Kelly Kim
What was your favorite book, film, or thesis, paper title, etc. from out of Literature?
I really loved Caitlin’s indigenous film class / seminar. I really wish I had taken more film classes! I have recommended this class to my friends and a couple have taken it! 🙂
What was your favorite book, film, or thesis, paper title, etc. from out of Literature?
Truly my favorite work was Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, which I focused my thesis on. I worked with Wiebke Denecke to write a thesis centered around the presence and depiction of human flourishing and transcendence in The Vegetarian.
Do not be afraid to explore areas you are not familiar with! I found the most joy in learning about areas of literature I did not come into MIT being interested in initially. From indigenous film to East Asian literature, I found immense interest and joy in discovering new texts and fields within literature. And get to know your professors! They are always willing to “nerd out” about texts, offer recommendations beyond the syllabus, and sometimes even willing to be a thesis advisor! They want to speak and work with students! 🙂
Fun Fact: What’s your favorite animal? Why and how does it relate to literature or your work?
My favorite animal is a highland cow. When I look up their personality / characteristics, they are apparently known to be laid back, gentle, and curious. Literature, to me, is an area that I find comfort and curiosity in. There is so much to be discovered. Texts and works range from being a casual read to mind-blowing and complex. Curiosity and discovery is at the heart of literature.