A minute with … Kyler Cummins ’27

While it’s true that he has three majors, a 3.88 GPA and was a presenter at the Northeastern Modern Language Association’s Undergraduate Forum in March, Kyler Cummins ’27 is not “always in his room reading a book,” he said.

At the NEMLA forum, Kyler presented original research on the ways Gothic novelist Ann Radcliffe engaged with the male-dominated world of eighteenth-century aesthetic philosophy. His presentation was titled “Landscapes & Seascapes: Comparing Aesthetic Categories in Ann Radcliffe’s A Sicilian Romance.”

Tackling three majors: “It’s easier to think about it as one massive study. History, English and German studies are all separate fields, but you can make a lot of cross connections, which is how I look at anything. I love when I get to do a project that interacts with two or more of my majors.

Customizing your education: “It’s easier to learn about something if you’re passionate about it. Wheaton allows you to do that. I’ve had several assignments where I’ve gotten interested in the prompt, then talked to the professor and asked if I could write it a different way. Every professor has been willing and excited to work with me, which makes it easier for me to write the paper.”

About his research: “I read the book for a course on Gothic literature, and took an interest in the landscapes in one of her scenes. For me, that interest recolored the entire book. When you’re seeing it through a different lens, you see it with an entirely new perspective.”

On presenting: “I interacted a lot with others at the conference, and attended a few panels, which were surprisingly intimate, so I asked questions. While presenting, I learned as the day went on and got better at explaining my project and getting my ideas across concisely.”

Outside of class: “I live in one of the theme houses—the Outdoors House—and I’m on club soccer. I do lots of hiking, rock climbing, and soccer. It’s nice to have separate worlds.”

After graduation: “I’ll probably pursue more education. I’m interested in the academic world. My goal is to find a Ph.D. program either domestically or abroad.

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