Elise English
What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
Since my first year at Wake Forest, I have identified that I struggle with imposter syndrome in academic settings. Throughout my four years here, I have been able to prove to myself that I am fully capable and that I belong on this campus. I have grown in confidence tremendously.
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
Serving as a YoungLife leader as a local WSFC public high school has been very meaningful to me during my college experience. YoungLife is a Christian ministry that works to share the love of Christ with adolescents. I have had the opportunity to mentor many high school girls through family challenges, decision-making, and academic stress. This role has been so fulfilling and I now feel very connected to the greater Winston-Salem community.
What song or songs will always remind you of your time at Wake Forest? Why?
When I hear “All Too Well: 10 Minute Version” by Taylor Swift, I will always be transported to my freshman year, when my friends stayed up late in the Angelou lounge to wait for Taylor’s “Red” album release. My friends and I loved this song and would play it in the car while driving through the roads of Winston-Salem.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
My favorite class outside of my major has been Afro-Cuban Drumming! This class has allowed me to reintroduce music into my life, something that I have missed since high school. The community created in this class is heart-warming and uplifting. Learning how to drum and the history of drumming is captivating and I look forward to this class each week.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
My favorite Wake Forest Tradition is Pitsgiving! The Pit is one of my favorite places on campus and to see the room decked out in decorations and elaborate food spreads always makes me so happy and excited to share a special meal with my friends. Students on campus are so dedicated to claiming their tables and everyone, even the Pit staff have authentic smiles on their face on the day of Pitsgiving.
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
I was surprised by how geographically diverse my peers and close friends are. I have friends from all around the country and the world, and it has been so fun to be able to visit many of their hometowns.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
My central group of friends, which has transformed and strengthened throughout my college experience has made the biggest impact on my Wake Forest experience. We are able to lean on each other through the hard and exciting moments. We celebrate each other and support each other in all of our extracurricular. I have learned so much from their wisdom and unique lived experiences.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
Having the opportunity to write and present a Senior Oration was the most rewarding experience I had as a Wake Forest student. I was able to reflect deeply on my collegiate experiences while writing the essay and presenting the essay felt so full circle. I saw my closest friends and professors in the audience, listening to my personal reflections on the academic and personal transformation I experienced at Wake Forest.
Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?
I have always wanted to be a lawyer. However, as a first year student at Wake Forest, I became so captivated with several different disciplines that led me to explore and consider many different career paths, all of which still led back to law. I value this time of exploration though, because I was able to learn more about my self both academically and personally. It was made clear to me in my first year that I did not need to have my future all figured out, and this was very beneficial to my development through my four years.