An English major concentrating in literature with a minor in design thinking, Zach is from Broomfield, Colorado. A lover of poetry with a passion for creativity and community, he’s preparing to graduate this May and is eager to take his writing and critical thinking skills into the next chapter. Below, learn more about Zach and his CSU experience.
Tell us how you got here! Why did you choose CSU?
I had a long journey through three majors before I finally settled on English. I began college studying studio arts with a focus on photography, then switched to undeclared for about a year. From there, health and exercise interested me, although it wasn’t my passion, and data science felt detached from my goals. At this point in my college career, I was considering taking a gap semester to figure out what I really wanted to do when I realized that I really love writing when given the reins. So, I became an English major. One of my best friends was also an English major at the time and helped me get involved in the program, as well as see the potential that could be reached with this degree.
What do you love about your major?
I love writing poetry. I love breaking every writing rule that we are taught to follow in the pursuit of art within words.
What classes have you enjoyed? Any favorites you’d like to shout-out?
While I’ve had many great English classes, a personal favorite of mine has been E375: Mindfulness Practices and Literacy Tools For Healing a Changing World with Professor Cindy O’Donnell-Allen. This class has literally changed my life, planting a growing seed within my daily awareness. I love telling people about this class because their initial reaction is typically bewilderment that mindfulness is even a class. Yes, it’s a class—and one that everyone should take. Mindfulness goes beyond English and teaches us to be better individuals, both for ourselves and for everyone else in this life.
What kind of opportunities have you been involved in? What did you gain from the experience(s)?
My favorite involvements have been the Undergraduate English Committee (UGC) and the Rams Improv Comedy Troupe. Through the UGC, I’ve had the opportunity to be directly involved with the curriculum, plan events, and make a positive impact on the English program. With improv, I’m able to put the creativity of my degree into play.
As an English major, what skills have you gained that will help you beyond college?
The answer to this question is more than I’m aware of! English is not just about reading and writing; it also involves critical thinking, creativity, discussion, and problem-solving—the list goes on. English has taught me how to work with myself and with others. The part of my degree that I am most looking forward to using is its creativity.
What’s your favorite thing about the CSU English community?
My favorite thing about the English community is the shared love for humanity. English majors are overall very aware of social issues and are not afraid to discuss hard questions. They fight for what is right and choose to have difficult conversations.
If you could go back, what advice would you give yourself as a high school senior deciding on a major or college?
If I could go back, I would tell myself to focus more on my internal voice. Most of the mistakes I’ve made have come from following a path that someone else wanted me to follow. When I’ve listened to my internal voice, it’s taken me to places I never expected to be!