How was studying at the ASC like?

It was like a breath of fresh air. I did my bachelor in political science and I absolutely hated that. At ASC I could finally focus on what I loved: art and culture.  I was one of the few students without an English philology background so the beginnings were a little difficult because of the language itself. But I got a lot of help from my friends and was able to catch up with the group.

What did you like most about our Center?

That I could focus on things I was actually interested in. That I could read books, watch movies that I already loved as a part of my curriculum. And the people… we created a fantastic group of friends that are still friends more than 10 years after we graduated. 

Your best memories?

They are all connected to the people I’ve met. I loved the ASC picnics. My friends, fixing my very badly written essays (grammar, spelling etc). And I met my husband thanks to the ASC – that’s probably memory number one 🙂

What did you like the most about the MA program?

The whole vibe of ASC was very different from my Bachelor program. More open, more flexible. Very different relationship between students and teachers. I don’t remember a single course that I chose that was boring to me. I could finally watch movies and read books that I loved as a part of my curriculum – a dream come true. I was also exposed to so many new books, essays, movies etc. 

What skills have you gained while studying that you think you would not acquire anywhere else?

My English improved (had to) very fast. I was finally taught what real critical thinking was, how to analyze a text of culture properly. A lot of things were challenging for me, but it was all worth it. 

In what way the experience of studying at the ASC influenced your future career choices and helped you get to the place where you are today, both professionally and personally?

That’s a very difficult question. I always wanted to write in my professional life but it took me a very long time to finally feel comfortable enough to try that as a real career. All the culture related classes definitely broadened my horizons and taught me a lot about literature analysis, a very important skill for a person who is now analyzing scripts and trying to fix them. But the best value was friendships. Big part of my closest friends are people I’ve met at the ASC.

What do you do professionally at the moment and in what way have American Studies provided you with knowledge and skills to pursue such path? 

I was working as a cultural journalist for almost 14 years. 2 years ago I left that behind and now I’m a screenwriter and a script doctor/movie consultant. Like I mentioned before, the crucial part of my job is being able to complete a detailed and critical analysis of a given text, and that is something that I’ve learned at the ASC.

Has someone at the ASC had a particular impact on you and inspired you in some way?

I loved classes with Prof. Basiuk, Prof. Graff  and Prof. Krasuska. They taught me a lot about text analysis. 

Would you choose the program again?

Absolutely. I wish I could study there from the beginning of my university life. I wasted 3 years studying political science.

To whom would you recommend pursuing a degree in American Studies?

Anybody who is interested in culture, who loves literature, movies, art. 

What advice would you give to a younger self?

To start a career path that I always wanted sooner and not be afraid of what other people might think.

Any other thoughts you would like to share? 

I really do recommend ASC! It was a great 2 years for me. Even the “boring” classes. If you want to read books and talk about them with smart people – ASC is a faculty for you.