How did majoring in English prepare you for your career?

I always knew I would major in English because I loved books. But studying English at VSU taught me that I wasn't just a reader--I was also a writer. I learned to craft language to fit a variety of needs, whether I was writing a personal essay, a news article, a speech for a high-level executive or even a conceptual humor piece. Because of those skills, I was fortunate enough to sustain a full-time writing career at SCAD, while also freelancing and pursuing personal writing pursuits. My work has been published in The Progressive, McSweeney's, The Bitter Southerner, Under the Gum Tree, Savannah Magazine, Atlas Obscura, Scalawag and Reductress.

How has majoring in English enriched your life?

Understanding the mechanics of language allows me to communicate more effectively with everyone. Words are such powerful tools, especially in today's media. They can shape public opinion as well as communicate important information, and they've given me a way to express myself and my ideas fully and clearly.

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

Cultivate your writing community! The connections and insight from other writers is invaluable. While enrolled at VSU, I was the features editor of the Spectator. My advisers and fellow student editors were the first community I had where I felt comfortable sharing my writing, both professional and personal. Before I left VSU, my adviser Dr. Pat Miller, connected me with the news editor of Savannah Morning News. Thanks to her, I had an assignment before even unpacking my bags in Savannah! In addition to editorial feedback, this community provided encouragement and inspiration. I'm still friends with several former Spectator staff members today, and we share our writing accomplishments with each other still.