My professor who has a PHD in literature, just recommended two romance novels to me. People who act like romance novels aren't literature just need to cool it.
@Tanya Talwar She actually made Red White and Royal Blue one of our required readings which was amazing. The two recommendations though were The Right Swipe and The Bromance Bookclub series (specifically the most recent one, Crazy Stupid Bromance). 😄 Hope that helps!
It's purely sexist that romance is considered less academic than other genres. It's typically written and enjoyed by females so of course all authority sees it as lesser than. So glad this seems like it is becoming less of the case lately.
@@sacredstudiosart9081 Your answer is so point. You put my thoughts into words. Things typically women are interested in are of course viewed as silly and less than ''x'' thing men are interested in.
Books directed at women? That a dress an aspect of their lives that is seriously lacking? Books that meet emotional needs that men aren't socialized to cater to? That's not literature! On a separate note, my wife is not happy with me
The fact that you have a full time job, are in university and read more than a 100 books a year is so impressive. Please can you do a video on this topic, like I would love to se how you manage your time with all of these things :)
noelle + academia = a dream pairing i totally feel for you about studying literature at a degree level, hearing everyone else talk so smartly and i'm just here like "my vocabulary isn't big enough!" but then i just learnt that i say things in my own way and it's just as impactful as everyone else! i feel like we all put so much pressure on ourselves because we want to prove our degrees are worth it - but we are learning and we're becoming better academians every day! i think we often romanticise the university experience because it looks so fun and easy in books and television i feel like people are also so elitist when it comes to literature degrees because they only deem "the classics" as true literature when at the same time, the classics are okay but are also tired and outdated. modern literature can teach what the classics teach, but it in a more accessible format! we are worth it! also NOELLE YOU'RE NEVER A BURDEN 🥺i love you and one day we have to have a literature liveshow where we talk about our experiences as literature students (since i'm finishing my undergrad and you're a grad student!)
How can you put exactly how I’m feeling into words!! This is exactly the pep talk I needed to read and your points are absolutely brilliant. I adore you and your mind!!! 🗡💘
I am an English major and I haven’t read for pleasure since I was about 10. Reading became a chore, from school of course, and it would take me forever to even finish a book. I am happy to say that in the past two weeks, I have read 6 books. 4 last week and 2 this week. My joy for reading has finally came back and now I’m unstoppable!
and omg imposter syndrome is so real. when i transferred from a junior college to a 4-year university as an english major, i probably spoke out loud, like, twice. i got a final exam back and my professor, who is a brilliant gem of a woman, wrote, "this is beautifully written. why so quiet in class?" that changed my life. let me know i did have something of value to add.
Also, audiobooks - since most classics are public domain you can find them, free to listen to, right here on TH-cam. Currently listening to Frankenstein and Scarlett Letter (two different classes) and I listen and read at the same time. Really helps with the language and tone.
@@rachaelwilson2784 Yes, I just realized that Frankenstein is on spotify and I switched to it because it's a little easier to navigate. Also, we are reading Jane Eyre later on and that's on Spotify, too, so I'm excited!
it's so nice to hear someone who is such an avid reader say that they also struggle when it comes to poetry! loving the video (and channel) as always x
Yes on the imposter syndrome conversation! Went through a very similar thing when I started law school. If you’re starting something new, you are good enough! You belong here!
This is why you're in my Top 5 Favorite TH-camrs. I'm starting my second semester of grad school TODAY and the first semester I just felt like 1) I didn't belong, 2) I wasn't putting forth enough effort, 3) I wasn't learning all that I could. You're such an encouragement and thanks for reminding me that "I belong in the spaces that I find myself in"
I was having hard time with studies. I'm not a literature student, but your words made me feel better. I'm a science student and used to be a top student, so it stressed me out. I needed someone to tell that it'll be okay, and its fine. And you did that for me. Thank you so much Noelle. I hope you'll have a great semester as well
Noelle: "If you're already starting: that sucks. If you've already started: that also sucks" Me, still 2 weeks of exams to go before starting spring semester: :(
I'm so sad to hear that you get negative comments in the comments section, I really hope the positive ones help to balance things out. Your videos are a real spark of joy. You are valid, your readings are valid, your opinions are valid. I hope you have a great semester!
This was very encouraging to hear as I am halfway through grad school! I'm actually in an MBA program, which is a somewhat different mindset, especially because my undergrad background is in English and Political Science. But I was so burnt out from the sheer amount of reading and writing that my programs required from my unprepared ass back then, and apparently taking a break before going back to school meant I forgot any skills I had learned! Still working on rebuilding those, but I'm in a part time program so at least all the professors know that we're working full time and try to take some pity on us over zoom.
