Faculty College Spotlight: Emerson College

Ms. Pam Mackay

English Department

Emerson College

BS in Journalism in 2007

1. How did you come to choose this college/university?

As a high school athlete I knew I wanted to stay connected to athletics. I already wrote for The Devil's Advocate and The Burlington Union. When I decided I wanted to be a sports journalist Mr. Attubato suggested Emerson.

2. In what organizations, clubs, or sports did you participate? 
As a journalist at Emerson you were required to submit work to The Berkley Beacon and create broadcast reports for our school radio station. I also played for the basketball team from my sophomore-senior year.

3. Did you have a job on- or off-campus and what was it? 

I worked at Dunkin Donuts in the Burlington Mall throughout college and continued to work summer camps for the Burlington Recreation Department. Doug Hastings also had me periodically write feature articles for the Union.

4. What was your favorite class?

I like that Emerson made us takes courses on all types of journalism, rather than focusing on one subject matter or medium. I really enjoyed Wartime Journalism. It was a good self-reflective process to wonder if I'd have the courage to enter a war zone as a journalist where I would not be protected. It also provided insight into trying to capture information without becoming biased and the ethical questions of documenting, but not getting involved.

5. What did you like best about your overall college experience?

I LOVED living on Boston Common. The city is an experience unto itself. There's a sense of pride that comes with knowing the T and the crazy lay-out of the streets. Many museums, sporting events, etc. give discounts or free admission to students as well.           

6. How did this particular institution prepare you for your future career and/or help you grow as a learner?

The obvious benefit to my current job is the four years of research and writing experience, which directly connects to skills as an English teacher. However, at Emerson I was surrounded by people who pushed me out of my comfort zone. I watched my peers perform in comedy troupes, bands, plays and create their own films (I was even forced to "act" in a few). It exposed me to people who differed greatly from me and made me more open and understanding of others, which I hope has made me a more compassionate and relatable teacher.   

7. Why do you recommend your alma mater to BHS students?

Emerson is an active school. In retrospect I didn't take advantage as much as I should have in all they offer. However, I loved the school's academic atmosphere as the classes were 20 or less students and lecture halls were 60 or less. In addition, Emerson let me take classes that were specific to my major immediately, rather than piling on GenEds because of my high school grades and test scores. Sorry math, science and history.   

8. Anything else you'd like to add or highlight or advice you'd like to share.

Emerson is a school for passionate people, which is a great fit if you absolutely know what you want to do. However, students who are unsure should find someplace which gives them options to explore more. There is a massive difference between a city school and schools with true campuses and whichever you choose will greatly affect your experiences so know your preference. If you're involved in activities at BHS and unsure about continuing them in college, find somewhere that gives you options. I could've attended Syracuse for journalism, but I couldn't walk onto the basketball team there. I knew I had that opportunity at Emerson if the temptation arose.