Abstract
It was difficult for me to identify a goal for this project.. Originally, I wanted to research becoming a children’s author. However, due to another group choosing the same career, I was asked to pick again. I had no idea what I wanted to pick so I put the assignment on the backburner while I brainstormed some ideas.
In the interim, my sister asked if I would give a lesson on creative writing to her second grade class. Because my focus within the Writing Arts in creative writing and because I enjoy visiting her class, I agreed. The obstacle I faced was the teaching part. While both my parents are high school teachers and my sister is an elementary school teacher, I never felt like I was meant to follow that same path. Ever the rebel, I think part of me rejected that idea simply out of a need to be different. However, it is more likely due to the fact that I am disorganized, impatient, and equipped with a vocabulary that could make the most vulgar of sailors blush.
After teaching the lesson, I realized how enjoyable it was. However, observing my sister play the role of “broken record” made me certain that I couldn’t teach elementary level kids. And I’m generally annoyed by high schoolers so they were also out. That left me with the college level which I honestly began to consider. I had an epiphany this semester that I no longer fear the workshop but instead get a sort of adrenaline rush listening to people critique my work and bring about ideas I hadn’t considered. And in college, people chose the classes they want to take. Students in levels below college are forced to write papers and therefore often times bullshit their ways through the standard 5 paragraph structure that is basic writing. But in college, I can easily surround myself with people who are passionate about their writing and honestly want to see an improvement, not just a grade inked into the top corner of their assignment.
Since I already planned on going to grad school which I learned is a requirement for being a college writing professor, I felt as though I’m already on track for the profession. In order to figure out the remaining steps, I created a list of questions such as "What degrees do you hold as a writing professor?", "What is your biggest struggle as a writing professor?", and "What qualities do writing professors need to have?" Then I set out to interview Professor Sanford Tweedie, a published author and vivacious Writing Arts Professor at Rowan University.