Please join us in welcoming Villanova English majors Ava Lundell, Erin Neilsen, Sarina Sandwell, and Amanda Smith, who joined the Student Advisory Council at our meeting at the beginning of the month. You can learn more about them below. For bios and pics of all the members of the 2020-21 Student Advisory Council, see here.
The Student Advisory Council plays a critical role in making the English major a vibrant, welcoming community. Members serve as consultants for the faculty and as peer advisers for new majors. They also help promote the major to prospective and undeclared students throughout the academic year. If you're interested in joining, please contact Dr. Joe Drury at joseph.drury@villanova.edu.
Ava Lundell (alundell@villanova.edu)
I am a sophomore English major with minors in History and Public Administration. I grew up in Washington, D.C., but most of my family lives in the Midwest (either around Michigan or in Chicago). Growing up in D.C. definitely shaped my career goals, instilling in me the importance of policy and politics in changing American lives for the better. Therefore, I plan to enter the field of public policy (more specifically, education policy). After graduating, I would like to work with Teach for America for two years and then pursue my Master’s in education policy. I hope to further promote equal access to quality education for all Americans. My extracurricular activities include Blue Key Society and InterVarsity. I am also a research assistant for two professors investigating disability discussions in K-12 education. I love to read, especially historical fiction novels! One of my current favorites is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Erin Neilsen (eneilsen@villanova.edu)
I am a sophomore student from Nashville, Tennessee. I am majoring in English and minoring in Business and Communication. At Villanova, I am a member of NOVAdance Committee, and I serve as the Chi Omega Philanthropy Chair. Outside of Villanova, I have started my own swim lesson business FINS and am often found outside exercising! As a member of the Student Advisory Council, I am looking forward to sharing my positive experience with the Villanova English Department with current and prospective students.
Sarina Sandwell (ssandwel@villanova.edu)
I am a sophomore English major with a Chinese minor. At Villanova, I am an orientation counselor, as well as host of the radio show “altronica” on Villanova WXVU where I play indie/alternative/rock music. My favorite books are Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison and There There by Tommy Orange. I am also a huge fan of the science fiction and horror genres. After graduation, I plan to continue studying literature in the hopes of pursuing a career in teaching.
Amanda Smith (asmit151@villanova.edu)
I am a junior English major with minors in Education and Spanish from Wilton, CT. At Villanova I work as a tutor in the Villanova Writing Center, am a member of and the secretary of Club Judo, and serve as a leader in the Sophomore Service Learning Community. I have passions for service and working with kids and throughout my time at Villanova I have always made time to serve in a school in the areas surrounding our campus. After I graduate, I hope to earn my teaching certification to teach elementary education.
