My name is Rigo De Leon, I am a transfer (junior) here at San Diego State, and I am originally from the Bay Area. I am an economics major, but I love reading and writing as well. Economics was not something I initially wanted to major in, but once I started taking economics classes, I was very happy I ended up with that. Even though I like reading and writing, it is something I only really do when I have to. This is why I am taking this class, but I am working on getting into the habit of reading and writing more on my own. I have only been in San Diego for a few months, but I am loving it so far.

Back in the Bay, I was working full time. Since I have arrived, I have not needed to find a job just yet, which has given me a lot of time for my hobbies. I like making and listening to music, training, cooking, and exploring. My main goals for this semester are landing an internship for the summer and reading at least 2 books a month. I look forward to meeting you all!

Hi! My name is Sierra and I’m a sophomore. I am a psychology major with a minor in statistics and I am not really sure what I want to do with my degree. My major is pretty unrelated to the subject of this class but I found the description of this fascinating! l was interested in how literature and the environment would intersect, but now I’m interested in learning about mermaids!  

I’m from southern California, so I love to be outside. Some of my favorite activities to do are going to the beach with my friends, visiting flea markets, hiking, and reading. I love reading any type of literature, so I’m very interested in reading the myths about mermaids. I am excited about this semester and getting to know everyone!

Hi! My name is Myles Wright and I am currently a second year at SDSU. I am majoring in English and minoring in Public Health. So far, I have loved my time at SDSU learning about all kinds of literature. I have always loved mermaids and that is what initially drew me to this class. Based off our one class this week, I am already looking forward to all our readings and learning more about the historical backgrounds on mermaids and what they represent in literature. Also working on my essay writing and critical analysis skills.

I am from Atlanta, Georgia, and living in San Diego has been a dream. As well as my love for reading, I love the outdoors, hiking and backpacking, and exploring more of San Diego and California. I love the weather here and the beach, and have made wonderful friends and connections during my time here. I am currently reading the MaddAdam trilogy by Margaret Atwood and loving it so far. I’m looking forward to meeting more of ya’ll and learning more in this course!

Hi everyone! My name is Sophia Fugazzotto. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, so San Diego is the only other place I have lived except for when I studied abroad. I am a third year psychology major, with an emphasis in neuroscience. I am not sure what I will do after graduating, but I am considering pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology in the U.S. or a Master’s in Germany. I am really excited for the discussion format of this class. I find it engaging to hear other’s perspectives, and appreciate the opportunity to share my own. 

Outside of academics, some of my interests include photography, videography, and cars! I also enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and lifestyles. Some things I am looking forward to this year are going to Big Bear and Arizona, both for the first time!

Hi Everyone,

My name is Emmanuel Alvarez and I’m sophomore here at SDSU. I am majoring in marine biology and am minoring in interdisciplinary studies through the honors college. Even though I am majoring in a very science based field I have always had a special place for anything to do with literature, as well being a marine biology major and loving anything to do with mermaids I became very interested in joining this class and it would be cool to be able to correlate tops that we study in class to my major.

When I am in San Diego I love to take advantage of this wonderful weather so I try to be outside as often as possible. I love exploring the different beaches and going swimming in the beautiful water, as well I love to collect seashells while on the beach. I also really like to try new cafes, go on walks, hang with friends, and reading books. Right now I’m reading Emma by Jane Austin and its so interesting. I am excited to meet everyone in this class and hope we can have a good semester.

Hello! My name is Ashley Rubin and I am a sophomore here at SDSU. I am a Journalism and Media Studies major and I am hoping to work in the sports media industry. While that might seem completely different from what this class is about, I have always had a strong interest in literature as well as the environment which made me interested in this class! I love to read and am very interested and excited about this course!

When I am in San Diego, some of my hobbies include going to the beach, surfing, spending time with my friends, going to farmers markets, and spending lots of time outside. When I am home in New York I do things such as boxing classes, walking around the city, spending time with family and friends, and have recently been taking care of my new puppy. I am excited to meet everyone taking part in this course and hope to have a comfortable and open-minded community among us.