Penn State Scranton English student marshal, Halle O’Neil
DUNMORE, Pa. – Penn State Scranton is highlighting the campus' student marshals who will lead their fellow graduates during the 57th commencement ceremony procession on May 10 at The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. In this series, we will feature students selected as marshals for their academic programs. Join us as we explore their academic journeys, insights and advice for future students.
Student Marshal: Halle O'Neil
Major: English, B.A.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: I am attending the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York to get my master's in English.
Q: What was your favorite memory at Penn State Scranton?
A: The Undergraduate Research Fair and Exhibition is always my favorite event on campus. I love presenting my research and seeing my peers do the same. However, this year was especially exciting because I was chosen to be the student speaker at the awards ceremony. I was honored to speak about my research and the other wonderful types of research that happen on our campus.
Q: What was your favorite learning experience?
One of my favorite learning experiences was in my English 200 class. This course acted as the foundation to introduce English students to various schools of criticism and allowed us to truly find what interested us in terms of literary scholarship. Associate Professor of English Eva Tettenborn taught the material in a way that was easy to understand without pushing us toward a certain field. This class really introduced a lot of my love for feminist criticism and gender studies.
Q: What experience prepared you the most for what is next?
A: One experience that really prepared me for what is to come is my experience as a tutor in the Learning and Writing Center. As the lead tutor, I assist with trainings, act as an embedded tutor in the classroom and conduct my own individual sessions with students. As someone who wants to one day work in higher education, this experience has been instrumental to me in discovering different learning styles and ways students work best. It also introduced me to so many wonderful people on our campus.
Q: Who at Penn State Scranton has supported you and how?
A: I want to give a shoutout to the entire English department as well as all of our wonderful professors in the humanities. This group of people has been so abundantly supportive through making time at office hours, engaging in events on campus and even just being available by email. I have learned so many things from my professors, and I really feel as though they are instrumental in my success and my ability to handle future graduate studies. Some people may think the humanities are a dying art, but our faculty keeps them alive and thriving on the Scranton campus!
Q: Do you have any advice for incoming students beginning their Penn State journey?
A: Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or help. If you have a question, a lot of other people probably have it too! Your professors want to help you succeed and understand the material you are working with.
Meet the Marshal series
Stay tuned for as we continue to highlight our student marshals for their outstanding accomplishments. Each individual represents the dedication, talent and spirit of excellence that define the Penn State Scranton community.
