Graduating senior’s compass pointed her to an English degree with a side trip to Ireland

George Mason University senior Katarina Benson has had five different majors throughout her college career. “Choosing what to study [was] very difficult for me, because so many fields interest me,” said Benson, who transferred from Delaware Valley University. 

Benson, who grew up in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, previously majored in agribusiness, film and video, among other subjects before choosing and completing an English degree with a concentration in cultural studies. 

“I’ve always loved reading and English was my favorite subject in middle school, so I eventually found my way back to where I was supposed to be,” said Benson, who is in the Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. 

Benson wore many hats during her time at George Mason including editor-in-chief of Her Campus, a peer reviewer on the photography and the poetry and prose teams for Volition Literary and Arts magazine, a member of the George Mason’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and a buddy in the International Buddy Program.  

Benson took advantage of George Mason’s study-abroad opportunities in summer 2024 by attending the University of Galway in Ireland for four weeks for the International Summer School where she took two classes, “Representing Ireland: Literature and Film” and “The Archaeological Heritage of Ireland.” Learn more about her study-abroad experience.  

She also worked as an editorial assistant to the university’s Mason Spirit magazine and as a public relations student coordinator in George Mason’s Office of University Branding. 

What’s your best memory of George Mason? 

I have so many good memories from the past few years but I’ll always remember when my family came to visit for Homecoming 2023. My dad, brother, and I spent the morning together making waffles in my dorm kitchen and then we went to the tailgate. George Mason men’s basketball won, and it was a really great game! I’m really close with my family and Homecoming was a great opportunity to enjoy George Mason together. 

How have you grown while at George Mason? 

George Mason and specifically our English Department, is one of the most welcoming and diverse communities I’ve ever been a part of. The understanding and accepting space they’ve given me has allowed me to truly explore my interests and identity. I have learned so much about myself over the past few years because of the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met at George Mason.  

Best piece of advice for incoming students? 

Don’t limit yourself. I’ve tried so many new things that I've unexpectedly loved! One of my favorite experiences was going abroad, and I didn’t know if that was something I felt fully comfortable doing until I took the risk and went anyway. I had an amazing time and highly recommend just going for whatever it is that you may want to do!  

What’s next for you? 

I’m taking a gap year and freelance writing. Then most likely going to graduate school. I plan on getting a master’s in something English-related; it’ll probably end up being either cultural studies, literature, or library science.