How did majoring in English prepare you for your career?

It prepared me in two ways: It taught me to write and it taught me to edit. Being in a library, I work with students of all disciplines, whom, of course, must take English classes, even if it isn’t their strong suit. As a writer, I can now teach students how to gather research and properly structure a paper or project. As an editor, I now know what to look for when reviewing student work so that I can suggest improvements and help students succeed. 

How has majoring in English enriched your life?

Majoring in English has provided me so many skills that I use even in my daily life. I can write professionally, spell correctly, think critically, solve problems, organize and structure schedules and events, etc. I excel at these things, but it’s not uncommon that others struggle with them. Not only is my life a bit easier in this aspect, but I’m often the person people go to when checking a word’s spelling, or drafting an email, or even determining which word to use in a context, and I enjoy being able to help and teach others these basic useful skills.

What advice or insight do you have for ßÏÀÖÔ° alumni and students interested in your career field?

There’s no specific path you must take to begin a career in a college setting, but taking as many on-campus job and internship opportunities as possible while in school will definitely give you a range of skills to choose from when selecting a career field. I mainly studied journalism at ßÏÀÖÔ°, but once I became interested in the college setting, I was able to apply not only my experience as a college student but my experiences as supplemental instruction leader for ßÏÀÖÔ°'s Academic Support Center and managing editor for The Spectator as well. Now, I know more than what students need in a mentor; I know how to be a mentor. And I believe that, ultimately, my focus on student success is what started my career.