Emma M. G. Kazal

Emma M. G. Kazal

Bachelor of Arts

English

My years at Oberlin were defined by a constant flux - of new people, interests, and experiences - that makes it difficult to sum up my life here neatly. Looking back, I recognize myself first and foremost in my communities. My three years dining and one semester living in Harkness made the co-op the backbone of my Oberlin life, and I consider that charmingly gross building to be my true home on campus. Many of my favorite Oberlin memories come from leaning into the chaos of that community, from full moon jellyfish parades to shows in the dungeon. Although I only joined OSteel my senior year, that group also really carried me and brought a lot of joy to my life. I loved being an English major and wrote my capstone on Philip Pullman, imaginative mapping, and the imperial legacy of children's literature. I was also lucky to dabble in the dance department in my last two years, taking three classes and a winter term intensive that broadened my perspective and elevated my experience as a student. Mostly, I spent a lot of time writing papers at Slow Train, eating vegetable proteins, going to shows, and walking around.

Trinity College Dublin, spring semester 2019.

CDS student staff

The stone circle overlooking the arb is a meaningful spot for me... a good place for journalling, stargazing, gossiping, making phone calls, dancing around, etc.

European Modernism and the World with Jed Deppman, Capoeira Angola I with Justin Emeka, Nature and Transcendentalism with T.S. McMillin. All three made me think about what successful and creative teaching can look like, in totally different ways.

Acapelicans

Gear Co-op

Oberlin Student Cooperative Association

OSteel

WOBC: Oberlin College & Community Radio

My final OSteel show sticks out as the last hurrah before lockdown. We played everything we knew (and somethings we didn't really know) and I've never had more fun while being so devastated. I was blown away by the size and energy of the crowd - it filled the panyard and everyone was dancing. Everyone I love at this school was in one room. That's a really special memory for me.

05/25/2020

My goal is to become a high school English teacher in the next couple of years. Short term, I'm staying in Oberlin for the summer and moving back home to Toronto once my lease runs out.