Incoming Student Spotlight: Christina Riddle
Meet Army Capt. Christina Riddle (G’27): Born in Calhoun, Georgia and raised in Ijuí, Brazil, Riddle is joining Georgetown’s Master of Arts in English program in the College of Arts & Sciences this fall.
Riddle, a human resources officer and mom, previously earned a Master’s of Fine Arts in creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University. She will teach at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after graduation.
Christina Riddle and her two children, whom she says are “each uniquely chaotic.” (Photo courtesy of Christina Riddle)
What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree?
I was accepted for an amazing opportunity that would allow me to continue my career in the Army and pursue a graduate degree to teach English. Joining a graduate program gives me the chance to invest my time in something valuable to both my personal and professional growth.
Why did you choose Georgetown?
The Georgetown M.A. program is a great fit for my goals moving into a future teaching position. I knew I would have the opportunity to study theory, focus on pedagogy, and to work in teaching positions to gain practical experience. The program size and the availability of mentorship were also important factors for me, since I have been out of school for some time.
What are you most looking forward to during your time here?
I’m excited to return to an academic focus. I have spent a lot of my life in school, but in the past few years focusing on work I have really missed that knowledge-seeking, world-broadening community experience that you get in the academic world.
Cover image: Christina Riddle in her Army uniform. (Courtesy of Christina Riddle)
What advice would you give to others going through the graduate school application process?
Start preparing early. It is a stressful experience, and you don’t need the added stress of trying to pull things together at the last minute. Polish those writing samples and reach out well in advance to the people who might write your recommendation letters.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
A lot of my time goes to my kids, who are each uniquely chaotic. Actual hobbies include video games, cooking and baking (plus buying more cookbooks than I’ll ever need), and revising my novel draft for, I think, the 17th time.
Ready to transform your career?