“The Wittenberg Writing Center has become a second home for me, and a constant source of inspiration. The Center has a unique energy, heart, and warmth, which can only exist with a lively and caring staff. I've worked alongside incredible musicians, novelists, world-travelers, and, of course, writers. They inspire me to be a better advisor and better person overall. And at the head the pack, is Dr. Mike Mattison, who demonstrates patience, kindness, professionalism, and fun every day. He has been instrumental in my success and confidence at Wittenberg. He has spent so much extra time making sure that I have the resources I need as I leave Witt. He also taught me the proper use of the semicolon. I know that I will miss the Writing Center and the people within it the most as I move forward, but it is also the main reason I feel prepared for post-grad life.”
Adrienne Stout, from Owatonna, Minn., always knew that she wanted to be an English major, and her positive experiences with the department nurtured her imagination and led her to add a creative writing minor.
“The faculty embraced me so warmly even before I declared that I knew I made the right choice. The English department has truly been one of the best parts of my college experience. I found myself attending extra colloquia and talking with professors outside of class because I found a passion for the material I studied. I had always known what it was like to love reading, but at Wittenberg I learned to love the pursuit of knowledge—the engaging discussions, the challenging questions, and even the essay-writing.”
Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Stout has secured an internship with the Writing Associates program at the Swarthmore College Writing Center for the 2014-2016 academic years.
As she reflects on her time at Wittenberg, Stout reassures future students: “You'll come into your first year, see an impressive upperclassman, and say, ‘Wow, I want to be just like them.’ Then, before you know it, you're a senior about to graduate, and you realize you've become someone that other people are looking up to, someone all your own. You will find your unique place within the fabric of the university. Witt gives you so many opportunities to become a better student, friend, leader, teammate, problem-solver, and professional, that you will leave with a much better understanding of your values and strengths. You won't just like Wittenberg, you'll find out what it is you like about yourself.”
