Class of 2018, BFA in Creative Writing, BA in English Literature

What was your favorite part of studying Creative Writing at UE?

The professors at UE truly made campus feel like home. I wouldn't have been able to grow as much as I did without the caring and guiding hands of the Creative Writing Department's faculty. I always felt their support when taking on projects that were more complex than I'd anticipated and looked forward to receiving their feedback.

What did you experience in UE's CRW department that feels special/unique to our program?

The workshop setting is an extremely special experience to have at an undergraduate program. Many of the people attending my graduate school program didn't have exposure to a workshop setting while earning their bachelor's degree. During my last two years at UE, I was able to work as a co-editor-in-chief of the Evansville Review. While the experience definitely gave my resume a wonderful boost, working on the journal was truly a passion project and an extremely rewarding one at that. Leaving behind the journal after graduation was difficult and I still have my copies on my coffee table just in case I need a visual pick-me-up after a long day.

What was your favorite Creative Writing class and why?

Creative Nonfiction is amazing! Before taking this class, I had no idea creative nonfiction existed as a genre. This class gives you space to experiment with what it means to be vulnerable as a writer and what it means to share your story. For the first time, I encountered writers who put my experiences into words and encouraged the demystifying of personal narrative. I would also describe creative nonfiction as the genre of obsessions. Your passions have a place in this class and Lisa really focuses on helping those shine through in your work.

What are you up to now?

Currently, I'm attending Oregon State University to earn an MFA in creative nonfiction. My cohort is spectacular, and the program has pushed my writing to so many new and wonderful places. I also work as a rhetoric and composition instruction as a part of my teaching assistantship. And if you're wondering, yes, it is probably raining here right now.

At the moment, I'm working on developing my master's thesis. My work explores the natural world's role in coping with and understanding the aftermath of sexual trauma, abuse, and mental illness. I also write about the intersection of environmental exploitation and the female body.

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