An Introduction...

Hello all, my name is Megan Murphey and I am a senior English and Strategic Communications major. I was born and raised in Arlington, Texas, home of the new Cowboys stadium. I am an only child but I have my pet cat and all my sorority sisters to keep me company. Traveling is one of my big loves but I also really like art history and drawing. I am excited about this course become I am interested in gender studies, history, and scandal. This is a great combination of all three! It reminds me of the quote, “Well behaved women rarely make history.”

I came to TCU back in 2005, when the campus was still in tact and we had to suffer with our old, out-dated student center. My cousin had gone to TCU and the location was close to home so that sealed the deal for me. Though I love the school, I would change a few things if I were made chancellor. For one, I would cap tuition. I think I should pay the same as I did back when I was accepted. Also, I would change the strict new rules about dining at the new student union. Seriously, I think 20 year-olds can decide if they want to take their food to go. And paying $9 every time I want a meal, even if it’s a tiny one not worth that much? There has to be a more economical way. If you ask me, I think they are just trying to recoup the costs of the new construction because parking tickets didn’t do the job.

On the other hand, one thing I really love about TCU is the professors. They are dedicated to giving their students a real learning experience and personal attention. I think a good professor is one who is passionate about teaching and uses whatever creative they can if it helps a student learn to love their subject. And I think a good student is one who works to the best or their abilities and is excited to learn. Education is a two-way street, and if one party is not doing their job then nothing will be achieved.


In regards to the question of which three people I would have to ask if the answer could also be a fictional character. There are many make-believe people I would love to have attend- all the characters of my favorite books and movies. But for now I will go with real people. I would choose Audrey Hepburn, Theodore Roosevelt and Hugh Hefner. Strange combination, I know. It’s bound to be an interesting dinner party! I choose Audrey for her elegance and humanitarian work. Roosevelt would be there to recount stories of adventure and to tell about his extraordinary life. Hugh Hefner would be there because I think he would be a fun guy to meet because he knows everyone and seems like a fun-loving guy.

Three things you should know about me are 1) I am a dedicated learner and enjoy creative teachers who use humor and visual aids 2) I am a slow reader, 3) I do not like timed, in-class writing. I try my best at whatever I do but get very anxious about not having enough time to do my best. Things I would want to know about the two of you are your personal teaching styles, why you chose to teach this course, and your favorite hobby.

I chose to take this class because I thought it was the most interesting American Literature class offered at TCU. The course description was intriguing to me because I love things that are scandalous and historical. It’s always fun to me to learn about people who don’t play by the rules- because I am someone who always plays by them. Living vicariously, I guess.

I enjoy reading but I read fairly slowly because I really like to absorb the work and what I am reading. Inside the classroom I read mostly fiction. I have read a lot of Milton and Shakespeare but also a lot of works of Existentialism such as The Stranger. Outside of class, I have to admit I read chick-lit and magazines. The New York Times is also a great read. Usually I am pretty exhausted from the novels I read for class so I don’t read as much as I should. My favorite books are those with beautiful language that create mental pictures and intense emotions. I like to write, and usually write analytical papers for class. But I also write a lot of emails and texts to friends. I strive to be a good writer, and that means that I write slowly because I carefully consider each sentence. Usually, at the end, I am pleased with my work.

I am not sure what kind of argument my blog is making, but I know what type of argument I would like it to make. My intent is to show that I take my work seriously and that I am interested in creating a blog space that deeply analyzes the works of literature we study. It is also important to me that my blog is well designed, although I am currently experimenting with pictures and layouts. I chose a background that fits with the subject of this class, and I plan on adding colonial artwork and etchings. I hope that this blog becomes a unified whole, not just random blurbs of feelings and interpretations.

Finally, I have read and understand the terms and agreements of the course. I agree to adhere to them.