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Student Spotlight: Lydia Fanara’25 (English)

“My favorite thing to write is intense emotion. I like to bring characters to their breaking point and explore humanity in its rawest form,” said Fanara.

Lydia Fanara dreams of being a published author some day. She transferred to Roberts to learn everything about what makes a good story from crafting thought and putting the words to pages. 

What do you see yourself doing as a career?

I am a writer, and I would love to be published one day. I can also see myself being a full-time editor or working in a library.

What is the best thing about studying your major?

My aim in getting an English degree is to learn everything I can about what makes a good story.

That includes studying the best writers of the past. I have the opportunity to endlessly analyze literature, an experience that is rewarding in more ways than one. 

Last December, I wrote a term paper on Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles for a Literature elective. As satisfying as it was to turn in what I knew to be my best work, I was even more elated when it received the Decker Award for Best Student Essay of 2022. 

What sparks joy about writing a novel for you?

My favorite thing to write is intense emotion. I like to bring characters to their breaking point and explore humanity in its rawest form. The most rewarding part of storytelling for me is when I care about my characters as if they were real people. 

Who is your favorite professor?

Dr. Linda Quinlan instantly rose to the top of my list. Her smile and enthusiasm never ceased to brighten my Tuesdays and Thursdays last semester.

Click here to read our Faculty Spotlight on Linda Quinlan!

If you could help everyone understand one thing, what would it be and why?

Words are more than a method of communication. They are vessels for ideas and a medium of art. It is so important that we don’t take the ability to speak or write for granted, that we delve into the depths of our language and mine its potential. 

Once we have a command over the particular set of words that make up English (or any other language), it’s like we unlock a new level in human existence. We now have unfettered access to philosophy and poetry, expanded methods of sharing logic and beauty. And that is why English is not a useless major.

Faculty Feedback

“I’m so glad that Lydia enrolled in our program! She came to us with a broad knowledge base, and her work always combines intelligence and curiosity with a deep Christian faith. This fall, she won a well-deserved departmental award for a paper she wrote on Thomas Hardy. In class, I’ve appreciated hearing her insight about writers such as Plato, Frederick Douglass, and Emily Dickinson. In events sponsored by Language & Literature, I’ve been thankful for her avid participation.”

Timothy Vande Brake, Professor of English; Academic Director, Language and Literature

“New to Roberts this year, Lydia brings an impressive amount of knowledge to her literary studies. She has shown herself to be a remarkably astute student who always has thoughtful insights to share. Lydia is an intelligent and delightful addition to our English program, and we're very glad she's here!”

Linda Quinlan, Associate Professor of English

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