Student Advisory Board
The Student Advisory Board (SAB) is made up of a group of students representing diverse aspects of the English Department and the University. Among their key duties, they provide important feedback from the English majors at large to the Director of Undergraduate English. Additionally, SAB members participate in English open houses and meet with prospective UMass students who've expressed interest in studying English. They provide majors with invaluable peer advising assistance at the beginning of pre-registration and are there to help majors make informed decisions based on their aims and interests.
Board members can be contacted by email at the individual addresses below; or they can be reached at englishmajor@umass.edu. They can answer questions about courses, the major, specializations, internship and career services, and other English Department and CHFA resources. Stay up to date by reading the SAB newsletter, the SAB BLAB (PDF).
Spring 2023 Student Advisory Board
Laidine Barbosa (lgbarbosa@umass.edu) is a fourth-year English and Spanish double major currently pursuing the American Studies and Social Justice specializations under the English Department. In her proficiency in three languages, she has discovered a love for literature and creative writing beyond different borders and cultures and hopes to become a secondary educator to share her passions with future generations to come. Laidine is dedicated to becoming a voice for diversity in the English field of study and says, “I cannot imagine the type of student I would be if I did not come to UMass. Through life-changing and passionate professors, supportive academic resources, and an incredible sense of community within the English Department I want to be an example for future students of color. Through the SAB, I hope to share my experiences and inspire future leaders through literary studies!”
Chloe Borgida (cborgida@umass.edu) is a sophomore English Major. She says: "I never realized how much of an affinity I had for reading and writing until high school. My English teachers gave me a loving push into higher English classes, and I thrived in those environments. I really want to be that person for the next generation of students, which is why I hope to work as a high school English teacher. I think the SAB will work to unify English enthusiasts of all sectors, and I'm so happy that I got involved early in my university career. I also love being outside! I run, surf, ski, and hike whenever I can!"
Keaira Ecklof (kecklof@umass.edu) says "I'm a sophomore English Major and hoping to add a minor, specialization, or both before my time at UMass ends. My love for reading and writing has been with me my entire life, so my decision to go into college as an English Major felt extremely natural. At this time, I'd love to pursue a career in editing, but I also acknowledge that my time with the SAB will show me a world of career opportunities that I am unaware of. I hope that educating others on these choices inspires me to take paths that I would have never taken before. With this being my first semester at UMass, I am excited for future experiences in the English Department and with the SAB!"
Preston Green (prestongreen@umass.edu) is a third-year English major pursuing a teaching career in secondary education. His interest in English stems from a love for reading, writing, and discussing ideas. Preston enjoys music greatly, is a part of the UMass Chamber Choir, and plays four instruments interchangeably. His passion for English and building connections makes his presence on the SAB all the more meaningful. His own words: “I believe it’s so important to have a passion for what you are working towards. What the SAB is trying to accomplish is helping students from all backgrounds and interests pursue their passion with the most support they can have. I am honored to be a part of the board, and I hope to help many on their own special journeys!”
Erika Madden (eemadden@umass.edu) is a junior English major pursuing specializations in creative writing and teaching of the English language arts. Her interest in English stemmed from a love of reading, and has since expanded into a passion for writing, communication, and expression as well. When asked what she enjoys most about the major, she says, “Being able to explore my love of English through this program has opened up a number of opportunities for me! With so many interesting classes and knowledgeable professors, it’s hard not to fall in love with the major. I look forward to serving on the SAB and connecting with other students to share these opportunities and experiences with them!"
Delaney Walat (dwalat@umass.edu) is a Junior English major interested in pursuing a specialization in Literature as History. Her interest in the major stems from her love of language and history. In her own words, she says, “What makes the English major so captivating is how encompassing it is of my passions for history, literature, and writing. I’ve been able to delve into my own creativity and take a more holistic approach to my studies with the support of my professors and the breadth of opportunities within the major. As a member of the SAB, I’m looking forward to encouraging students to take advantage of the many opportunities the department offers to create a path that is tailored to their interests.”
Fall 2022 Student Advisory Board
Kayleigh Callanan (kcallanan@umass.edu) is a junior English and Political Science Double Major who is interested in a specialization in Social Justice. Her interest in the English major comes from her love for reading, and hopes to one day use her majors to become a lawyer. Although new to the SAB, Kayleigh feels like she understands so much more about the English major because of it, and hopes to help others do the same. When asked about why she loves the major, she she said “I feel as though the English major opens so many doors for communication with others. I love using literature to grow and expand my knowledge, and I hope to use the SAB as a way to be a resource for others as well!”
Preston Green (prestongreen@umass.edu) is a third-year English major pursuing a teaching career in secondary education. His interest in English stems from a love for reading, writing, and discussing ideas. Preston enjoys music greatly, is a part of the UMass Chamber Choir, and plays four instruments interchangeably. His passion for English and building connections makes his presence on the SAB all the more meaningful. His own words: “I believe it’s so important to have a passion for what you are working towards. What the SAB is trying to accomplish is helping students from all backgrounds and interests pursue their passion with the most support they can have. I am honored to be a part of the board, and I hope to help many on their own special journeys!”
Erika Madden (eemadden@umass.edu) is a junior English major pursuing specializations in creative writing and teaching of the English language arts. Her interest in English stemmed from a love of reading, and has since expanded into a passion for writing, communication, and expression as well. When asked what she enjoys most about the major, she says, “Being able to explore my love of English through this program has opened up a number of opportunities for me! With so many interesting classes and knowledgeable professors, it’s hard not to fall in love with the major. I look forward to serving on the SAB and connecting with other students to share these opportunities and experiences with them!"
