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 VSU 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 VSU, 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 VSU'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.