Emily Nitz-RitterAwarded a UW President’s Medal

Submitted by Amy R. Peloff on

January 9, 2013

UW announces president’s medalists for 2011-12

By Bob Roseth

Emily Nitz-Ritter, the sophomore medalist, is a graduate of Seattle’s Roosevelt high school. She is majoring in English and the comparative history of ideas. One of her favorite classes thus far was “21st Century American Poetry.”

“I remember being pleasantly surprised that poetry could be such a rigorous academic pursuit,” she said. This course and others helped her realize that “my most meaningful learning is done in a classroom that’s just a little bit uncomfortable and pushes me to examine my own convictions.”

Outside of class, Nitz-Ritter has volunteered as a tutor in Highland Park Elementary School. She has been involved with the Honors Student Advisory Panel, which stages an annual Honors Colloquium and other events.

Her plans after graduation are still uncertain. She is considering taking time off to travel, obtaining internships through the UW or applying to Teach for America. She is planning eventually to pursue graduate studies in education leadership and policy studies, with an eye toward a career in public school administration.

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