Branching Out
I’ve always been fascinated by the ability to turn a string of seemingly meaningless words into a master-crafted storyline. To create characters and worlds from nothing but creativity has driven me much in life, and majoring in English writing allows me to do just that. When it comes to classical civilization, apart from coming to DePauw as an intended classics major, I always felt drawn to the ancient Mediterranean world. Ancient Greece held a firm place in my heart, so studying it during college was a given.
I came to DePauw in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, so everything on campus was completely shut down. This left very little room for social interactions, but that didn't stop the deep connection I formed with my first-year RA Anna McCuaig. As a writing major herself, she pushed me to go for the major after hearing me rant about the many books I planned to write after college. We became fast friends and eventually, she even helped me join DePauw Student Government, something I quite actively avoided at the time (I was in every club in high school, and wanted to take a break in college). To this day we are still incredibly close. Without her, I'm not sure where I would be.
DePauw was a big risk for me. It’s three hours away from home, making it the furthest away I had ever been in my life for longer than a day or two. I’m also the youngest of three and a first-generation student. Needless to say, I was terrified of coming here for more reasons than one. Despite my fears, I know I made the right choice.
If you’re considering DePauw, take a look at all of the programs offered here and don’t be afraid to take classes that might seem a bit out of your comfort zone. One of my favorite classes was a molecular motors course in the physics department – which is VERY far from my world of English and classics. Branch out, take a risk or two, they pay off.
Majors: English writing and classical civilization
Hometown: Garrett, Indiana
Campus Involvement: DePauw Student Government, Eta Sigma Phi, Phi Beta Kappa, Classical Studies Department Student Advisory Board, English Department Student Affairs/Advisory Board, Latin Tutor.
Internships/Winter Terms: Sacred Landscapes of Greece (Winter Term 2023), CLST 2023 Summer Internship.
Plans following graduation: I plan to attend graduate school and receive an MFA. After that, apart from eventually earning my doctorate and writing books, I plan to become a college professor.
Class: 2024
