Lynsey Kirk

Major concentration: editing, writing, and media

Hometown: Palm Beach, Florida

How did you decide on English-EWM as your major?

I chose the Editing, Writing, and Media track at Florida State because it seemed to have an incredible offering of classes that dive into rhetoric, literature, text histories, editing and publishing, and so many more aspects that involve writing and literature. The program seemed to offer a mix of invaluable knowledge and skills to allow its students to be able to compete in the real world. Students could potentially use this degree for jobs involving social media, journalism, publishing, marketing and public relations, or even more traditional pursuits such as teaching.

What was your favorite part of being an English major?

I couldn’t possibly choose one thing to be my favorite. I enjoyed all of the professors, the material, the literature, the work, and the camaraderie among English students. Every part of my journey as an English major was met with challenges for which I hit head on and conquered. I connected with some of the most intelligent and inspiring professors and my peers rarely ceased to amaze me. That being said, while I cannot say these are my favorites, I did immensely enjoy my Rhetoric and Visual Rhetoric classes.

What one memory of your time at FSU do you think I’ll always remember?

My first day on campus for classes. I arrived at FSU early in order to procure a parking spot, as I had heard horror stories about parking. I remember there was a cool breeze as I walked up W. College Ave. toward the Westcott Building. I recall seeing the red brick all aglow from the rising sun behind me and the sky was a perfect powder blue framing the Westcott. There were some students milling about, but mostly I was alone. As I came to the top of the hill and the Westcott Fountain was perfectly in view, I could hear the water as it tumbled down, and I remember thinking, “This is it, this is what I have been waiting for and it’s finally here.” I had this overwhelming sense of joy and hope as I walked toward my first class.

What would you tell a student who is considering English as their major?

Go for it!! It will be your best decision ever. You will learn so much about literature, texts, rhetoric, theory, critical thinking, time management, teamwork, and much more, from amazing professors, and you’ll have the time of your life doing so. There will be times when you are overloaded and you’ll think there isn’t any way you can get it all done, but you will. Just put on a smile, put your head down, and go.

What are your post-graduation plans?

My post-graduation plan is to begin looking for a full-time job in editing and writing while I finish submitting my applications for graduate school.