As a Fashion Design undergraduate that decided to take a shot at a Literature degree and has spent every assignment of the first semester feeling VERY imposter like, I can 300% say that hearing you say that other people feel like imposters too, while not magically fixing everything, REALLY helped 😊 'Cause the feeling like everybody's smarter in a literary environment is for sure a thing, even here in Portugal, all the way across the globe from you!
Your best books for school bring a lot of threads of my own education together. Irish Literature (19th c) is one of my specializations. I'm about to teach a Detective Fiction course, and 19th c Eng Lit was also another of my research areas. Your reflection on imposter's syndrome is spot-on, for sure. Thank you for this. I also wanted to ask if you had ever made a video about Sherlock Holmes or Detective/Crime Fiction? I am trying to find youtube vids for teaching. Your enthusiasm for literature is awesome and inspiring.
Hi Noelle! Obviously getting to this video a bit late, but your advice about imposter syndrome really resonated with me! A couple years ago I was interviewing for a librarian position at the British Museum and was so overwhelmed with the sheer “bigness” of it and was literally sat in the Great Court waiting to be called for my interview chanting to myself “you belong here” - I ended up getting the job and I know it was because I was able to bury those negative feelings and not let it affect me. Such great advice!!
One thing is for sure and it is that I experience JOYCE whenever I see your videos. P.s. I feel so happy when you tell us about your successes on class with essays and papers... like, these “small-student-things” are actually so HUGE and beautiful 💕
This is all so comforting to hear honestly! I joined my uni’s English program on my third year post high school and I felt so dumb and uncomfortable and it is so disheartening because English and literature have always been some of the only things I’ve loved ever...I still feel it very deeply this sense of inadequacy but I’m getting better at it partially thanks to watching you and other booktubers talk about books and reading and school so thank you 😭
I struggle with imposter syndrome so bad. I love your videos and your advice. I’m a premed and I’ve tried making friends and it’s so difficult. It made me feel better to be reminded everyone starts somewhere. I look forward to your content and love watching you videos as an escape. Thanks for being you💕
Study hack from my partner who has suspected dyslexia, if you get academic reading on a PDF file copy and paste the text (if it’s possible) into word and there is a function where you can get word to read out the text. It has helped him immensely. I’ve never done it personally simply because I retain info better reading it.
I’m in the last semester of my MA in US history, but I still have imposter symptom. Gonna take your advice and start using the “you deserve to be here” mantra. So excited to be done soon. At the same time, I know I’m gonna miss it once it’s over. Much gratitude for your videos!
I don't know how you do it but your videos are sooo inspiring. I mean, every time I'm not in the mood for anything I just need to watch one of your videos and you just cheer me up.
No joke, this video is the FIRST video to ever genuinely help me with school! I would always watch those 'Back to School' videos et cetera. None of them made me ever feel better... but this is the very first one to give me actual good tips and (good book) recommendations! Thank you! From the bottom of my heart
Prior English major and current law student here listening to this before a class I feel horribly inadequate for. Needed to hear this ❤️ Noelle coming through with the heartwarming content we need.
I love love love what you said about making friends in your classes, because that really changed the game for me. In my lower division classes, I was so quiet and didn't really know anyone, but when I got into my upper division courses I saw familiar faces and felt more confident about speaking up in class to the point where people I didn't even know knew me knew my name. It was just such a nice feeling, and I really grew to love my classes even more
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and advice. Ive struggled with a panic disorder, and will be, for the third time, attempting to finish my degree this fall and there is so much fear in if I can do it, if I'm good enough, if I deserve it... your words gave me peace of mind. Thank you 💚 [Also I greatly appreciate your jokes, laughing is my favorite thing to do.]
I read alot of classics when I was young, homeschooling, and I'm looking to get back into them after my stint in ya, so I really enjoyed this video. Also I find your voice incredibly soothing, you have such a specific lyrical cadence that reminds me of English classes, a creek bubbling in the woods, and the music of a carnival.
Great tips Noelle. I’m so glad you’re beginning to see your worth more. It’s entirely evident to me how intelligent and creative you are as well as what a joyous presence you have. Take care.
Yes! Please do an updated video on what you plan on doing with your degree. I'm graduating with my M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English this semester but I'm not sure if teaching is what I want to pursue. That being said, I'm still really grateful for my degree ❤️
I appreciate so much that you took time to use your platform to try and help students find confidence in themselves. As an instructor, sometimes it's so hard to communicate to my students that I can't help them if they don't express their confusion/frustration. We root for our students and want to see them succeed. Those proud "parent" moments are what we live for!
