Emma Mulhall

The Quill sat down with Emma Mulhall, who is our former Editor.  Having graduated in 2023, she is currently attending Vanderbilt University.

Richie Kaffaga 

Class of 2024

• Tell me what courses you’ve taken and if you have a favorite or least favorite one. If you do, why is it your favorite/least favorite subject?

Well I’ve taken the basics in high school (math, English, social studies, science, Spanish, ROTC, and of course band), and some APs: World History, Seminar, Research, United States History, Language, Literature, Biology, and Microeconomics. I would say that my favorites were AP US History, and Literature because I loved their content and am personally stronger in the humanities. My least favorite was probably AP Biology. I loved having class with Mr. Buckley, I am just not a science person!

As for my college courses, I am taking an education class called “Society, school, and the Teacher”, an immersive Spanish class, an English composition class, an interesting history class called “The United States During the Seventies” (my professor is the winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for History which is just so cool!), and unfortunately for me, a biology class and the lab component. I would have to say that my education class is my favorite because it focuses on the career I plan on pursuing. You could probably guess which one is my least favorite.

• What do you think are the strengths of GHS?

Greenport High School is a uniquely small school that educates students from many different backgrounds and offers multiple opportunities for all students. After graduating, I can proudly say that I came from a diversely populated school that enabled me to become a well-rounded and open-minded individual, two characteristics a person needs when going out into the world. 

• If you had to go back and do your high school experience all over again, what would you change and why?

I was a serious student with the “All work and no play” mindset. As the end of my first semester of college is quickly approaching, I have realized how much more fun I could have had during my time at Greenport if I had only let my guard down just a little as I have here in Nashville. If I could somehow build a time machine to go back, I would try to enjoy smaller things both in and out of the classroom; you cannot let academics take so much priority that you start acting more like a hollow shell rather than an actual person. I would tell myself that it is okay to laugh at that joke being said, speak up when you have something to say, or even just dance at Prom! You only get one high school experience, be sure to enjoy it!

• Is there something that you will always remember from your high school experience?

All of the opportunities I was able to experience, the activities I was involved in, and how excellent and caring my teachers were.

• Can you discuss a project or paper that you were particularly proud of during your high school career?

Of course. My AP Research paper discussed the causational relationship between dance classes and personality development in adolescents. At the time it was very stressful and intimidating to write a 5,000-word paper and present my findings in front of a panel of teachers. However, looking back I am so proud of the work I did for that paper especially since I was able to dive into a topic I was interested in. If you can, take AP Research, it definitely prepares you for what is to come as you move forward in your academic career. 

• Name a book you’ve read recently outside of school. Did you like it/dislike it? (Note: this is one of the most common alumni interview questions).

There are so many to choose from but I’ll narrow the list down to two. The first is Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I am a HUGE fan of Gaiman’s work and I loved this book. I am usually a fan of thrillers but once in a while, I enjoy fantasy and I can easily see why this magical story is considered to be one of his best. The second is Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson. This book was extremely relatable (themes of growing up and social awkwardness), and I even got to meet the author at one of Vanderbilt’s guest lecture events. Mr. Wilson gave so many great tips for aspiring writers and is a very humble and kind man overall. Getting to see the content of his character made me enjoy the book even more! I would also add The Girls in the Garden by one of my favorite authors Lisa Jewell but I have not finished it yet!

• What are your most notable interests and hobbies, and how are you pursuing them?

As someone double majoring in Secondary Education and English it should come as no surprise that I love reading and writing. However, I love music even more! Unfortunately, I was unable to bring my flute to Nashville with me but I was able to bring my newest instrument, the electric bass guitar. I am currently trying to train my ear on this instrument (sheet music can be very expensive!) by listening to the bass lines in popular songs. So far, I have been able to master a few pieces by Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, and Queen just by listening to the bass lines on repeat. Additionally, Nashville is commonly known as “Music City” so there are always music events around every corner that I have enjoyed attending with my friends.  

• What activities are you involved in at school? Which are the most important to you?

This year, I am taking a break from the many, many extracurricular activities that I was involved in during my time at GHS and have only joined one organization (but I am hoping to join more in the future). The club I am currently in is the “Vanderbilt Historical Review” (VHR) which is an undergraduate-run research journal that publishes articles, book reviews, and research papers discussing a unique historical topic from students in Universities all over the world. I applied for the club because it combines two of my favorite things, writing, and history, and was ecstatic when they accepted me! Being a member of the editorial staff has been so rewarding and fun!

• What have you personally gotten out of your involvement in your activities?

I have enjoyed getting to know a small number of Vanderbilt students who have both similar and unique interests in history. I also enjoy getting involved in an organization that fits my interests (English and History). Additionally, this is a very rewarding experience as I get to read some incredible and unique pieces of research. For example, I was able to review a piece that discussed the historical fear of werewolves and shapeshifters in Lorraine, France (so interesting)! I know what you’re probably thinking, “Isn’t that a lot of work?”-- Yes, it can be. Reviewing a 10-30 page paper, and evaluating and editing it on top of my normal homework once a week is a lot of work, but it is work I enjoy doing.

• Do you have what you would consider to be any particularly unique interests?

While not really “unique”, some may be surprised to learn that I love exploring. Every weekend one of my roommates and I just go out, sometimes with no planned destination. We sometimes end up walking around for hours on end just because we can. Nashville is home to so many great attractions and my favorites so far have been the Frist Art Museum and the Parthenon at Centennial Park. The latter is conveniently across the street from Vanderbilt’s campus!