What do Star Trek, a grammar survey course and The Tiger newspaper all have in common? More than you may think, according to Department of English alumna Samantha Connell ’21.
Connell currently works as an Associate Editor at Adventure Media & Events in New York. As a toy expert, she writes and edits toy-related news, tests and reviews new product, creates shoppable gift guides, appears on live news and frequents press events for popular toy and entertainment companies like Mattel, Inc., Hasbro, Crayola and The LEGO Group. In all she’s accomplished, Connell’s passion lies in education.
“It’s easy to look at a toy and think it’s just a toy, but that’s a learning opportunity,” she said. “Every toy that a child interacts with is a part of their education.”
Clemson Beginnings
Connell began her Clemson career as a biology major, but after a year in the lab, she realized she wanted to work in a different environment. Connell switched to a double major in English and political science with her sights set on law school. After a few English courses, her career goals shifted.
“I decided I wanted to be around literature itself,” she said, noting an interest in children’s publishing. “When you’re working in that industry, you’re providing kids what they need to grow up to be a well-rounded adult.”
While pursuing an interest in children’s publishing through her coursework, Connell was simultaneously gaining hands-on journalism experience as the Outlook Editor (now known as the Opinion Editor) of Clemson University’s student newspaper, The Tiger. Connell would come up with article ideas each week and assign them to staff writers for production, unknowingly practicing a skill she would use in her future career at The Toy Insider.
Looking back, Connell also attributes courses like Grammar Survey and Digital Media to her development as a journalist.
The World of Toys
Connell’s English education prepared her for an unexpected part of her career journey: appearing on local and national news as the face of The Toy Insider.
“And now I’m on live TV!” she joked. “So, you really can do anything with an English degree.”
Some of Connell’s favorite media moments include: interviewing members of the Star Trek franchise, interviewing the creators of Phineas and Ferb, attending a press event for American Girl, flying to California to cover Comic-Con International: San Diego and doing a live BBC Radio call in England.
Advice for English Majors
Connell credits her success to her English degree.
“I’m very grateful that I have the opportunity to engage with all these really amazing people and amazing companies that I looked up to as a child, and I couldn’t have done that without an English degree,” she said. “I’m a writer. That’s the main reason I’m here.”
For current English majors, Connell emphasizes the importance of staying open minded.
“Keep yourself open to all the possibilities,” she said. “What you learn here at Clemson, you really don’t know where that’s going to take you. I’m living proof that there’s stuff you didn’t even know existed that you can do with an English degree.”
