Sophia Martin
Sophia Martin, an English major and Creative Writing minor, has brought creativity, kindness, and leadership to the UAF English Department. Recently named the department’s Outstanding Student of the Year, Sophia shares reflections on the classes and experiences that shaped her journey—and the vibrant, welcoming community that made her time at UAF unforgettable.
Which UAF English or Writing class did you enjoy the most? Why?
While I have experienced so much laughter and good conversation in almost every English class I've taken at UAF, I must give an honorable mention to Dr. Samantha Botz's "Survey of British Literature: Romantic Period to the Present." I'm sure that others who took that class in Spring 2024 would agree with me—whether we were discussing deep, heart-shattering topics, or reading "The Masque of Anarchy" in loud, triumphant unison, it was a lovely atmosphere to be a part of. Dr. Botz also gave us the opportunity to be creative with our writing, which was a blessing to those of us who have written one too many academic papers in the last few years.
What was your greatest accomplishment at UAF?
I think I am currently in the process of completing my biggest accomplishment here at UAF. Dr. Joe Holt teaches "Practicum in Literary Publishing," where students are given the wonderful opportunity of editing the Ice Box Literary Journal in a classroom setting. It may seem a small achievement (and it hasn't really even been "achieved yet"), but I have felt more useful to the world now than I did any other semester. While I will always love the art of putting words together, I am now realizing that it's important to me to help others put words together as well. Dr. Holt's class has been a great way to put that realization into practice!
What was your most valuable experience as an English major student at UAF?
Of course, I have received a great deal of wisdom from all of my professors, but I wasn't expecting to learn so much from my classmates. Creative writing classes often put a lot of responsibility on the students, who read and workshop each other's writing rather than receiving feedback solely from the professor. Going forth, I feel incredibly grateful to have learned how to be kind while offering criticism to a peer, and to take their criticism well, too.
What do you think makes the learning experience special at the UAF English Department?
The UAF English Department is full of kindhearted, funny, passionate people. I don't know if it is vastly different from any other English Department, but I do know that Dr. Jericho Williams always walks into the classroom with a smile on his face. And I know that Dr. Jennifer Schell somehow keeps us laughing when the world is cold and dark and stressful. And I know that Dr. Cindy Hardy is always excited to hear a brand-new poem, even though she has doubtless heard thousands. It's difficult to get tired of learning when every professor I take a class with is so eager to make it a pleasant experience. I'm quite sure that is what makes the English Department so special.