I've always loved the idea of studying literature, but now I'm doing a science degree and kind of regret it lol. But videos like this and the way Noelle talks about books make me so happy!
Just wanted to say that I really appreciate you and this content about your grad degree! I just graduated with my BA in english (back in december!) and I'm currently waiting to hear back from grad schools on admission decisions; I'm experiencing tons of imposter syndrome over whether or not I'm good enough to get into these programs or succeed in them. This video helped me feel excited about pursuing my graduate degree again. I would love more videos like this one about your experience in your program/what to expect when beginning an english MA!
As someone who is studying Biochemistry your advice still applies to my degree (with the exception of audiobooks). My semester starts next week and this video really gave me a boost of confidence! Thanks!
I've watched the 2004 North and South mini series a few times and love it. After hearing you recommend the book a couple times, I've put it on my reading list. Also, I would enjoy reading a graduate paper about fruit! Loved the video!
I watch every single one of your videos idk how I missed this one! I just wanna say that I'm having a really tough time this semester, feeling like I'm not smart enough and feeling behind in all my classes and stuff. I really needed to hear this you said. THANK YOU
I just wanted to share an anecdote about making friends in class helping with imposter syndrome, because it's definitely a thing. I got my bachelor's in nutrition science and I switched over from wanting to major in film and I was feeling a lot of anxiety about if I could really hack it in a science based degree. One of the classes in the first semester was so hard, it took me ages to get anything done and I was just thinking like 'I'm not smart enough to be here' but then as I got to know the other people in my program I realized that everyone was struggling with that class, and just knowing that helped so much (we also found out that the professor didn't know the nutrition students in the class were not very far into our program and was assuming we knew a lot more than we did), and the support from the other people in my program was really crucial into making it through that degree.
hell yes good picks!!! i am also an english grad student. it's so fun to follow along with your experiences as i go through my program. (p.s. dubliners is not as good as portrait but there's some good critical scholarship on it that can really enrich your experience with it so i suggest doing a little research alongside your reading of dubliners to get the most out of it!) ETA: i made a discord server for my grad cohort & it's the best thing i've ever done.
I"m super glad that you brought up the idea of reading audiobooks that you're assigned. I really wish that I had known that audiobooks were so accessible when I was doing my undergrad. I would have been able to read so many more of the books that I was supposed to (not to mention get through things quicker as I'm a slow physical reader). Even Spotify has audiobooks now. Wild. Also, I think one of my unpopular opinions is that Bleak House isn't that bad.
Def recommend Dubliners by Joyce. The only Joyce I’ve read but not only made me want to read more of him, but it made me want to study English as my major. And Dubliners is quite accessible, and SO SO beautiful and vivid and feeling.
all of your advice about feeling out of place in your classes makes me feel so validated! i go through a lot of the same issues and your advice is so insightful, thank you!
As someone doing an English minor (in addition to a science degree, yes, you read that right) and having just joined 17th century lit, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. One of your best. Super cool idea and yesss for that paper about fruit!! Get it girl!! I loved the end advice as well, especially the mantra work. Thank you.
Not sure if someone has already posted this, but a good tip that saved my life for classics is the Librivox app - it's an audiobook app that is run by volunteers who read out classics that have had their copyright run out (so the author has to have been dead for 50 yrs, so unfortunately no recent stuff). I used it to get through Middlemarch and just listened to English pastoral gossip while doing the dishes - it's a life saver!
mentioned books: 1:48 - the collected poems of w. b. yeats 4:11 - the maltese falcon by dashiell hammett 6:06 - double indemnity by james m. cain 7:08 - a portrait of the artist as a young man by james joyce 8:48 - macbeth by william shakespeare 10:55 - jude the obscure by thomas hardy 12:00 - middlemarch by george eliot 12:44 - north and south by elizabeth gaskell
a ton of this advice applies to so many degrees!! thank you for the video. loved the bit on imposter syndrome; i felt that SO HARD my freshman year, and i still do sometimes as a junior. it takes a long time to get to a point where you’re able to take yourself out of it and realize that it’s just your own doubt eating at you.
Dear Noelle, I’m really just a high-school graduate from Germany, but your videos always make me want to study English lit and to read mooore. And I kinda feel like I wouldn’t really understand any of your recommendations if I’d read them, even though I’m only reading English books for 2 years now. Besides, I’d be very interested in your future plans and writing😏💭 adore this video
A great alternative to Audible/Amazon is Libro.fm. Whenever you purchase an audiobook from them a portion of your purchase goes to the indie bookstore of your choice.
