UK College of Arts and Sciences Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies program is proud to highlight students whose creativity, curiosity and dedication help shape our community. WRD major and Gaines Fellowship recipient Chase Myers found his path through writing, editing and multimedia storytelling after discovering the possibilities within our department. Below, Chase shares in his own words how WRD shaped his growth as a writer and opened the door to new professional and creative opportunities:
“My time with the Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies department at the University of Kentucky has given me the opportunity to explore my creative outlets and pursue my passion as a writer.
When I originally started my college journey, I was content working in a STEM field, unaware of the creative opportunities the university provided. Luckily, my time spent in WRD 112 with Dr. Holly Osborn showed me the possibilities of careers in writing, video production and publishing. Though it was an unexpected shift, the experience gave me the confidence to join the WRD department.
Since then, I have wanted to better myself not only as a writer but also as a student. Professors such as Dr. Brian McNely, Dr. Beth Connors-Manke, Thomas Marksbury and Dr. Sharon Yam gave me the space to carve out my own creative voice. These professors, and the classes they taught, helped me publish much of my work and earn two department awards.
My time in the WRD department also introduced me to several career paths in publishing and editing. Dr. Connors-Manke gave me the wonderful opportunity to edit for her magazine, The Canelands, which sharpened my skills and prepared me for a potential future in editing. It also helped me become an editor and writer for several magazines on campus, including the Kentucky Kernel and KRNL.
More than anything else, this department has inspired me to be the best writer I can be. I now have the confidence to create a creative thesis for the Gaines Center for the Humanities, a collection of short stories based on the history of my parents. Without the knowledge this department gave me, specifically skills related to reading, writing and observation, I would not have the ability to achieve this goal.
As I sit down to apply for MFA programs, I am grateful to the WRD department for showing me that it is OK to pursue my creative aspirations. The department has provided a welcoming environment that gives students confidence and challenges them to better themselves as writers and as people. My career, my work and my creative abilities could not have prospered without the help of those in the WRD department, and I am incredibly thankful for what they have given me.”