentoring ever end?! J I've been able to travel the world a bit more—seeing places my friends at home (who are all engaged, married, or pregnant, by the way—it's coming! After graduation, everyone starts to settle down in droves!) have never seen.

My next adventure will begin in July. A week after I return home from Hungary, I will be moving to Australia to begin the masters of international business and masters of commerce programs at the University of Sydney. I am desperately searching for scholarships, grants, work-study, anything that will help me make my dream a reality. As for the course-load, I feel incredibly prepared. Birmingham-Southern's English Department has molded me into a confident speaker, writer, and student. They taught me how to think, how to analyze, and how to promote myself. I couldn't be more pleased with my education (except that I wish an English degree catapulted you to the best positions in the workforce without the necessity of grad school—pipe dreams nowadays!)

I hope you enjoy your time at BSC and your time with these professors as much as I did! Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like to chat at annaknichols@gmail.com.