I’ ve been a big fan of yours since I started watching your videos earlier on last year, but I was reluctant to watch this because I feel like I’ve already went through the motions of getting a degree. However, oh my gosh I’m so glad I watched this because I absolutely love seeing how passionate you are about literature and I’m now considering looking into doing an English Literature degree in the near future. I wish you the best of luck for the Spring Semester. 😃
Most libraries at this point are connected to an app for audiobooks and ebooks. Mine uses and app called Overdrive. If someone is looking to get into audiobooks but can’t afford to by them, I highly recommend looking into it through their library!
Noelle if you like Irish poetry you should try Seamus Heaney (good starting place: Mid-Term Break) and Eavan Boland (good starting places: Domestic Violence or The Famine Road) - we study both of these poets in school here in Ireland and they're incredible (and their poetry is very accessible)
Love that this advice can apply to other areas of life too. Bc ooh imposter syndrome stays coming up and I am good enough is def my mantra. I deserve to be wherever I have shown up and chosen to be and worked my butt off to be at. I'm gonna be reading North and South and some Sherlock soon so hearing you talk about it has me excited.
Noelle I just have to tell you how much I appreciate these tips and your openness to discuss your degree. I'm in my second year of undergrad and my major is literature and I always feel like such an imposter and like I'm the only person in the world with these struggles. I adore you and your channel and appreciate you so much! 💕
One thing that absolutely makes me feel amazing in classes is when the professor initiates an interaction with me. They recognize when someone is speaking up in class and reaching out when they need help! Doing this is a super-easy way to be engaged and stand out to your professors :)
Love it! Love it all! Also, I know and understand why you won’t share your essays, but I think it would be awesome to hear some of the different topics you have written essays on, and/or how you find topics to write about. It seems like you choose such small details and pull an essay out of it and I think that’s cool, and would love to learn how you go about choosing or finding those.
![12 books i read during this hot july ☀️🔥 [cc]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FDcDl6uQoyM/mqdefault.jpg)
![12 books i read during this hot july ☀️🔥 [cc]](/img/tr.png)
My professor who has a PHD in literature, just recommended two romance novels to me. People who act like romance novels aren't literature just need to cool it.
@Tanya Talwar She actually made Red White and Royal Blue one of our required readings which was amazing. The two recommendations though were The Right Swipe and The Bromance Bookclub series (specifically the most recent one, Crazy Stupid Bromance). 😄 Hope that helps!
I’ve heard great things about The Bromance Bookclub !!!
It's purely sexist that romance is considered less academic than other genres. It's typically written and enjoyed by females so of course all authority sees it as lesser than. So glad this seems like it is becoming less of the case lately.
@@sacredstudiosart9081 Your answer is so point. You put my thoughts into words. Things typically women are interested in are of course viewed as silly and less than ''x'' thing men are interested in.
Books directed at women? That a dress an aspect of their lives that is seriously lacking? Books that meet emotional needs that men aren't socialized to cater to? That's not literature! On a separate note, my wife is not happy with me
The fact that you have a full time job, are in university and read more than a 100 books a year is so impressive. Please can you do a video on this topic, like I would love to se how you manage your time with all of these things :)
noelle + academia = a dream pairing
i totally feel for you about studying literature at a degree level, hearing everyone else talk so smartly and i'm just here like "my vocabulary isn't big enough!" but then i just learnt that i say things in my own way and it's just as impactful as everyone else! i feel like we all put so much pressure on ourselves because we want to prove our degrees are worth it - but we are learning and we're becoming better academians every day! i think we often romanticise the university experience because it looks so fun and easy in books and television
i feel like people are also so elitist when it comes to literature degrees because they only deem "the classics" as true literature when at the same time, the classics are okay but are also tired and outdated. modern literature can teach what the classics teach, but it in a more accessible format!
we are worth it! also NOELLE YOU'RE NEVER A BURDEN 🥺i love you and one day we have to have a literature liveshow where we talk about our experiences as literature students (since i'm finishing my undergrad and you're a grad student!)
I DIDN'T REALISE I WROTE SO MUCH AOISFJHSOIFHJOFI
You guys! I live in Argentina AND you tempt me so much un going just for a year to study english there!
How can you put exactly how I’m feeling into words!! This is exactly the pep talk I needed to read and your points are absolutely brilliant. I adore you and your mind!!! 🗡💘
I am an English major and I haven’t read for pleasure since I was about 10. Reading became a chore, from school of course, and it would take me forever to even finish a book. I am happy to say that in the past two weeks, I have read 6 books. 4 last week and 2 this week. My joy for reading has finally came back and now I’m unstoppable!
there is acutally nothing better than coming out of a reading slump or finally falling in love with reading if you have to🙌🏼
This is where I was after grad school. I'm happy to say that I finally got my love of reading back, too!
