GREETINGS

        Hello! My name is Jessica Traurig, and this is my first year at Lycoming. I’m from Pittsburgh, PA, which is about 4 hours away, but fortunately it’s a nice scenic drive.

        I major in Creative Writing here, and I couldn’t be happier with the program and my experience thus far. Like most, I was very apprehensive about going off to college. However, Lycoming had a very welcoming environment and I quickly found friends in both the Creative Arts Society and various Theatre groups.

        I chose to come to Lycoming because of the Creative Writing program (I was lucky enough to receive one of the $2500 Creative Writing too!), and I must say, I have not been let down. While classes with G.W. Hawkes and Dr. Feinstein are complex and challenging, I truly feel that I am learning a great deal about how to fulfill my dream as a novelist. It helps that Dr. Hawkes has published several novels.

        My college experience has really been very interesting and rewarding.
When I thought of having good relationships with professors, I didn’t
think that would include seeing Dr. Feinstein perform jazz (he plays
the sax), and sharing coffee with other faculty I haven’t even had for
class yet! Also, I feel that the friendships I’ve made and the common
appreciation we have for the art of writing and poetry has been the
most beneficial experience so far.

        I’m lucky to be a freshman, because I get to have three more
years of new and interesting experiences.