Jess Traurig
English-creative writing and philosophy major
Hello! My name is Jess Traurig, an English-creative writing and philosophy major. I'm originally from Pittsburgh, PA, a scenic 4-hour drive from Lycoming.
As a creative writing major, I couldn't be happier with my experience thus far. Like most high school seniors, I was apprehensive about going off to college. However, Lycoming had a very welcoming environment and I quickly found my niche, gaining new friends in the Creative Arts Society and various theatre groups.
I chose Lycoming because it offered an authentic creative writing major (I was lucky enough to receive one of the creative writing scholarships, too!). Before I decided on Lycoming, I read some of Dr. Hawkes' short stories, helping to reinforce my decision. If you seek a creative writing major anywhere, read some of the works of your future teachers.
Classes with Dr. Hawkes and Dr. Feinstein are complex and challenging; however, I am learning much and discovering my voice. I truly feel that I am making great progress toward my dream of going on to graduate school and becoming a published novelist.
When I thought about good relationships with professors, I didn't realize that would extend outside the classroom: working as a student assistant for Dr. Griffith in the philosophy department, gaining experience by editing and cross-referencing literary publications with Dr. Leiter in English, and being invited to a musical performance by our poet, Dr. Feinstein (he plays a mean saxophone). By the way, I also contribute to The Tributary, the College's literary magazine and even served as editor my sophomore year.
To any student looking for the right college, and especially a good writing program, be humble. I recommend talking to the head of the department to gain a realistic perspective of what your studies will be like and to dispel any illusions of grandeur you might have about being a writer. I have found the faculty here to be extremely honest, and this is a good thing; having a clear understanding about your possibilities and potential will make you a better and much happier individual. The friendships I've made at Lycoming with both students and professors and the common appreciation we have for the art of writing stories and poetry have been truly rewarding.