5 Things: Em Swain

Em Swain had her heart set on going out of state for college – so much so that she was “very upset” that she loved Heidelberg so much when she visited. If it’s possible, she loves it even more in her second year as an Honors student majoring in philosophy and double minoring in theatre and writing. She’s found interesting passions to pursue, too, including theatre, Greek life, improv comedy – even research.

A major shift

Em came into Heidelberg as a theatre and philosophy double major. She has been involved in all four theatre productions since she arrived on campus, either on stage or behind the scenes. She prefers the latter, where she’s able to use her hands and operate on a schedule. She narrowed her major to just philosophy, understanding that with Heidelberg’s flexibility, it aligns with her career goal to become a lawyer – and forces her to be a bit more organized. She maintained theatre as a minor and kept her writing minor as well.

Heart-tugging research

When she thinks of orphans, Em thinks of Oliver Twist or Annie and an adult trying to wrangle a bunch of rambunctious kids. “I’ve heard stories about orphans on both sides of my family,” Em says. “They’re sad, really.” For her Honors course this semester, “Philanthropy in America,” Em chose to research a local organization that has ties to her family history. Her maternal great-grandmother, Betty Lucretia Stultz, was a “Junior Home Kid” – an orphan who resided at the Junior Order of United American Mechanics’ National Orphans Home in Tiffin. Ironically, she’s using a book titled “Don’t Call Us Orphans,” written by ‘Berg alum Tricia Valentine, ’88, as the basis for her research. The Junior Home Kids were supported and supervised by Charles H. “Dad” Kernan, the superintendent of the orphanage for 42 years. Next year, Em will receive the Kernan Memorial Scholarship, which will be especially meaningful for her, given the family connection.

Body Positivity

Em is the founder and co-president, along with Jasmine Ridler, of one of Heidelberg’s newest student organizations, Berg Body Positivity Association. BBPA is an events-based group that celebrates life, love, self, body, beauty and image. It’s one of the student organizations in which she’s assumed a leadership role this year. The other is her Greek society, the Euglossian Society, where she serves as Siblinghood and Recruitment co-chair. She’s a rep on Greek Life Council and treasurer of the Make-A-Scene Improv Troupe. All in the life of a busy college student!

‘I like a good semicolon’

And she knows how to use it! That’s a key piece of information to know for someone who fancies herself a strong creative writer. “I like to write and I’m good at it,” says Em. That paper for her Philanthropy class should come together pretty effortlessly – just as her previous writing has come easy to her. Before college, she enjoyed historical fiction but is more into persuasive writing these days. 

Literal grandma

This past summer, Em spent much of her time knitting blankets and baking bread – just because. “I make a mean batch of cinnamon roll bread,” she says. Her secret: add cinnamon to the batter, not just to the yummy filling. Her specialty is chocolate almond cake. She’s still learning to cook with yeast, and plans to try it out on a batch of homemade Texas rolls – like those served at Texas Roadhouse.