What Does It Mean to Be Human?: Emersonians Kick Off Museum of Science Partnership with Night of Storytelling

To answer the question of the night, Emma Makela, MA ’25 will read a personal story about poverty, literature, and werewolves.

Makela is part of a sextet participating in a night of spoken word to kick-off Emerson College’s partnership with Boston’s Museum of Science (MOS) on Thursday, February 27. The event is the beginning of a series of events that will focus on the MOS’ theme of the Year of Being Human.   

“I want to bring humor to the very serious topic of accessibility when it comes to reading as a young adult,” said Makela.

WBUR reporter Cristela Guerra; will lead a panel discussion with participants including Performing Arts Senior Distinguished Artist-in-Residence P. Carl; Makela; Writing, Literature and Publishing Assistant Professor Porsha Olayiwola, MFA ’22; Emerson Prison Initiative Program Coordinator Charles Rosario; and Comedic Arts major Jayden Lopez ’28.

Lopez will read a personal speech about how comedy is often overlooked, but is a great tool and genre to connect with people.

“To me, being human is feeling, living, and experiencing. While we are all unique all three of those points are constants in each of our lives,” said Lopez.

Marketing Communication faculty member Sharon Topper; Journalism Professor Paul Mihailidis; and Marlboro Institute Associate Professor Jon Honea, are leading Emerson’s end of the collaboration.

“We talk so much today about what divides us. We’re living in a very divisive time. There’s so much that connects us — the need for community, for friends, and for love,” said Topper. “I think that’s what we expect to see out of this evening. People from all kinds of backgrounds, exhibiting acceptance, respect, and I think it’s important that we focus on that we really are human.”

Being Human: An Evening of Storytelling and Readings is a free event open to the Emerson College community. Pre-registration is required by visiting the Museum of Science website.