Featured Freshman: Acacia Welsford

by Morgan Mann

I came across Acacia Welsford in an ENG 325 discussion when, amid the awkward silence, she spoke up with an equally academic and eloquent response. Even in the first few weeks of class, her comments on various texts and theories prove to be insightful and impressive. She isn’t intimidated by an upper-division course like I was, and she seems to be a natural English major. Her confidence in her analytical abilities is apparent, and no matter the subject she is always interesting to talk to. I’m so happy I had the opportunity to interview Acacia, and am glad you’re taking this opportunity to get to know her too.

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Why English?

I chose English as a major going into college because I decided it was the class in high school that I left the happiest from. I also realized that the parts of English few of my classmates liked, like analysis and close reading, were things that I really enjoyed, and so I felt like pursuing them further and learning how to do them better would be well worth it.

Do you have any other majors/minors/academic interests?

I’m interested in the possibility of adding a music minor in the future.

What’s your favorite genre/author/book right now? Why?

My favourite thing to read right now has been poetry. It’s quick and easy to fit in in short breaks between classes! Some of my favorite poets are Allen Ginsberg and Gwendolyn MacEwan.

What are you most excited to learn about?

I’m most excited to learn and read things I’d never have heard about or had the chance to read if I hadn’t taken college English courses. I’m excited to find out more about the different periods of literature and the thoughts that people were thinking as they were writing during them.

What do you like to do around UP/Portland in your free time?

I row for UP and when I’m not rowing or in class I like to hike or go to the gym or go on runs near campus. I love the Saturday market, and hope to go explore some of the city’s many coffee shops sometime soon! 

What’s your favorite flower?

My favorite flower is the Bachelor’s Button.

Now that you know a little more about Acacia, keep an eye out for her in your classes, in the poetry aisle, or out on the Bluff running. Maybe even grab a friendly cup of coffee with her to experience her amiable insights firsthand.