Heidelberg University is a community, a family, comprised of as many personalities as there are people. With our “5 Things to Know” blog, you’ll get to know some of them. You’ll learn about their Heidelberg experience and other informative, fun – even quirky – anecdotes. Together, they tell the Heidelberg story.
Em Swain had their heart set on going out of state for college – so much so that they were “very upset” that they loved Heidelberg so much when they visited. If it’s possible, they love it even more in their second year as an Honors student majoring in philosophy and double minoring in theatre and writing. They found interesting passions to pursue, too, including theatre, Greek life, improv comedy – even research.
A major shift
Em came into Heidelberg as a theatre and philosophy double major. They have been involved in all four theatre productions since arriving on campus, either on stage or behind the scenes. They prefers the latter, where they're able to use their hands and operate on a schedule. They narrowed their major to just philosophy, understanding that with Heidelberg’s flexibility, it aligns with their career goal to become a lawyer – and forces them to be a bit more organized. They maintained theatre as a minor and kept their writing minor as well.
Heart-tugging research
When they think of orphans, Em thinks of Oliver Twist or Annie and an adult trying to wrangle a bunch of rambunctious kids. “I’ve heard stories about orphans on both sides of my family,” Em says. “They’re sad, really.” For their Honors course this semester, “Philanthropy in America,” Em chose to research a local organization that has ties to their family history. Their maternal great-grandmother, Betty Lucretia Stultz, was a “Junior Home Kid” – an orphan who resided at the Junior Order of United American Mechanics’ National Orphans Home in Tiffin. Ironically, they're using a book titled “Don’t Call Us Orphans,” written by ‘Berg alum Tricia Valentine, ’88, as the basis for their research. The Junior Home Kids were supported and supervised by Charles H. “Dad” Kernan, the superintendent of the orphanage for 42 years. Next year, Em will receive the Kernan Memorial Scholarship, which will be especially meaningful for them, given the family connection.
Body Positivity
Em is the founder and co-president, along with Jasmine Ridler, of one of Heidelberg’s newest student organizations, Berg Body Positivity Association. BBPA is an events-based group that celebrates life, love, self, body, beauty and image. It’s one of the student organizations in which they've assumed a leadership role this year. The other is their Greek society, the Euglossian Society, where they serves as Siblinghood and Recruitment co-chair. They are a rep on Greek Life Council and treasurer of the Make-A-Scene Improv Troupe. All in the life of a busy college student!
‘I like a good semicolon’
And they know how to use it! That’s a key piece of information to know for someone who fancies themselves a strong creative writer. “I like to write and I’m good at it,” says Em. That paper for their Philanthropy class should come together pretty effortlessly – just as their previous writing has come easy to them. Before college, they enjoyed historical fiction but are more into persuasive writing these days.
Literal grandma
This past summer, Em spent much of their time knitting blankets and baking bread – just because. “I make a mean batch of cinnamon roll bread,” they said. Their secret: add cinnamon to the batter, not just to the yummy filling. Their specialty is chocolate almond cake. They're still learning to cook with yeast, and plan to try it out on a batch of homemade Texas rolls – like those served at Texas Roadhouse.