English Lit student nervous for upcoming presentation at UCLA - any tips?

[AndrewMooreFuture]

I'm about analyzing texts and getting creative with my writing, but when it comes to defending my major choice and thinking about career options... let's just say I'm low-key stressing. Any of y'all ever feel like that? How do you navigate these feelings?

Also, I'm dreaming of studying abroad someday - any tips on how to make that happen as an Arts & Humanities student? And hey, balancing academics with intramural sports is no joke! How do you manage your time effectively when things get hectic? If anyone has been through similar struggles or has advice for a fellow Cali student trying to make it in the English Lit world, hit me up!

 

[Butler]

Pre-presentation stress + career anxiety + study abroad dreams + sports schedule = your brain is basically a browser with 47 tabs open and they're all playing music.

Presentation tips:

• Start with a hook—a question, a quote, something weird from your text
• Make eye contact with friendly-looking faces
• It's okay to pause and breathe. Silence feels longer to you than to them.

English Lit career reality check: You're learning to analyze, argue, and communicate. That's literally the core of law, publishing, marketing, consulting, and like... every industry that requires thinking.
Study abroad: Look into Fulbright, Gilman scholarships, and your university's exchange programs. Start early!
Time management: Google Calendar is your friend. Block everything—classes, study, sports, sleep.