English Students Plan for the Future

Two seniors majoring in English at Frostburg State University discuss what they plan to do following graduation.

Lisa Sidley of Augusta, WV already has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, but has decided she'd like to teach English. Because of the requirements of the MAT or Master of Arts in Teaching program, she will inadvertantly end up with a second bachelor's degree, ths one in English literature. Sidley hopes to begin the MAT program at Frostburg State University in the spring of 2012. Upon completion of the MAT program, she intends to substitute teach until she finds a full-time job in Hampshire County, where she resides. "To be honest, I'm hoping to win the lottery (big) and not have to wait on that day, but hey,we all know better!" Sidley said.

Lindsay Schmelling moved to Cresaptown, MD from her hometown of Lodi, WI to be with her boyfriend, who had been transferred by his place of employment. She also already has a degree from University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh, but her's is a Bachelor of Arts in English. She will need to complete a Bachelor of Science and fulfill the requirements of the MAT program in order to be accepted into it at Frostburg State, which is her goal. "I have taken the Praxis I, although it was about two years ago and in Wisconsin, so I don't know if the scores still count, in which case I will be taking it again soon."

A Cold, Dreary Start to Homecoming Weekend

Students walk to and from classes at Frostburg State University on a cold, rainy October morning, as temperatures dipped into the low 40's throughout the day on Friday.
Jen Stevens, an English major from Libertytown, MD, (above left) discusses the dreary weather with Lisa Sidley of Keyser, WV, (above right) also an English major, before class in Dunkle Hall.
Dr. Frank Parks, an FSU English professor from Cumberland, MD, hands back quizzes to anxious students during English 270.
Elizabeth Nelson, a Chemistry major from Centreville, MD, speaks to representatives from Career Services in the Lane Center during the Career Expo.

Reminder: Career Expo Today

Just a reminder: There will be a Career Expo for English majors today, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. in Library 237. Speakers will include two FSU English major alums: Jayme Bartles Reed, class of 2005, Production Editor at Rowman and Littlefield Publishing, and Katie Murray, class of 2003, Associate Director of Orientation and Family Programs, George Mason University. They will talk about their experiences after graduating from FSU and offer perspective on what can be done with an English degree. There will be time for students to ask questions.

Coverage of the event will follow.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Open House, Workshop, Career Expo

There are several events in the near future for English majors, as well as other majors, at FSU, including a Graduate School Open House, going on right now (Oct. 12, 5 to 7 p.m.) in Pullen 141.

For the English major, there will be a Career Expo on Friday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. in Library 237. Speakers will include two FSU English major alums: Jayme Bartles Reed, class of 2005, Production Editor at Rowman and Littlefield Publishing, and Katie Murray, class of 2003, Associate Director of Orientation and Family Programs, George Mason University. They will talk about their experiences after graduating from FSU and offer perspective on what can be done with an English degree. There will be time for students to ask questions.

Also for those majoring in English, there will be a Graduate School Workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 8 a.m. in Tawes 229. Anyone interested in learning more about and/or applying to graduate school this year is invited. There will be panelists from each concentration within the major to discuss the application process and answer any questions. Refreshments will be served.