This month, we sat down with Julia Whalen, one of our educational consultants and writing coaches, to learn more about who she is and her role at Options.
Read her Meet the Team interview below.
Tell me a bit about your background.
I hold an MA in Health Humanities from University College London, where my thesis examined ecological anxiety in contemporary culture, and a Bachelor’s in International Relations and Comparative Literature from the University of St Andrews.
Before that, I spent several years as a bookseller and buyer for children’s and educational books. I worked closely with schools and teachers to build collections for young readers and coordinate author events, which gave me a firsthand understanding of what young writers respond to, on and off the page. Outside of work, I am an avid reader, baker, and runner. I am trying to pick up knitting, but I can’t say I have made much progress yet…
What makes you most excited about working at Options?
I love my students. I am constantly blown away by how insightful, funny, and observant they are, and I feel so honored to be part of their secondary journey. I love that ‘lightbulb’ moment during writing sessions.
What has surprised you in the first few months at Options?
I have been so surprised by how many fascinating, super-niche programs are available to undergraduates. There really is something for everyone, it’s so cool to see.
Who is your role model?
Jane Goodall. She paved the way for generations of female scholars in traditionally male-dominated faculties. She also has this very gentle, self-possessed demeanor that I admire.
What do you spend too much time doing?
Organizing my books. In my last apartment, I had subject labels like you might find in a library, which made me embarrassingly happy.
If you could teach a university course, what would it be?
The sociology of reality television.
Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
Indiana Jones! He has a great library and is never home.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Before I start work for the day, I have to go outside. I had a math teacher who called it ‘photosynthesizing,’ which I always thought was great. Basically, I try to treat myself like a plant.
Ready to meet an educational consultant or writing coach? Contact us today to book in!
