PROFILE: Mina Dixon
Meet Mina!
Mina Dixon is a junior English and Journalism major from Rockville, Maryland, a place she affectionately refers to as "the suburb-iest suburb around." She got her first taste of the news world as part of The Washington Post''s Great Young Journalist's program and has since used her interest in reporting and writing to branch out into the fields of education and politics. Ambitious and highly involved on campus, Mina hopes to one day write for The New Yorker.
What have been some of your most memorable experiences at Maryland so far?
This year I was a TA for an upper-level English class. I worked with a professor I deeply respect and admire, held writing workshops and review sessions, and even taught my very own class about the artistic appropriations that Shakespeare's Othello inspired. It was a great, great, great time. I never thought I would be capable of standing in front of a class for 75 minutes and leading a conversation the entire time!
This year, I also went to Los Angeles as a part of the Alternative Spring Break trip offered here. The trip's focus was on healthcare and we explored how extraordinary members in diverse communities stepped up to provide much-needed services.
A lot of my favorite memories seem to revolve around living in Anne Arundel Hall. I'm always getting whisked off to some kind of marathon cookie-baking session or pancake dinner that's happening in the basement—there are always several people on hand to rescue me from a night full of homework and tedium!
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After college, I hope to be writing in some capacity. Or teaching. Or, now that I'm a press intern on the Hill, involved in politics somehow. Everything I've tried, I've really enjoyed; so I don't know what I'll settle on! I do know that I would like to do Teach for American immediately after school. It's a two-year commitment that strives to close the education gap in this country. Years down the line, I'd like to contribute to The New Yorker. It is kind of my life's ambition.
You seem very active, what other things are you been involved with on campus?
I volunteer with America Reads/America Counts and tutor kids at an area elementary school. I'm also a member of Phi Sigma Pi, an Honors co-ed frat on campus. I was on the service committee this past semester and took part in a 5k run for Teach for America and other fun events.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to take advantage of Maryland's proximity to DC and hang out in the city. I used to dance quite a bit when I was younger, so I've taken to signing up for Ballet classes in DC. I've also started Irish dancing and performed with an Irish-dance group here on campus. I think Riverdance is in my future. . .
I also enjoy experimenting with slurpee flavors, holding spontaneous dance parties in my room, reading out on McKeldin Mall, and watching TLC!
What advice would you give to incoming freshman?
My advice to incoming freshman would be to keep an open mind and try
as many new things as possible. The First Look Fair is a great way to
explore all the great clubs on campus. I would also suggest you find blocks
in your day to get work done, so you can enjoy pancake dinners and free
movie previews with a guilt-free conscience!
