Intern Spotlight of Fall 2023… Alicia Allen!

Introducing our intern for this fall, Alicia Allen! She is a fourth-year student at Mount Allison University, who is completing an honours in Visual and Material Cultural Studies and majoring in English Literature. She is also the president of the Creative Writing Society - with her co-president Kelsey Ross - and is the president of the VMCS society here on campus at Mount A! As a mature student, she’s faced a few challenges along the way which she says, “helped her prepare for the ‘real’ world” and “made her ready for taking on new challenges.” Read on to get to know Alicia!

Q: What is your favourite aspect of Mount Allison University?

A: I would have to say just the community in general. I’ve been to other universities in the past and they didn’t have as warm and welcoming of a community as this one. I find those in positions of authority really want to be here and want to help students and it makes them much more accessible for people like me who are a little shy or nervous about approaching them for help throughout the year. I especially love the Meighen Centre and all the work they do in helping students succeed.

Q: What are your goals with a VMCS honours degree?

A: I aim to continue on from this into a grad school degree in communications where I can work with people and visual culture on a daily basis. I’m still a little nervous about this as I’m a first-generation student, but I’m eager to explore my options after graduation with the mentoring of great profs like Dr. Beck.

Q: Lastly, if you could have your dream career what would that look like?

A: Honestly, I’m torn between being a full-time successful author and just working with people. I love to crowdwork and build community with others. I’ve spent past jobs working in non-profits and foodbanks and I really enjoyed the feeling of helping others, so definitely something along those lines.