@@meadowrae1491 it is honestly such a great feeling!! I love that for us
As a psych major, I felt the same way during my first year in college and now that I'm in my second year I'm reading out pleasure too.
Noelle: * posts *
Me: * drops all my assignments and hits the like button immediately *
Literally what I did. I even checked if I’d already liked after I read your comment and I had.😂
🤣🤣🤣 I saw her instastory and forgot I was cooking 🤣🤣🤣
and omg imposter syndrome is so real. when i transferred from a junior college to a 4-year university as an english major, i probably spoke out loud, like, twice. i got a final exam back and my professor, who is a brilliant gem of a woman, wrote, "this is beautifully written. why so quiet in class?" that changed my life. let me know i did have something of value to add.
I love your videos so much. You single handedly took me out of a probably two year reading slump in 2020. 🥺❤️
same with me! it’s been a couple years since i had picked up a book and finished it until i found this account.
Yay
She really brought reading back to life for me too. After college then grad school I forgot how to read for fun but I love it now.
Sameee but mine was a reading slump of 5 years lmao
WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT HER EARRINGS!!! THEY’RE GORGG I NEED
right!!!! im in love with them
Noelle’s professor reading to the class a passage from her paper is a little thing we like to call TASTE
Also, audiobooks - since most classics are public domain you can find them, free to listen to, right here on TH-cam. Currently listening to Frankenstein and Scarlett Letter (two different classes) and I listen and read at the same time. Really helps with the language and tone.
Some are on Spotify too!!!
@@rachaelwilson2784 Yes, I just realized that Frankenstein is on spotify and I switched to it because it's a little easier to navigate. Also, we are reading Jane Eyre later on and that's on Spotify, too, so I'm excited!
I’m a simple woman - I see noelle - I click ❤️
you have no idea how much this video has made my day and the ads aren’t even over yet
it's so nice to hear someone who is such an avid reader say that they also struggle when it comes to poetry! loving the video (and channel) as always x
Manifesting Noelle's bookshelves rn
Honestly
As an English major this video is such a joy to watch, I love sitting down and chatting about literature
2:11 Yes! I feel the same way about poetry.... I’ve tried but it just isn’t my cup of tea. But people who consume poetry are just ✨ different ✨
Irish literature is just really special, honestly the Irish have some lyrical magic.
Yes on the imposter syndrome conversation! Went through a very similar thing when I started law school. If you’re starting something new, you are good enough! You belong here!
Just her laugh makes my whole day!
there's no way not to laugh with her hahahaha
This is why you're in my Top 5 Favorite TH-camrs. I'm starting my second semester of grad school TODAY and the first semester I just felt like 1) I didn't belong, 2) I wasn't putting forth enough effort, 3) I wasn't learning all that I could. You're such an encouragement and thanks for reminding me that "I belong in the spaces that I find myself in"
I was having hard time with studies. I'm not a literature student, but your words made me feel better. I'm a science student and used to be a top student, so it stressed me out.
I needed someone to tell that it'll be okay, and its fine. And you did that for me.
Thank you so much Noelle. I hope you'll have a great semester as well
Noelle: It´s the shortest book you´ll ever read
You underestimate what I´m willing to do to save my goodreads challenge :)
Noelle: "If you're already starting: that sucks. If you've already started: that also sucks"
Me, still 2 weeks of exams to go before starting spring semester: :(
Poets are like song writers to me, gifted in a way that I totally envy and cannot comprehend the thought process.
I'm so sad to hear that you get negative comments in the comments section, I really hope the positive ones help to balance things out. Your videos are a real spark of joy. You are valid, your readings are valid, your opinions are valid. I hope you have a great semester!
The slap that was delivered to A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man literally jolted me and now I can’t stop laughing
ok now you're got me excited for the maltese falcon.. i was hesitant... now i'm excited
This is where the action's happening this morning.
This was very encouraging to hear as I am halfway through grad school! I'm actually in an MBA program, which is a somewhat different mindset, especially because my undergrad background is in English and Political Science. But I was so burnt out from the sheer amount of reading and writing that my programs required from my unprepared ass back then, and apparently taking a break before going back to school meant I forgot any skills I had learned! Still working on rebuilding those, but I'm in a part time program so at least all the professors know that we're working full time and try to take some pity on us over zoom.
