The Professor said to write what you know
In the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s song “The Manuscript,” she sings: “The professor said to write what you know.” This is not new or profound advice. It’s an excellent starting point, and Swift herself follows it in her own lyrics. Writing what you know yields authenticity, a unique perspective, and a confident voice. And that’s what I hope for this space to become: A collection of writings about what I know. But before I write what I know, I’d like you to get to know me: Mary Higgins.
Background:
I grew up with my bluecollar family in suburban Texas. I currently live in Reno, Nevada, but, like the average millennial, I’ve lived in 8 different cities throughought my adulthood. I’m a former Bennington girl, PSU alum, and I’ve had the privilege of attending courses at the New School for Social Research. I’ve held jobs across multiple fields at different times in my life including time as a barista, a baker, and a gallery attendant. I’m currently a bookseller, writer, and educator.
Anagogy:
As a professor my anagogy is socratic, rhizomatic, and constructivist. Obviously, I’m Socratic because you can’t take the philosophy out of the girl. But I also believe students learn best when they are trusted with their own education. By using real world synthesis and student preference, as well as allowing direct student input during planning, I’m able to connect students to the bigger picture when it comes to writing and reading, even if it’s not an activity they necessarily enjoy.
Interests:
Speaking of interests, here are a few of my own obsessions: literature; pop-culture; generational identity; Taylor Swift; phenomenology; hermeneutics; Virginia Woolf; fragments; late-stage capitalism and socialism; social aesthetics and artistic movements; Joan Didion; intersectional feminism; body politics; the 1970s; the American west
Outside of academia I have a cat named Henry Higgins. I like baking, writing, beach picnics, strolling parks, Sanrio, swimming, flower arranging, cocktails, Sailor Moon, a good glass of wine, and the Chilis triple dipper.
Based on these traits (what I know about myself), it is my hope that this space will become one of academic inspiration, pop-culture analysis, and studious motivation.
The professor said to write what you know. I’m the professor, and this is what I know…