Meet Emma

Hey! I’m Emma, and I’m a contributor to Novel Hand!

I’m a sophomore at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Political Science and Earth and Environmental Sciences. My studies center around international relations, human rights, and environmental change. I’m originally from Salem, Oregon—arguably the most beautiful state in the union, and my favorite place in the world. I enjoy hiking, running, and rock climbing, as well as a good book or any genre of music (currently, I’m listening to The Brilliance—check them out!).

For about a year, I’ve been volunteering as an Adult English Language instructor at Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE), working with refugees and immigrants from Latin America, the Middle East, and all over the world. NICE does incredible work for the immigrant community here in Nashville, from refugee resettlement to English classes and employment help, and I absolutely love working for them. Hearing my students’ stories and seeing their language skills and confidence grow is incredible. It’s been an amazing way to turn an abstract passion into concrete activism and service, and I want to carry that passion into my work with Novel Hand.

During my time with NICE, I’ve also been able to see the challenges that this organization and similar nonprofits face. On the political side, immigration policy decisions have drastic impacts on these organizations; at the local level, they face challenges with demand for their services and simply finding volunteers to fill positions. I hope to learn more about the issues that nonprofit organizations face, as well as what it’s like to take an active role in them.

I also want to dive deeper into issues like environmental justice and natural disaster relief. These topics are tossed around pretty frequently in my classes, especially within the Earth and Environmental Sciences department, and I want to explore how the environmental science that I’m learning connects back to injustice and humanitarian aid. 

Finally, I will occasionally tackle issues like poverty, homelessness, and inequality. These issues are particularly sensitive in my hometown, but they’re also relevant to each of us in one way or another. I want to examine what’s already being done to combat them—and what more we can do to feed the hungry, heal the sick, welcome the stranger, and break down the barriers that keep us from doing so. 

I’m incredibly excited to work with Novel Hand in all of this. Ultimately, I want to find ways for all of us to integrate altruism into our hearts, careers, and lives. There’s so much that I don’t know about these issues, and I can’t wait to share everything I learn with you! If you have questions, or just want to chat about Novel Hand, feel free to contact me at emma.fagan@vanderbilt.edu.

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Emma Fagan

Hey! I’m Emma, and I’m the Environment and Sustainability Editor here at Novel Hand. I’m a senior at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Earth and Environmental Sciences and Political Science. My work focuses on the intersection between environmental concerns and humanitarian issues such as justice, health, and poverty. When I’m not studying in a coffee shop somewhere, you’ll find me reading, running, climbing a rock wall, or listening to every genre of music under the sun. If you have questions, ideas, or just want to chat, feel free to contact me at emma.fagan@vanderbilt.edu!

Latest posts by Emma Fagan (see all)

• A Dose of Climate Optimism from 2021 - January 20, 2022
• When It Comes To Climate Change, Language Matters. Here’s Why. - December 28, 2021
• The EPA Wants To Take A Few Years To Regulate PFAS. Here’s Why. - October 28, 2021