Student Reflections on Representing LLP in New Orleans

LLP Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society Member Reflects on Her Experience at the National Convention

By Candace Boswell
English Minor and Graduating Senior

Candace Boswell

I had the exciting opportunity to attend the Sigma Tau Delta Convention in New Orleans as an undergraduate TSU student this spring. During the convention, there were multiple student-led roundtable discussions covering various topics which aided in enriching my education. 

Many of these topics included references to pop culture. We talked about storytelling in books, movies, and video games. There was even a session about fan fiction. It was interesting to see how things we do outside of academia, like playing a video game, can lend itself to our understanding of storytelling.

The first speaker was Maurice Carlos Ruffin, a New Orleans Native and author of The American Daughters. He spoke about his experience writing his novels and offered inspirational words for the aspiring authors in the crowd. He spoke with such conviction; it made me want to go back to my hotel room and work on a story. Moved by his speech, I bought The American Daughters and attended his book signing. Ruffin took the time to get to know me as he autographed my book. When I went back to my room that night, I saw that he added a note with the signature. It said:

Candace,

This is for you.

This is just one of many examples of the sense of community that was cultivated at the convention. I was the only student representative from my school present. But I never felt alone.

I met so many like minded individuals who shared my love for literature.

Research in the Round was a student-led event in which participants had three nine-minute conversations regarding randomly selected research topics. My three topics were “Transferring Monstrosity on Contemporary Gothic and Horror Novels,” “The Disposability of the Black Love Interest in Fiction,” and “Hope in Literature.”  These are wildly different topics, but this session challenged me to analyze both the recreational and academic literary works I have consumed. 

It was also a great confidence booster. I was given the topic as I sat down at the table. There was no time to prepare a perfectly crafted response. I had to think on my feet and trust my education at Tennessee State University. I surprised myself with how much I was able to contribute to each conversation.

The resume and cover letter workshop hosted by members of the Sigma Tau Delta board was an invaluable resource. They provided a mock cover letter, personal anecdotes from their experiences reviewing internship applications, and interview tips.

Not only was I able to improve upon my professional documents, but I was also given the opportunity to network. A member of the National Book Foundation attended the session with last year’s summer intern. The pair provided a wealth of information about the internship and what is required of the position.

I take great pride in representing my HBCU and contributing to the exchange of ideas with all of the attendees. Enriched by my experience, I plan to attend future conventions as an alumni, and I encourage my fellow tigers to attend as well.

Me with Sigma Tau Delta Faculty Adviser Dr. Heidi Williams!