Hamlet and Macbeth are my favorite Shakespeare works! The language and the intrigue are unparalleled
you have no idea how important this was for me. how much I needed to hear those things right now.
thank you, Noelle. ❤️
okay the amount of validation i feel in my favorite books i've read so far for my degree >>>>>
As a Fashion Design undergraduate that decided to take a shot at a Literature degree and has spent every assignment of the first semester feeling VERY imposter like, I can 300% say that hearing you say that other people feel like imposters too, while not magically fixing everything, REALLY helped 😊 'Cause the feeling like everybody's smarter in a literary environment is for sure a thing, even here in Portugal, all the way across the globe from you!
Noelle telling us we’re worthy (if you’re doing a literature degree or not) is the best thing of this week/month/whatever
the best way to procrastinate uni work is by watching vids about uni and that is a fact
😌✋ also love u noelle your vids make my day
i probably say "what's done cannot be undone" at least once a week. my fave shakespeare is also macbeth.
Your best books for school bring a lot of threads of my own education together. Irish Literature (19th c) is one of my specializations. I'm about to teach a Detective Fiction course, and 19th c Eng Lit was also another of my research areas. Your reflection on imposter's syndrome is spot-on, for sure. Thank you for this. I also wanted to ask if you had ever made a video about Sherlock Holmes or Detective/Crime Fiction? I am trying to find youtube vids for teaching. Your enthusiasm for literature is awesome and inspiring.
Hi Noelle! Obviously getting to this video a bit late, but your advice about imposter syndrome really resonated with me! A couple years ago I was interviewing for a librarian position at the British Museum and was so overwhelmed with the sheer “bigness” of it and was literally sat in the Great Court waiting to be called for my interview chanting to myself “you belong here” - I ended up getting the job and I know it was because I was able to bury those negative feelings and not let it affect me. Such great advice!!
One thing is for sure and it is that I experience JOYCE whenever I see your videos.
P.s. I feel so happy when you tell us about your successes on class with essays and papers... like, these “small-student-things” are actually so HUGE and beautiful 💕
This is all so comforting to hear honestly! I joined my uni’s English program on my third year post high school and I felt so dumb and uncomfortable and it is so disheartening because English and literature have always been some of the only things I’ve loved ever...I still feel it very deeply this sense of inadequacy but I’m getting better at it partially thanks to watching you and other booktubers talk about books and reading and school so thank you 😭
Owwwwn it’s so great to hear about you professor wanting to read your paper and how well you’re doing. It made me really happy
I struggle with imposter syndrome so bad. I love your videos and your advice. I’m a premed and I’ve tried making friends and it’s so difficult. It made me feel better to be reminded everyone starts somewhere. I look forward to your content and love watching you videos as an escape. Thanks for being you💕
Study hack from my partner who has suspected dyslexia, if you get academic reading on a PDF file copy and paste the text (if it’s possible) into word and there is a function where you can get word to read out the text. It has helped him immensely. I’ve never done it personally simply because I retain info better reading it.
i’ve been waiting for this one... turn it up!!!
I’m in the last semester of my MA in US history, but I still have imposter symptom. Gonna take your advice and start using the “you deserve to be here” mantra. So excited to be done soon. At the same time, I know I’m gonna miss it once it’s over. Much gratitude for your videos!
I don't know how you do it but your videos are sooo inspiring. I mean, every time I'm not in the mood for anything I just need to watch one of your videos and you just cheer me up.
No joke, this video is the FIRST video to ever genuinely help me with school! I would always watch those 'Back to School' videos et cetera. None of them made me ever feel better... but this is the very first one to give me actual good tips and (good book) recommendations!
Thank you! From the bottom of my heart
Prior English major and current law student here listening to this before a class I feel horribly inadequate for. Needed to hear this ❤️ Noelle coming through with the heartwarming content we need.
When you mentioned Jude the obscure, I jumped for joy! It is probably my favourite Thomas Hardy! Soul crushing and beautiful at the same time! 🙌🏻
I love love love what you said about making friends in your classes, because that really changed the game for me. In my lower division classes, I was so quiet and didn't really know anyone, but when I got into my upper division courses I saw familiar faces and felt more confident about speaking up in class to the point where people I didn't even know knew me knew my name. It was just such a nice feeling, and I really grew to love my classes even more
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and advice. Ive struggled with a panic disorder, and will be, for the third time, attempting to finish my degree this fall and there is so much fear in if I can do it, if I'm good enough, if I deserve it... your words gave me peace of mind. Thank you 💚
[Also I greatly appreciate your jokes, laughing is my favorite thing to do.]
