Name: Natalie Cottrill
Age: 21
Year: Senior
Major: English
Hometown: Hackettstown, NJ
What attracted you about Montclair State?
The school was far enough from home that I would be able to live on campus and have a true college experience away from my parents, but close enough that I could go home if there was an emergency. I was also attracted by its closeness to New York City – there were many potential adventures to be had! (And they were!) I was also drawn in by the quality of the teaching program here. When I first applied, I wanted to be an English teacher. I have since decided that was not the best path for me, but it was a factor in catching my attention at the time.
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
I really love the patio on the top of CELS. I don’t get there often because I live in Hawks Crossings now and it’s out of my way most of the time, but the views there are impeccable. You can see the entire skyline and all of the smaller cities in between, and much like Leo on the Titanic, you feel just like “king of the world.”
What organizations are you a part of on campus?
I am Vice President/New Member Educator/Sunshine Chair of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, and I was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta First Year Honor Society my freshman year.
Why did you want to be an English major?
I wanted to be an English major because I am so in love with the beauty and power of words. The papers get tedious, and sometimes the assigned readings are so long you think that you’re never going to get them done. But, then I find a line or two, be it poetry or prose, that moves me beyond belief and I remember exactly why I chose this major in the first place.
What’s your favorite class that you’ve taken NOT related to your major?
Foundations of Western Civilization with Professor Clemente. He usually teaches 8:15-10:45 at night, but taking it with him is absolutely worth it. He’s very knowledgeable and funny.
What’s your best memory of your time as a Red Hawk?
Becoming a brother of Alpha Phi Omega! The semester that I crossed was one of the best that I ever had, getting to know my brothers and going on weekly adventures to Chipotle!
As a senior, what’s the best advice you have for an incoming freshman?
Don’t sit in your room/stay at home and isolate yourself! Go out and make friends – it isn’t hard once you find your niche of people! I guarantee you can make a few great friends in your major, you have a common interest already!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would like to have my publishing career in full swing, have my own apartment, and foster shelter cats! And maybe engaged, that would be nice too.
Speed Round!
Sum up your life in one book or TV quote.
“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” – William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Favorite television show(s)?
Gilmore Girls, Sherlock, Merlin, anything on the Food network
Favorite movie(s)?
Zombieland, The Breakfast Club, Repo! The Genetic Opera
Favorite book(s)?
The entire Harry Potter series, The Hunger Games, the Outlander series, The Mortal Instruments & Infernal Devices, Annabel, The Divine Comedy, Wuthering Heights, Carmilla, Dracula
Favorite food(s)?
Sushi, pizza, cheese, cake, seafood, COFFEE
Pet peeve(s)?
Things being out of order/disorganization, close-minded people
If you could live in any fictional universe, where would it be and why?
Harry Potter, hands down, because I get to go to Hogwarts, be a wizard, and meet Harry who was and always will be my hero.
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?
I’m not actually as shy or quiet as I first let on – when I get comfortable with someone, you can’t shut me up!
Pick 4 people to go on a road trip with and tell us why.
- T.S. Eliot: as much of a crotchety old guy as he is, his literary work is amazing and I would love to have some time to learn exactly what’s inside of his head.
- Dante Alighieri: His work in The Divine Comedy is part of the reason that I became an English major.
- Alexander the Great: How could you not want to spend hours talking to one of the greatest military commanders/kings of all time?
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge: He is probably one of my favorites, if not my favorite, poet of all time, I’d love to spend time listening to what he has to say.