What is your hometown: New City, NY
Program at BU: English Literature MA
Julianna Poupard, from New City, NY is expected to complete her master’s in English Literature in May 2026. We sat down with Julianna to take a deep dive into her journey and give her advice to fellow GRS students in this exclusive Q&A session.
Please briefly introduce yourself, what’s your background, where are you from, why are you studying at BU GRS?
I was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to New York after graduating college. I attended Wellesley College for my undergraduate education, receiving my Bachelor’s in English with a focus in Creative Writing. After graduation, I worked as a 5th-grade ELA teacher and then as a Program Manager for Curriculum Implementation at a university. I always knew that I wanted to pursue graduate studies, but needed the time in between to gain professional experience and return to normal post-pandemic. When deciding where to attend for my master’s degree, BU was the easy choice for me. I fell in love with Massachusetts during undergrad, so I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to return. BU offers so many resources and opportunities to students in all disciplines and I just knew I would be happy studying here. Participating in classes with faculty and students who are at the top of their fields is an honor.
Why did you choose to come to BU for your graduate degree?
There are so many reasons why I chose BU for my graduate degree, but I will try to list a few of the most important ones. The breadth and depth of resources and opportunities offered to BU students of all disciplines are amazing. The faculty are truly experts in their fields, and my fellow students are sharp minds who will surely continue to do incredible things. There is a sense of community at BU that I have found very welcoming, having already met and grown close with students in my own cohort, as well as meeting many fascinating students from other disciplines. There is always something to do, at BU and in the greater Boston area—lectures, performances, resource fairs, etc.—which ensures that the time spent both in and out of the classroom is never dull.
What are your favorite spots on the BU Campus?
As an English student, I mainly spend my time near the English Department building on Bay State Road, which I love. It has so much character, and probably has thousands of books tucked away in classrooms and in bookshelves. Right near that building is “BU Beach,” a lovely stretch of green overlooking Charles River. Just a short walk from there is the George Sherman Union (GSU), which is a hub for student life at BU. My classmates and I often grab a bite to eat at the food court there in between classes. While I have found a few places to feel right at home at BU, there is still so much to explore. There truly is a place for everyone!
What is your favorite part about attending BU and studying in the US?
Studying at BU makes me excited to be a student again. So often, the grass is greener on the other side—you miss being a student when you’re done or you wish you were done with school while you’re in the thick of it—but despite being right in the middle of the semester when assignments are looming, I still feel giddy to be studying here. There are so many different people constantly coming and going around campus, and I have had the opportunity to meet and work with fascinating people with vastly varied backgrounds. I learn something new every hour it seems. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How is life in Boston?
I may receive a few odd looks from my friends and family back home, but I prefer Boston to NYC any day. The history, the architecture, the art—there is just so much to see. The Boston Opera House is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever had the pleasure of being inside, and the Boston Athenæum is home to beautiful archive materials. The Boston Common is a peaceful area to have a picnic or take an afternoon stroll. Running along the Charles River or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the plethora of incredible restaurants in the different districts proves there is nothing you can’t find in Boston.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
I hope to pursue my PhD in English Literature following the completion of my Master’s program. From there, I hope to teach at the higher education level. I have always loved academia and plan to stay enmeshed in it for the rest of my life.
About the Author:
Doğa Sevgi
Marketing & Communication Assistant, GRS
Bachelor of Science, Psychology