Spring 2022 Student Advisory Board
Laidine Barbosa (lgbarbosa@umass.edu) is a third-year English and Spanish double major currently pursuing the American Studies and Social Justice specializations under the English Department. In her proficiency in three languages, she has discovered a love for literature and creative writing beyond different borders and cultures and hopes to become a secondary educator to share her passions with future generations to come. Laidine is dedicated to becoming a voice for diversity in the English field of study and says, “I cannot imagine the type of student I would be if I did not come to UMass. Through life-changing and passionate professors, supportive academic resources, and an incredible sense of community within the English Department I want to be an example for future students of color. Through the SAB, I hope to share my experiences and inspire future leaders through literary studies!”
Allysa Cayabyab (mlcayabyab@umass.edu) is a junior English and Legal Studies double major pursuing a certificate in the Medical Humanities. She has always been drawn to literature and was encouraged by mentors to explore those interests. When asked about her interest in the subject, she responded, “I think there’s something so special about stories and storytelling, whatever form they might be in. I have enjoyed being able to explore just how deep that goes and be exposed to so many new learning opportunities. I’m excited to share what I’ve gotten out of the major so far with other students and help them out in any way that I can!"
Erika Madden (eemadden@umass.edu) is a sophomore English major pursuing specializations in creative writing and teaching of the English language arts. Her interest in English stemmed from a love of reading, and has since expanded into a passion for writing, communication, and expression as well. When asked what she enjoys most about the major, she says, “Being able to explore my love of English through this program has opened up a number of opportunities for me! With so many interesting classes and knowledgeable professors, it’s hard not to fall in love with the major. I look forward to serving on the SAB and connecting with other students to share these opportunities and experiences with them!"
Fall 2021 Student Advisory Board
Allysa Cayabyab (mlcayabyab@umass.edu) is a junior English and Legal Studies double major pursuing a certificate in the Medical Humanities. She has always been drawn to literature and was encouraged by mentors to explore those interests. When asked about her interest in the subject, she responded, “I think there’s something so special about stories and storytelling, whatever form they might be in. I have enjoyed being able to explore just how deep that goes and be exposed to so many new learning opportunities. I’m excited to share what I’ve gotten out of the major so far with other students and help them out in any way that I can!"
Leila Elguessab (lelguessab@umass.edu) is a senior English major specializing in Professional Writing and Technical Communication and minoring in Economics. When asked why she chose to major in English, she says “After my first semester of college, I realized that I couldn’t ignore my love of literature and interest in writing. Now, in my senior year, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else! I have taken so many wonderful classes with great professors, and I think the SAB is a great opportunity to share that experience with other students and help them feel connected to and supported by the English Department.”
Kate Nadolski (knadolski@umass.edu) is a junior Spanish and English major specializing in Professional Writing and Technical Communication, and pursuing a minor in business. She says, "I became an English major because I have always had a passion for writing and wanted to continue to strengthen my writing skills throughout my college experience. The various different specializations and career paths the English major offers is something that really appealed to me. I’m excited to start working on the Student Advisory Board to serve as the connection between students and faculty in the English department!"
2020-2021 Student Advisory Board
Samantha Souza (sjsouza@umass.edu) is a senior English major. When asked what drew her to English, she responded, "I have always been passionate about the subject, and declared it as my major during my freshman year because of how many different directions I could go in. I explored different types of English courses before ultimately deciding on pursuing a career as a high school English teacher. I am always happy to discuss with others that there are so many different paths to take as an English major, whether that includes adding a letter of specialization, a minor, or even a secondary major. The professors in the department have greatly assisted me academically and professionally, and I am so excited to serve as an undergraduate voice for the English Department and my peers!"
Madeline Sullivan (madelinesull@umass.edu) is a junior English major. When asked about her experience so far, she responded, “I chose my major because I wanted to follow my passion for teaching and integrate that with my love of literature. Over the past few years, I’ve taken several courses that helped me grow academically. From Old English poetry to 21st century American literature, some incredible professors expand on the material and offer different perspectives. I know many peers who are engaged in specializations that the English department has to offer. These specializations are a great way to encourage students to customize the major to fit their needs and expand on their unique interests. While the University to Schools pathways for teacher licensure aren’t specifically attached to the English department, I’m more than happy to discuss any of the specializations or teaching pathways with any student. I’m really looking forward to serving as an undergraduate voice on the Student Advisory Board and helping peers find their way!”
Sarah Graham (sgraham@umass.edu) is a senior English major specializing in the Study and Practice of Writing and Professional Writing and Technical Communication. What drew Sarah to the English major initially was her love of reading and literature. She loves participating in small discussion-based classes, writing absolutely riveting rhetorical analysis papers, and picking apart a passage word by word. When asked about her experience in being an English major at UMass, Sarah responded, “What I love about the English major is that you have freedom to argue any point, as long as you have the evidence to back it up. My English education has helped me refine my written and communication skills, as well as my research and critical thinking practices. I’ve also come into contact with amazing professors and faculty in the department who are really passionate about helping their students succeed. Through taking English classes at UMass, I’ve become confident in my ability to write well, and I feel thankful that my education allows me to continuously work on my craft. I’m excited to serve on SAB, and I can’t wait to help other students find their way in the English major!”
