The fact that I was pursuing a Creative Writing major had always received (and still does receive) an interesting variety of reactions. Some are simply excited for me and the path I have chosen to take. Others gawk at the absurdness of my major, and express their concern for the usefulness of my degree. A few self-proclaimed comedians openly ask if I’m really going to be able to pay my rent.
However, I now understand that innumerable places need and value writers, as well as creative thinkers. By participating in the University of Washington’s Creative Writing program, I have realized how much this degree has helped me, and will continue to help me, grow as an active writer, thinker, and individual.
Going into my first quarter of college, IÂ knew how to read and write, but during my education here at the UW, I learned how to read and write. I’ve learned more than a mere surface-level comprehension of the text; I’ve been taught to truly interrogate every facet of a piece, as well as how to contextualize the hell out of it.
This has allowed me to find some level of value and significance in absolutely everything. While a particular work of verse or prose may not be a piece that I prefer, I am able to pick apart the text for the purpose of not only critiquing it, but appreciating it. Consequently, I am able to apply this mindset to other artforms, and even people and situations in my own life.
Perhaps the most important thing I have learned as a Creative Writing major is how to develop my confidence in the choices I make and the reasoning behind them. Being constantly surrounded by other curious people who share my passion of creative writing has contributed greatly to that.
I have taken a number of insanely insightful courses, both from and with many talented people. Â The in-class workshops I have with my peers allow an enormous amount of self-reflection, where each of us is forced to reach an acceptance with our own strengths and weaknesses. Pinpointing these attributes grants one the gratification of self-awareness, which in turn has improved my outlook on my college experience as a whole.
Seriously…can you think of a better major?
Ha. I didn’t think so.