Amanda Huntington

A penultimate year student of Comparative Literature and Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews with strong research, analytical reasoning and argumentation skills. Experienced in close reading, textual analysis, cultural critique, and both academic and creative writing, with a strong ability to synthesize complex theoretical perspectives into clear, compelling insights. Committed to exploring how the humanities and social sciences' humanity-centered approaches can be implemented to better understand and address contemporary cultural and social issues. Seeking opportunities in research, publishing, journalism, media, or cultural organizations where writing, communication, and interpretive skills can be applied meaningfully.

The Weekapaug Inn, Relais & Châteaux, Westerly, RI, Summers 2024 and 2025
Hostess and Server’s Assistant 

o Represented and operated as part of the Front-of-house team in a fine dining restaurant, ensuring a polished and welcoming guest experience.

o Scheduled reservations and coordinated table and server assignments under high-volume service periods.
o Assisted servers with table service and meal presentation, facilitated communication, and workflow efficiency.
o Closely collaborated with kitchen and service staff, often managed the Breakfast and Lunch Service without oversight,

representing the first point of contact for a crisis.
o Maintained professionalism, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills in a fast-paced environment. o Forbes Five-Star and AAA five-diamond hospitality trained.

Dave’s Coffee, Charlestown, RI, Summer 2023

Barista at a popular high-traffic coffee shop prepared specialty coffee and food orders. Balanced speed and efficiency with attention to detail, quality, and consistency

MA Honours, Comparative Literature and Social Anthropology Comparative Literature University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK,  expected June 2027 
Comparative Literature, Deep study of a variety of texts through Comparative Literary theory. Traced the intersection of themes across cultural, historical, and theoretical contexts.

Social Anthropology, Studied cultural and social phenomena through anthropological and ethnographic theory and practice. Examine how power, social structures, and culture shape behavior, and affect how people understand and interpret the world around them.
Relevant Coursework

o Political Drama in the 20th and 21st Centuries o Folk and Fairy Tales
o Ethnographic Encounters
o Contemporary Issues in Social Anthropology o Introduction to Middle Eastern History

Clubs and Societies

Ink Light Creative Writing Club
o Developed original creative writing through weekly creative writing workshops.
o Honed my close reading and editorial skills, strengthened editorial judgment, and constructive communication.

St Andrews Law Society
o Attended lectures and discussions of legal and policy issues, developed analytical and reasoning skills, and structured

argumentation.
o Society events strengthen understanding of how law operates in society and of its social, ethical, and institutional capacities.

Convent of the Sacred Heart, 91st Street, New York, NY, Graduated June 2023

High School Diploma 

o Tri-Varsity Athlete, Cross Country, Outdoor, and Indoor Track. Qualified for and competed in the NY state championships for three consecutive seasons. School record holder in the 800-meter relay.

o Mock Trial Team Member, Attorney and Lead Witness, NYC Mock Trial Championship finalist, testified and argued moot cases in NYC courtrooms.

o Junior States of America (JSA) Club and Chapter Leader, Guided and mediated weekly bipartisan discussions around politics and current events.

o School Musical Lead performed the starring role, Éponine, in the musical Les Misérables.
o Zenith Contributor, creative fiction and short stories selected and published in the school literary Magazine.

OTHER COURSES

Writers in New York, New York University, May and June 2024

o Selected to be part of NYU’s intensive four-week “mini-MFA” program at the Lillian Vernon Creative Writing Center.
o Participated in craft and novel writing workshops under the tutelage of celebrated writer Julie Orringer.
o Engaged in peer-review and critique circles, received feedback on my own work and helped edit and improve peer work. o Developed a portfolio of short fiction.