ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø

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Samantha Buturla

Class of 2024

BA, Writing and Rhetoric/MA, Communications and Digital Media

How did you become interested in pursuing a BA in Writing and Rhetoric and as part of a combined degree program with the MA in Communications and Digital Media?

I have always loved to write and create real and fictional stories, and it took coming to ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø and enrolling in a Critical Writing course with Professor Joan Drago—based on the New York City campus—to set me down this path. I dedicate my interest in writing and in this degree to her, as she provided sincere feedback on my writing and a sense of urgency to never stop writing.

I wanted to enroll in the Writing and Rhetoric, BA and Communications and Digital Media, MA combined degree program so that I could apply my expanded interests towards a future career. As an undergrad, I have taken several Media, Communications, and Visual Arts courses as open electives (casting and event planning, to name a few) and enjoyed every moment. This combined degree program allows my writing and creative thinking skills to be challenged while I map out a career within which I feel both secure and happy.

Why did you choose to attend ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø?

I chose to attend ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø because I felt in my heart that something great was waiting for me here. I am originally from Massachusetts and have also lived in North Carolina and Georgia, where my family currently resides. I had always known I wanted to go to college in New York, but finding and attending ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø was entirely unplanned. It’s important to follow and listen to your heart and that is why I chose to attend ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø.

What have your experiences been like with the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies Department? Have certain faculty been instrumental in your journey?

My experiences with the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies department have been full of interesting, positive, and supportive times in more ways than one. This department has become a second home and safe place where my fellow classmates and professors provide support. There are people here who care and want to see me succeed; they have helped push me to become a better version of myself. Faculty such as the department chair, Robert Mundy, DA, Alysa Hantgan, PhD, Dana Cadman, PhD, and Jo-Ann Schlesinger, PhD, have all played a crucial role in my success and accomplishments throughout my journey at ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø.

My experiences with the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies department have been full of interesting, positive, and supportive times in more ways than one. There are people here who care and want to see me succeed; they have helped push me to become a better version of myself.

What activities and organizations have you been involved with as a student?

I am the president and managing editor of , the literary and arts magazine for students by students, which creates annual issues full of art, poetry, fiction, and more. Previously, I was secretary and senator for the organization and am excited to enter my third year with them.

What internships have you had as a student?

In fall 2023, I was a volunteer for a local non-profit theater in Pleasantville called Arc Stages, which resulted in an internship for the spring semester. My role consisted of being an assistant teacher in children’s theater classes, researching social media marketing, and volunteering time to hang up posters for shows and working concessions for them. It has been so incredible to be involved with an amazing theater surrounded by people who have the same passions as I do. The opportunity came through the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies department and was one of my greatest experiences as a ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø student. I will be resuming my same responsibilities for Arc Stages when I return this fall 2024.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

I would like to be a published poet and/or screenplay writer. There is so much still to learn and experience; I have many, equal interests in writing and theater, so I hope to have a career somewhere between the two.

What advice would you like to give to our current students?

Be kind to yourself and remember to ask for help even if you are the type of person to push through. Your classmates and professors are here to help you succeed; you are not alone here.