Seth Rhoades, a graduate student from Albertville, is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in English. He recently graduated from JSU with a BA in English. Rhoades also contributed to the 2020-2021 issue of JSU’s literary arts journal Something Else, published in April 2021, as an editor and
published writer.

1. Why did you decide to attend JSU?

My decision to attend JSU for my undergraduate degree was largely influenced by money. JSU was the most affordable university I was interested in. However, the friendly, student-centered atmosphere I experienced on campus—particularly in the English Department—made me realize I wanted to stick around while pursuing a graduate degree in English.

2. Why did you choose your major?

For my undergraduate studies, I ended up majoring in English because of how much I enjoyed my English courses. I was originally undecided as a freshman, bouncing around to three other majors in an attempt to find a “practical” degree. Finally, I stopped letting people talk me out of majoring in English and found my home with the English Department. Specifically, I like the broad range of options my degree in English has given me. I decided to pursue a graduate degree so I would be able to teach English at the college level.

3. In your opinion, what is the coolest thing about the English Department?

To avoid sounding redundant, I won’t talk about the atmosphere of the department again. Though, that is something that I have greatly enjoyed about my experiences so far. At this point, I think one of the coolest things about the English Department is the new focus on “concentrations.” Instead of just a general English degree, students can now choose a concentration in Literature, Creative Writing, or Professional Writing. I would have loved this opportunity, so I am excited it is available to students going forward.

4. What do you look forward to as a CAH Ambassador?

I think I am most excited to begin talking to prospective students and English majors about my experiences. I want to share my enthusiasm for the English Department and the other programs offered by the College of Arts and Humanities in order to recruit new students and get them involved. There are so many interesting majors and programs offered in this College that I believe can appeal to a broad range of students. I want to make sure students know all the great things about the College of Arts and Humanities.

5. What clubs/organizations are you involved in?

Currently, I am still in my role as the President of the JSU Writers’ Club. The Writers’ Club is a writing group on campus where students can workshop their writing with peers in order to receive feedback and constructive criticism. In addition, I was involved with the Something Else literary arts journal for the 2020-2021 school year, so I would like to remain involved with the next publication in some capacity. I am also one of the English Department’s Graduate Assistants who work as mentors for some of the freshman students in first-year writing courses.

6. What is your favorite thing to eat and/or drink on/off campus?

This is a hard one. There are so many good places to get a meal on or near campus that it is hard to choose just one. Right now, I think my favorite place to eat off campus is Yamato Hibachi Steakhouse. This is a great place to get authentic Japanese cuisine and some really good sushi.

7. Where is your favorite place to hang out on campus?

My answer for this would have been the library during my undergraduate studies. I often spent my time at the library studying and working on assignments. Now, in my graduate studies, I enjoy spending time in the Writing Center that is located on the second floor of Stone Center. As a GA for the English Department, much of my time is spent in the Writing Center working and mentoring students. However, I am friends with many of the other GAs, so it is nice to spend time in one place working alongside friends.

8. What is the last book/piece of literature you read? What is your favorite?

Most of my reading these days is done for my graduate classes, so it is usually academic in nature. However, I did read a short novel in the spring that I think would be more interesting to talk about. The novel was called We the Animals by Justin Torres. The novel is a coming of age story about a young Latino boy coming to terms with discovering his individual identity and how that affects the dynamic of his family life. I won’t go into too much detail so I don’t spoil anything. It is a very short novel, so it should not be a difficult read by any means. There is also a film adaptation that I used as my topic for the final paper in my Film Studies class this past spring. I do not have a specific favorite book, but We the Animals is a recent favorite that I would
definitely recommend.

9. What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include creative writing (mostly poetry and fantasy/sci-fi fiction), playing video games, watching movies, and spending time with my friends and family. I also like to read, but I don’t have as much time to do that for pleasure anymore. As I mentioned previously, much of my reading is done for my graduate courses. However, most of that is still enjoyable in its own way.

10. What are your post-grad plans?

My immediate post-grad plans are to start applying for teaching jobs at various universities. Ideally, I would like to move straight into a teaching position here at JSU. My end goal is to ultimately end up teaching Creative Writing classes, as that is my main interest in the field of English. I would love to be a part of the burgeoning Creative Writing concentration in the English Department. If that goal requires me to receive a higher degree like an MFA or a PhD, I will eventually look for Creative Writing graduate programs to further my education in that field.

11. What advice would you give a student who is new to JSU?

The main piece of advice that I would give to any student at JSU is to get involved. Joining clubs and organizations is a great way to make friends with shared interests. There are tons of student organizations on campus that represent a myriad of special interests. I’m sure there is at least one that will catch the interest of new students. However, I would extend this advice further than student organizations. I would also suggest that new students get involved with their classes and the departments that house their major of choice. An important part of my college experience has been forming connections with both the faculty and students within the English Department. Cultivating these relationships can result in many valuable opportunities for students as they progress through their
undergraduate education.

12. What course would you recommend to a freshman at JSU?

This might seem biased due to my love of creative writing, but I would recommend the creative writing courses to all students. Even if students are majoring in something completely unrelated to creative writing, I would still suggest they take these courses. I learned so much about creative thinking and storytelling in the creative writing classes I have taken. I believe these creative thinking skills are important no matter what your main area of study is. Plus, they are a fun way to challenge yourself and try something new in a welcoming environment.