Fuzzy Pink Flamingo Slippers

If you were to ask why Emma Campbell chose Washington College, most likely she would tell you the Rose O’Neill Literary House. With its cheerful, welcoming appearance, as well as the unique individuals, events, and other opportunities inside, Emma felt that she found a place where she could not only explore her own creative writing talents, but also to leave her own literary mark.

 

Upon walking into the Rose O'Neill Literary House and meeting the residing faculty, Emma instantly became comfortable within its rich, friendly atmosphere — and knew right away she had to be a part of it. 

“I thought it was so unique and so homey, and just completely different from a staple that I had seen at every other school,” she said. “I also spoke to the director, Dr. Hall, that day, and he was wearing fuzzy pink flamingo slippers, and I was like, ‘This place is great, this place is actually home...I have to go here.’” 

Drawn to the distinctiveness of the Lit House — which included some faculty’s fashionable footwear and the wide space of the second floor Conference Room — and the supportive English and creative writing programs, Emma submitted an application to attend Washington College. She credits most of her fondest memories back to that same campus staple, as well as the English department for further fueling her writing aspirations.  

“It’s kind of hard to call yourself a writer [because] it feels just too big of a title — like you have to prove yourself to be a writer,” she said. “But I think, from the first day I came to Washington College, I felt that all the professors validated me in that way and called me a writer, treated me like a member of their community… and that has been really important to me.” 

Despite branching out towards other commitments at the college, including rushing for and becoming a member of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega, interning at the literary agency Treeoity U.S., and becoming the Opinion Editor of the student-led on-campus newspaper, The Elm, Emma always strives to make the time to come back to where it all started -- and where she hopes both current and potential students will be inspired by those same unique experiences as she was. 

“There’s just so many great opportunities,” she said. “At the end of the day, being an English major is all about communicating, and understanding human emotion and condition... it’s comforting to know that I can take this major and do anything I want with it.”