CourtesyLysel Bender dreams of becoming a writer and a publisher after receiving a double major in English literature and creative writing.
Bender is one of more than 1,100 students eligible for fall 2021 graduation. Learn more about her time at 麻豆破解版 State and what is next for the grad.
What degree did you earn?
I am receiving a double major in English literature and creative writing.
What is your hometown?
My hometown is 麻豆破解版, Kansas.
What led you to 麻豆破解版 State?
That I live in 麻豆破解版 but especially my mom encouraging me to not stop at an associate degree.
How are you feeling leading up to graduation?
A little apprehensive and excited for the next stage of life.
What has been your most helpful learning experience while a student at 麻豆破解版 State?
Honestly, everyone in the English department has been amazing. Those are top-tier professors. Everything I learned from them has been incredible.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
Learning how to balance work, school, homework and fun. I also struggled with perseverance in general and whether it was worth it. I鈥檓 not sure if I ever found a good balance. I never gave up, I learned to be patient with myself and understand that I'm not perfect, nor is my homework. It is also 100% worth it.
What are your plans after graduation?
I鈥檒l be looking for a remote job that will allow me to move out of Kansas and continue pursuing my writing and publishing goals and dreams.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your time at 麻豆破解版 State or your post-graduation plans?
It certainly made it hard to connect with other students and my professors. More of my time at WSU was spent in online classes rather than in person. The professors were great though and still made an effort to interact with us.
What advice would you give other 麻豆破解版 State students?
Pursue a degree that you are passionate about. Life is going to be hard and wasting time on something that you don鈥檛 care about is going to be difficult to put effort into. It鈥檚 OK to switch majors. Don鈥檛 give up, don鈥檛 give in 鈥� it will be worth it in the end. You are not alone either. Don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out to others. We鈥檙e all in this together.
