Interview with Elizabeth Buehler by Parizoda Axrorqulova (‘24)

Let me introduce you to our ACES Tutor, Elizabeth. She's not your average tutor; she's a learning wizard with a dash of charm and a dash of academic magic!

1. Could you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current field or profession? Where and why did you attend college? 

I grew up in Texas and went to college at Princeton University in New Jersey. I then earned an MFA from the University of Iowa and have spent the past few years as a writer and translator. Now I'm making a career shift and applying to medical school. All of my academic and career decisions have been motivated by a desire to learn and experience new things. 

2. What was your academic major? How did you get to that decision? 

I studied comparative literature, which is like majoring in multiple foreign languages. I have always loved learning languages, and my major gave me the opportunity to study Korean, Chinese, and Spanish. 

3. What is your area of specialization? 

Over the past few years, it has been translation. I have translated several novels from Korean to English. Going forward, though, I'm hoping to work as a physician, so maybe I will have two areas of specialization!

4. Who were your favorite and least liked professors? 

My favorite professors were the ones who made time for me outside of class. They were interested in getting to know me and helped guide my personal and professional growth. My least favorite professors were the ones who didn't really seem to care about teaching. 

5. What other academic disciplines pique your interest? Why? 

I love art and spend a lot of my free time drawing and doodling in my journal. There's something very relaxing about creating with your hands. 

6. Can you tell me about any of your hobbies? 

In addition to drawing, I have recently been trying to get better at singing. I also like to knit and am working on my first sweater. 

7. If you could make students read one book before they graduate, what would it be and why? 

The first book that comes to mind is All About Love by bell hooks. It's not just about romantic love--it also examines the kinds of relationships we have with our friends and family, which I think are very important things for students to think about as they're at the beginning of adulthood.   

8. As an undergraduate, what recommendations do you have for students? 

Don't be afraid to change your mind. You may come into college thinking you already know what you will major in, but it's completely okay if that changes! The classes you take, the jobs you work, and the experiences you have in college will all be valuable for your personal growth, even if they don't directly relate to what you end up doing later. 

9. What is the greatest advantageous possibility that Saint Joseph's University has to offer undergraduate students? 

I think it's how close-knit and friendly the SJU community is, and especially the ACES community. Everyone really seems to care about one another. It brings me joy to see students come by the ACES room just to say hi, even if they don't have an appointment with a tutor. 

10. What is the most difficult aspect of your job as a tutor?

Every student comes in with a unique academic background, so figuring out what specifically I can help him or her with can be tricky at first.