As someone who reads a lot of poetry, no I am not smarter than you by default, I just like things that sound nice.
I read alot of classics when I was young, homeschooling, and I'm looking to get back into them after my stint in ya, so I really enjoyed this video. Also I find your voice incredibly soothing, you have such a specific lyrical cadence that reminds me of English classes, a creek bubbling in the woods, and the music of a carnival.
Great tips Noelle. I’m so glad you’re beginning to see your worth more. It’s entirely evident to me how intelligent and creative you are as well as what a joyous presence you have. Take care.
These are such great tips. I’m applying to grad school soon and it’s really nerve wracking but this really helped!
I woke up 5 minutes ago and I watching Noelle’s videos is my only priority!!☺️
Not me putting a halt to all of my studying when Noelle drops a video about school lol
Yes! Please do an updated video on what you plan on doing with your degree. I'm graduating with my M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English this semester but I'm not sure if teaching is what I want to pursue. That being said, I'm still really grateful for my degree ❤️
I appreciate so much that you took time to use your platform to try and help students find confidence in themselves. As an instructor, sometimes it's so hard to communicate to my students that I can't help them if they don't express their confusion/frustration. We root for our students and want to see them succeed. Those proud "parent" moments are what we live for!
I've always loved the idea of studying literature, but now I'm doing a science degree and kind of regret it lol. But videos like this and the way Noelle talks about books make me so happy!
Just wanted to say that I really appreciate you and this content about your grad degree! I just graduated with my BA in english (back in december!) and I'm currently waiting to hear back from grad schools on admission decisions; I'm experiencing tons of imposter syndrome over whether or not I'm good enough to get into these programs or succeed in them. This video helped me feel excited about pursuing my graduate degree again. I would love more videos like this one about your experience in your program/what to expect when beginning an english MA!
As someone who is studying Biochemistry your advice still applies to my degree (with the exception of audiobooks). My semester starts next week and this video really gave me a boost of confidence! Thanks!
hope you have a GREAT semester 💛🥺
I start my last year of college in 2 weeks
shakin in my boots
Every time you post my day get better 😊
This was great! It always surprises me how pretentious people can be, reading is reading, as long as you enjoy it thats all that matters
Hairdresser: how would you like it?
Me: *shows a Noelle video*
I've watched the 2004 North and South mini series a few times and love it. After hearing you recommend the book a couple times, I've put it on my reading list. Also, I would enjoy reading a graduate paper about fruit! Loved the video!
Cranford and Far From The Madding Crowd should be on your TBR (at some point)! Looking forward to checking out Double Indemnity & Maltese Falcon.
I’m vibing so hard with your advice section, even as an undergrad
I watch every single one of your videos idk how I missed this one! I just wanna say that I'm having a really tough time this semester, feeling like I'm not smart enough and feeling behind in all my classes and stuff. I really needed to hear this you said. THANK YOU
I just wanted to share an anecdote about making friends in class helping with imposter syndrome, because it's definitely a thing. I got my bachelor's in nutrition science and I switched over from wanting to major in film and I was feeling a lot of anxiety about if I could really hack it in a science based degree. One of the classes in the first semester was so hard, it took me ages to get anything done and I was just thinking like 'I'm not smart enough to be here' but then as I got to know the other people in my program I realized that everyone was struggling with that class, and just knowing that helped so much (we also found out that the professor didn't know the nutrition students in the class were not very far into our program and was assuming we knew a lot more than we did), and the support from the other people in my program was really crucial into making it through that degree.
hell yes good picks!!! i am also an english grad student. it's so fun to follow along with your experiences as i go through my program. (p.s. dubliners is not as good as portrait but there's some good critical scholarship on it that can really enrich your experience with it so i suggest doing a little research alongside your reading of dubliners to get the most out of it!) ETA: i made a discord server for my grad cohort & it's the best thing i've ever done.
I"m super glad that you brought up the idea of reading audiobooks that you're assigned. I really wish that I had known that audiobooks were so accessible when I was doing my undergrad. I would have been able to read so many more of the books that I was supposed to (not to mention get through things quicker as I'm a slow physical reader). Even Spotify has audiobooks now. Wild.
Also, I think one of my unpopular opinions is that Bleak House isn't that bad.
I'm literally in my last semester as a high school student and I am drowning in anxiety about my AP classes, thank you so much babe 🍓
Loved this video! Made me feel so motivated and safe, even though I study sciences! Thank you, and good luck this semester!
