Elizabeth E. Parfitt is a 26-year-old freelance writer and full-time Lecturer in the Writing, Literature and Publishing Department at Emerson College. Elizabeth grew up in State College, Pennsylvania where she attended Penn State University and received her B.A. in English. While there, she minored in American Studies and took courses in pop culture and sociology, which taught her that her "normal" family life is not the norm in American society. During her time in Happy Valley, PA, Elizabeth held many jobs that contribute to her expertise on small-town life. These include: ice cream scooper, video store clerk, SAT prep course instructor, golf course beverage cart girl, and a brief stint as a greeter at America's largest retailer. After moving to Boston, Elizabeth received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Emerson College. She has taught and tutored writing at Suffolk University, Wheelock College, and Mt. Ida College. Among others, her writing has appeared in Boston Magazine, The Chronicle of Higher Education, State College Magazine, Research/PennState, and SavvyMiss.com. She is currently at work on a novel.
“A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” --Virginia Woolf I recently moved into a new apartment, just across...
While out at a baseball game last week, my older brother and his friend got into a heated conversation about golf. After much discussion they turned to my younger brother, Lee—a senior in...
When I started a full-time teaching job back in September, I was excited about one thing. More than the business cards, or the flex-spending benefits, or even the fact that they would post my...
A few nights ago, I experienced an interaction that occurs far too frequently between new acquaintances. I guess you could call this man a friend of a friend, and he was sitting at a table full of...
Routines often get a bad reputation. Too much routine and people say you’ve fallen into a rut, turned victim to everyday habits, become boring. People think that life needs to be...
As Thanksgiving approaches, I look forward to going home, lounging in the house I grew up in, eating my Mom’s turkey and mashed potatoes, and of course fighting with my three brothers. No...
After a breezy Saturday spent walking around town, hitting up the gym, and then celebrating the Red Sox win at a Halloween party this past weekend, I woke up Sunday morning feeling guilty. Sitting...
Growing up, I was always a little shy. I was one of the quiet kids in class, hesitant to speak up or volunteer an answer—and it was rare for me to initiate a conversation with someone I...
September is upon us and for my career that means a fresh start. For some people the New Year signals a new you, but for teachers new beginnings come at the start...
As a part-time writing instructor, teaching in Boston, you tend to go on a lot of job interviews. This also means you usually have more than one job at a time. Classes open up, someone...