Major: English with an emphasis in creative writing
What year do you expect to graduate?
I’m expecting to graduate in summer 2025, but will be able to walk in the Spring. I was originally supposed to graduate in 2026, but through packed summer sessions I was able to complete my dream of graduating early from college! This was my first summer where I only took one class; it felt very rewarding before heading off to Oxford University! I recommend taking summer classes to anyone, it can help you get a head start if you have a long educational journey or if you want to major in other subjects!
What is your declared major?
I am a declared English major with a writing concentration! As an English major, you take classes that open your mind to critically analyze, bring awareness onto perspectives, treasure different writing styles, and find exactly what interests you; providing further passion on the importance of writing and what it can do for communities, culture, politics, history, etc. I believe strongly that is why I love taking the courses Cal Lutheran provides for English majors. It is incredibly diverse! As for my writing concentration, that has been my favorite part about my path. The writing concentration allows you to participate in workshops, which give you insight on the ideas you have for novels, short stories, or poetry! These courses have provided me a lot of critical feedback which have showed me how much I love writing fiction. As for the courses themselves, they exercise your creativity on a whole different level! For example, Dr. Jacqueline Lyons has given our classes prompts that force you to go outside your comfort level and push for detailed writing that touches on every human sense and explores how you are able to convey an image without explaining things too much: precise language serving a purpose to “show” your audience what your creativity is producing. The creative exercises also play a part in your academic papers; you gain structure due to knowing how to set up your stories and where to add specifics.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major and minor because I have loved writing my entire life. I have been writing short stories since the second grade! It carried on where I would write horror stories and share them with my family before bed or for Halloween. Before I came to Cal Lutheran I wanted to be a forensic pathologist, but realizing that my very first hobby consisted of writing, I almost took it as a sign that I was meant to go down the path of being an English major. To say the least, I am so happy that I chose to be an English major because it has showed me how much I love and appreciate writing, on a deeper level than I had before. Growing up in a household where they love hearing my stories made it hard for the feedback I craved! Taking the creative writing workshops have provided me a great amount of feedback and structure that I now consider when I am writing anything. I think it is important that someone loves what they’re studying and aren’t choosing it for the amount of money they will make later. Loving and being passionate for what you’re studying will make the long nights of studying, writing, and stressing completely worth it. Being happy and enjoying your job is and should be a priority.
Would you recommend it to a future student? Why?
I would completely recommend being an English major to anyone! Because of the diversity the subject provides, I believe it would give anyone insight and further the importance of communication and how it affects those around us. As for creative writing, I wish that was offered as a major at Cal Lutheran than a minor! It gives students a glimpse of what authors/writers/bloggers etc. do on the daily, and show how much work goes into story building, creating characters, and placing scenes! It increases your awareness in ways that you observe surroundings more than you have before; any moment can create inspiration for your next poem, story, or novel.
What are your future plans?
My future plans consist of going into a masters program, and eventually a PhD program. I have worked on graduating early in high school and now college because I want to become an English professor and a writer on the side! I have always wanted a position where I can teach others or be an ear for someone who is passionate about what they want to create or do in life. Since I have been writing for years, I hope I will be able to publish a few writings that I have been working on—but I say “on the side” because I have a feeling I will love being a professor and want to prioritize students learning over consistently writing. As a professor I want to instruct creative writing workshops. After taking a workshop at Cal Lutheran, it showed me what I specifically want to focus on and that is working on our minds and furthering our creative essence!
Are there any particular experiences — in or out of the classroom — that have helped you identify that path?
I would say the biggest factor that has helped identify my path would be my family. My family are my biggest supports, and have supported my love for writing since I was little! They have always told me to love what I do and because of that message being instilled since I was in kindergarten, I have a deeper appreciation for my path in life. The determination and positive mindset that I have all stems from my family and their unconditional support, love, and honesty. As for inside the classroom, I have had a handful of professors sit down and chat with me; giving me advice that I cannot collect from my family. Dr. Jacqueline Lyons, Professor Dustin Atkinson, and Dr. Dominique Vargas have guided my writing style and habits and I am beyond thankful to have experienced their classes and form a bond with them. They were more than willing to help their students out and be an ear for those who want to create! They inspired me greatly.