Testimonials

Hello future Mustang! Before I say anything else, an English degree will benefit you no matter what type of career or other major you go into in your life. Sometimes English is seen as nothing but writing papers or diagramming sentences; however, the degree plan here is much more than that! At Western, there are a variety of classes that help educate you in the finer points of the English language while also helping you find your specified interest through class exploration. Just a few of the classes offered include: Medieval Literature, Technical Writing, Shakespeare, and American Literature. I graduated in 2019 with my degree in English, and then I transferred to Utah State University to earn a Bachelor’s in Professional & Technical Writing. I was able to find my specific passion by going to Western first. I made some incredible friends and met some professors that changed my perception of the world, the English language, and even myself. Come find yourself and discover your passions through the English Program!-—Rachel Winward (AA in English, 2019)

I started Western as a Nursing major, but I fell in love with writing during my Composition I class. I decided to switch my major to English, and it has been the best decision I’ve made at Western. My classes, professors, and peers have all been amazing. They have taught me the fundamentals of an English degree – literature, communication, and writing – but more importantly, they have taught me to look at the world a little differently, with a little more insight. I am excited to take what I’ve learned here and continue my degree at UW.-—Kyla Ditges (AA in English, 2019)

 

Western’s small class size, caring teachers, and friendly environment allowed me to dig deeply into my studies to learn and apply new material. Although I knew I was interested in studying English, the variety of courses available allowed me to explore genres that were outside my comfort zone and helped me to more clearly and succinctly articulate my persuasive arguments and creative ideas. I learned it’s not just about finishing the assignment; it’s about creating connections, facing fears, and overcoming obstacles to enact change for a better, more meaningful life for yourself and those around you.  I utilized the skills I developed at Western to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Technical Communication from Utah State University. My continuing education and the experience I gained through an editing internship at Western led me to my current position (that I love!) as a technical writer in the aerospace industry. -—Hannah (Winward) Brailsford (AA in English, 2014)

I have always loved to read, and I am good at writing; therefore, studying English at Western was a good choice to further my passion and skill. It was important to me to be close to home, where I could earn my associates degree in English before studying the same major at a four-year university. At Western, I gained writing skills, creative and professional, as well as received a well-rounded education in a wide variety of literature. However, the most important ability that I gained was becoming well-practiced in thinking critically from close reading of texts, and analyzing and discussing them with others. I liked the small class sizes which made my introduction into college easier to adjust to than it would be going to a four-year university right away. The small class sizes also enable professors to forge a close connection with their students easily.  I was able to take multiple creative writing classes, which are a fun way to practice writing. I loved hearing others' stories and sharing mine with the class. After graduating from Western, I earned my bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wyoming. Fitting my English qualifications perfectly, I became the newsroom proofreader, looking for grammatical and spelling errors, at The Rocket-Miner newspaper for four years. I discovered that I really enjoyed helping people so I became a Reference Specialist at Rock Springs Library. After earning my Master of Library Science degree, I started my current job as an Information Services Librarian at Salina Public Library in Salina, Kansas. There I assist people with any questions or requests at the Information Desk, manage the collection and budget of the entertainment DVDs and video games, and host a monthly anime club targeted to adults.-— Ashley (Moltzan) Will (AA with emphasis in English, 2006)