Grambling State University student Sharlene Cassius recently presented a paper at the Mississippi Philological Association Conference.
Cassius, an English and Spanish double major, presented her essay titled “Hypocrisy in the Merchant of Venice.”
The conference was held in Hattiesburg, Miss., at William Carey University on Feb. 8.
Cassius was also able to meet and network with faculty and students from other universities, and she learned about graduate programs at some of these schools.
“Finally someone knows a little about me,” Cassius said. “The best part of the conference was realizing that I can present in a professional setting.”
She said, “I’ve had stage fright for as long as I can remember. Being able to present was a small victory for me.”
Cassius was accompanied by Dr. Beatrice McKinsey, coordinator of the English and Foreign Languages Department, and Dr. Uju Ifeanyi, associate professor of English, who also presented at the conference.
“We want to support our majors in any way we can,” said Dr. McKinsey. “We are looking forward to providing them with more opportunities to present and attend conferences.”
The Mississippi Philological Association is a regional organization that holds conference annually at different colleges and universities throughout Mississippi. Presenters at the conference are professors and graduate and undergraduate students throughout the Southern region.