Sophia Sanchez

Why FSU?

When I first began my journey to pursue a graduate degree in my field, I was drawn to FSU’s Department of English for a few reasons. I was intrigued by the sheer variety in the work being done by both the faculty and current students, particularly in relation to new media and cultural studies. What truly confirmed my interest, however, was the first visit to campus and meeting with these exemplary individuals face-to-face. The sincerity and enthusiasm with which they came to their work and collaboration with each other both within and beyond the classroom made me feel drawn to stay. I wish to continue to seek out these conversations, and to develop my own ideas alongside them.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I’ve loved my field for as long as I can remember, even if the reason behind that love has evolved over time. After completing my master’s, I knew that I could not consider my work or interest in literature and digital media “finished” by any means--I was simply not satisfied enough to conclude my studies. I don’t think after I complete my work here that I will ever find myself “finished” with being a student, but I want to push myself as far as I can. Likewise, I realized that my goal was not only to pursue what I love for myself, but for my students. I have been teaching since I graduated with my master’s, and in all this time I’ve learned that sharing what I have been given with others enriches my experience with this field far more than working in isolation.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research is centered on developing a better understanding of how literature and media have changed following the Covid-19 Pandemic. Technology itself has of course played a role--the available means for storytelling have changed drastically even in just the last five years. However, the texts I focus on are not always directly connected to advancements in text technologies or even to this shared tragedy itself, but to the lingering effects of such chaos I felt have left an unmistakable mark on how and why we produce such art as we do now. While this research may not heal the world’s hurts in a tangible sense, I think it is important to pay attention to the things we create to respond to these hurts.

Career aspirations

I wish to continue to work with students as a post-secondary educator while pursuing my own research interests and publications. Being a teacher has proven to be one of the hardest and yet most fulfilling things I have done with my degree thus far, and I could not imagine doing anything else aside from combining these two dreams. I don’t wish to learn just for myself but to give back what I have learned to others, as my own beloved teachers have done for me--and to learn from my students in turn.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Allow yourself to pursue it wholeheartedly--don’t get caught up in the “what if’s,” and don’t put yourself or what you want down. Every step, no matter how small it may seem, is a step taken forward. Read often and early on in your field--see where your interests lie beyond where you expect them to be, and take classes you wouldn’t otherwise consider if you have even a sliver of interest when possible. I thought I would despise literary theory, and suddenly it was my favorite part of my degree, etching itself into all my analysis and literary criticism! Be kind to yourself, and strive to remember why you are doing this, especially when it’s hard.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am proud of completing my master's thesis titled "The Internet Uncanny Turned Canny: Hyperrealism in Bo Burnham’s Inside.” I was also recently awarded the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship.