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Prior to PSU, I was... finishing up my thesis for my undergraduate degree. My
thesis project was accepted by my advisers and I began a workshop for my degree program a day later!
When I was applying to graduate school, I wish I knew... which faculty members were
scheduled to be on sabbatical, on leave, or retire during my stay at PSU. The graduate course offerings
are greatly affected by this and it is worth considering if the professors that match your interests will
be teaching courses you can take.
I chose my program because... I knew I loved studying literature but wasn't quite sure
if I wanted to pursue the PhD route. Although the program hasn't helped me make a final decision yet, if I do
choose to apply I now have experience that will help me be a more competitive applicant. The MA in English will
make me eligible to teach at any of the Portland-metro area's many community colleges and, should a career
change be in my future, I know that the skills I've learned can be easily transferred.
My favorite class/professor so far has been... the classes that allowed me the flexibility
to explore my own niche—so all of them! Even if you have an area of interest that is not explicitly covered by
the graduate level English classes, the professors are flexible and will allow you to fulfill the course requirements
by pursuing your own interests.
My professional goals after I graduate from PSU are... to teach American literature at the
college level, write young adult fiction or children's books, and provide writing and other soft skill consultant
services to non-native speakers and businesses.
My favorite spot on campus to study is... the Meetro Cafe on the West side of campus. I'm a
fan of coffee shops. This one has daily specials, a study room you can reserve, and a relaxed atmosphere.
My key to success at PSU is... starting research early. Ten weeks is a very short amount of
time so I try and get started as soon as I can and allow myself enough time for revisions and—of course—the
inevitable procrastination.
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