Written by: Emily Sharkis
When coming to college, I was super unsure of what to major in. As a writer and a former huge bookworm, you’d think I would gravitate toward English. However, once I got to high school, my attention span dwindled and my attitude toward long-form literature became somewhat negative.
I knew I wanted to be creative, write, and gain hands-on experience. I originally thought about marketing, but quickly learned that my math-hatred could get in the way. I eventually landed on a double major in journalism and communication with a minor in women’s, gender, & sexuality studies. However, I still wanted to engage in the creative writing community on campus. Here are some ways I made that happen.
1. Join Writing-Based Clubs
While I was certainly writing in my classes, my desire for more creative writing wasn’t exactly satisfied by newswriting. In my freshman and sophomore years, I joined three clubs that not only allowed me to write but also provided me with a large sense of community. Poetic Release and Creative Writing Club provided a fun outlet for honing my skills. I even served as the social media chair for Creative Writing Club my junior year. Where I really found my home, however, was Her Campus, a lifestyle and pop culture online magazine. Writing for HC has allowed me to still be journalistic, yet witty, opinionated, and light. I now serve as the president of HC UConn, a testament that you can do anything you set your mind to.
2. Take English Classes
One of my favorite parts of college is being able to choose my path and the classes I want to take. Throughout my college journey, I have taken a plethora of English classes, some fulfilling Gen Ed requirements, some not. One of my favorites has been being a part of the Long River Review, where I could read poetry, discuss literary works, and work on a multitude of social media campaigns. If you can squeeze a fun, creative writing course into your schedule, I highly recommend it.
3. Just Write
You can always just write! Whether you’re in content creation like I am or spend hours in the biochemistry lab, the option to practice creative writing is always there. I never try to force myself to be creative, but when the energy hits, I try to sit down and write a poem or personal essay. Without the pressure of an assignment or deadline, I find that these pieces become some of my favorites.
There are many ways to be a creative writer without declaring an English major. If writing is something you’re passionate about, I urge you to go for it.
Featured Image Caption: Emily at her Her Campus event on December 4, 2024
