Path to Success: UToledo Helps Honors Student Pursue Passion for Writing

Path to Success: UToledo Helps Honors Student Pursue Passion for Writing

Since I was 12 years old, I have loved writing and dreamed of making a career out of my passion.

But, as any young artist knows or has been told, jobs in the creative field are often pushed aside in favor of something stable. Though I knew I wanted to pursue my passion, I was told it was unrealistic, so I tried to push myself to do something else. By the time I came to UToledo, I was still undecided and had little idea what I would do.

Through some career coaching classes, long talks with advisors and self-discovery, I realized I had to pursue what I loved, even if that meant I may not succeed. I did not know yet where my degree would take me, but I knew I had to take that chance.

After my first semester, I formally declared my major to be English with a concentration in creative writing.

During my sophomore year, one of my professors sent me an email about a job opportunity on campus. Wanting to quit my current retail job, I applied for the student writer position in the Marketing and Communications Department, thinking nothing of it. To my surprise, I landed the job and started writing for UToledo News.

Right away, it was explained to me that this was not a journalism position, but a marketing one. As someone uninterested in the field of journalism, my eyes were suddenly opened wide to the possibility of a career in marketing, which I evidentially had a natural talent for. Finally, I had a future direction. English is such a versatile degree, I just had to see what was out there.

Since then, I also have completed an internship with Flex Machine Tools in Wapakoneta, Ohio, as a content writer intern. I was a copywriter on their website as well as a scriptwriter for social media promotions and blog post creator, all of which I enjoyed doing. I was further inspired to pursue marketing.

As an honors student, I took advantage of the program to aid in my future career and help me with landing interviews. Not only did I stand out among employers I learned and grew academically with the program, even completing an honors thesis this semester.

I will be graduating Saturday, Dec. 13, with my bachelor of arts degree in English with honors, magna cum laude. Starting in January, I will be working at Ohio Valley Supply in Cincinnati as an entry-level marketing associate. I have many people to thank for helping me earn my position, but ultimately, I would not be where I am without UToledo presenting me with the tools to succeed.

My future plans have changed frequently in the last three and a half years, but I am incredibly thankful for where my journey has led me. One day, I would like to be a serious author, but in the meantime, I can still do what I love.

To all artists like me who think they could never succeed: Step outside your comfort zone, take all the opportunities you are given, and most importantly, never sacrifice your passions. You will find a way to do what you love, as long as you work hard for it.

Natalie Burgess is a student writer for University Marketing and Communications. She graduates Saturday, Dec. 13, with a bachelor's degree in English.