Def recommend Dubliners by Joyce. The only Joyce I’ve read but not only made me want to read more of him, but it made me want to study English as my major. And Dubliners is quite accessible, and SO SO beautiful and vivid and feeling.
the butterfly earrings!!!!
I'm so glad you recommended north and south!!! I love it!!!
I really really want to read your essay on north and south????? The concept is so intriguing
all of your advice about feeling out of place in your classes makes me feel so validated! i go through a lot of the same issues and your advice is so insightful, thank you!
As someone doing an English minor (in addition to a science degree, yes, you read that right) and having just joined 17th century lit, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. One of your best. Super cool idea and yesss for that paper about fruit!! Get it girl!! I loved the end advice as well, especially the mantra work. Thank you.
Not sure if someone has already posted this, but a good tip that saved my life for classics is the Librivox app - it's an audiobook app that is run by volunteers who read out classics that have had their copyright run out (so the author has to have been dead for 50 yrs, so unfortunately no recent stuff). I used it to get through Middlemarch and just listened to English pastoral gossip while doing the dishes - it's a life saver!
mentioned books:
1:48 - the collected poems of w. b. yeats
4:11 - the maltese falcon by dashiell hammett
6:06 - double indemnity by james m. cain
7:08 - a portrait of the artist as a young man by james joyce
8:48 - macbeth by william shakespeare
10:55 - jude the obscure by thomas hardy
12:00 - middlemarch by george eliot
12:44 - north and south by elizabeth gaskell
a ton of this advice applies to so many degrees!! thank you for the video. loved the bit on imposter syndrome; i felt that SO HARD my freshman year, and i still do sometimes as a junior. it takes a long time to get to a point where you’re able to take yourself out of it and realize that it’s just your own doubt eating at you.
Dear Noelle, I’m really just a high-school graduate from Germany, but your videos always make me want to study English lit and to read mooore. And I kinda feel like I wouldn’t really understand any of your recommendations if I’d read them, even though I’m only reading English books for 2 years now. Besides, I’d be very interested in your future plans and writing😏💭 adore this video
sometimes i think you know what i need to hear, seriously. love you and your videos
A great alternative to Audible/Amazon is Libro.fm. Whenever you purchase an audiobook from them a portion of your purchase goes to the indie bookstore of your choice.
Noelle making my Sunday very happy.😊🌸
I LOVE Macbeth and Hamlet! They really got my into Shakespeare.
I’ ve been a big fan of yours since I started watching your videos earlier on last year, but I was reluctant to watch this because I feel like I’ve already went through the motions of getting a degree. However, oh my gosh I’m so glad I watched this because I absolutely love seeing how passionate you are about literature and I’m now considering looking into doing an English Literature degree in the near future.
I wish you the best of luck for the Spring Semester. 😃
Most libraries at this point are connected to an app for audiobooks and ebooks. Mine uses and app called Overdrive. If someone is looking to get into audiobooks but can’t afford to by them, I highly recommend looking into it through their library!
I borrowed middlemarch today thanks to you! I keep reading books I loveeeeee thanks to ur recs. Thank u ily
Noelle if you like Irish poetry you should try Seamus Heaney (good starting place: Mid-Term Break) and Eavan Boland (good starting places: Domestic Violence or The Famine Road) - we study both of these poets in school here in Ireland and they're incredible (and their poetry is very accessible)
Love that this advice can apply to other areas of life too. Bc ooh imposter syndrome stays coming up and I am good enough is def my mantra. I deserve to be wherever I have shown up and chosen to be and worked my butt off to be at. I'm gonna be reading North and South and some Sherlock soon so hearing you talk about it has me excited.
Noelle I love you and your cozy corner of the internet 💖💖 good luck in this new term
Noelle I just have to tell you how much I appreciate these tips and your openness to discuss your degree. I'm in my second year of undergrad and my major is literature and I always feel like such an imposter and like I'm the only person in the world with these struggles. I adore you and your channel and appreciate you so much! 💕
One thing that absolutely makes me feel amazing in classes is when the professor initiates an interaction with me. They recognize when someone is speaking up in class and reaching out when they need help! Doing this is a super-easy way to be engaged and stand out to your professors :)
I genuinely think we would be great pals! I loved hearing all your advice (and basic self-reflection) thanks for being you, Noelle! 💜
The eyeshadow, the earrings, the mock turtleneck. YES! 🧡
Love it! Love it all!
Also, I know and understand why you won’t share your essays, but I think it would be awesome to hear some of the different topics you have written essays on, and/or how you find topics to write about. It seems like you choose such small details and pull an essay out of it and I think that’s cool, and would love to learn how you go about choosing or finding those.