Hi, I’m John Eilermann, and I’m a comparative literature student from St. Louis, Missouri. It is true, we do enjoy reading books, but our future career requires more than just reading. The field of comparative literature deals with the study of literature and cultural expression across national, linguistic, and disciplinary boundaries.

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While others my age would pursue a college program that’s geared toward medicine, technology, business, or communication, I have the assurance that as I take on this path, I get to participate in all fields possible. My area of study enables me to become a part of all industries, and it has opened my eyes to the things that are otherwise unfamiliar.

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In the past, I read the works of C.S. Lewis, Mark Salzman, Ned Vizzini, Roald Dahl, and Jonathan Franzen. Having read their masterpieces has served as inspirations for me to seek meaning in the things that catch my attention. The goal of every comparative literature student to be able to read across linguistic boundaries to give light and focus to what is said and written, regardless if it is thought of as obscure by other cultures and traditions.