“The atmosphere of the community here is very relaxed and sociable. The learning community is generous and thoughtful.”
With a strong passion for fictional writing, Vatuazenj has always known that English was the subject of study that most interested him. However, after coming to Gustavus and questioning his future career plans, he decided to focus on digital media in an effort to inspire the next generation of artists and writers. Vatuazenj says, “My hope is to pass on that spark of imagination and hope onto people of the future so that they can one day continue on that path of creating new stories to tell.”
As an English major, Vatuazenj has gained a deep appreciation for the atmosphere of the English Department. He even appreciates the building Confer/Vickner, in which most English classes take place, and describes it as cozy, saying “It might not be the biggest or the newest building on campus but it’s a warm and welcoming place that is home to some of the most diverse professors you will ever meet on campus.”
Vatuazenj’s favorite professor within the department is Professor So Young Park. He appreciates the engaging nature of Professor Park’s classes, saying that she is able to break awkwardness in class to foster engaging conversations in which all students are able to participate. He says, “It’s in this environment with Professor Park where I feel while it still may be a class I can enjoy myself and get lost in the conversations and lectures at ease without feeling an ounce of worry.” While Professor Park is his favorite, Vatuazenj has appreciated every professor that he has taken a class with in the English department, and has felt endlessly supported and encouraged by them. He appreciates how knowledgeable the English faculty is in a variety of specialties and students’ opportunities to learn from their professors’ wisdom. Additionally, Vatuazenj appreciates classroom dynamics within the department that foster open conversations and allow students to gain perspective from each other. The atmosphere of English classes creates an environment of relaxation instead of a place to do busywork.
Outside of his time spent in the English department, Vatuazenj is also involved at Gustavus with various student organizations such as ASU, HACO, and DLC.