Department of English

Cassandra Curatolo Johnson

Year Graduated:

2018

Co-Owner & Antiquarian Book Specialist

Job description

I wear many hats in my family's independent bookstore in Oakland, CA, which is going on its 48th year in business. Primarily, I am responsible for many of the administrative/HR tasks that keep the business running. I also appraise and sell antiquarian and collectible books and ephemera.

Why did you choose this program?

I was already familiar with many of the professors teaching in the program, and I was excited to continue taking classes from them, especially some of the more practical, praxis-based classes offered in the MA program. I also wanted to write a thesis (gasp!), I was very interested in the idea of producing my own research and writing, and treading uncharted territory with the guidance of professors who had similar areas of interest.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

I practiced professionalism and learned to utilize appropriate voice and diction for different written communications, which has been especially useful for promotional material and public relations tasks. I also became adept at historical and archival research. Most importantly, perhaps, I learned about the politics of representation in literature. Now, when I buy books for the bookstore, I ask myself: Whose stories are being told and by whom? To which authors, stories, and histories should we be giving shelf space? Who are our customers and how might their identities shape their reading interests?

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I most enjoyed developing friendships with my cohort and professors.

Job description

Why did you choose this program?

How did this program prepare you for your job?

What did you enjoy most about the program?

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?