Statements by English Alumni

My English schooling has enriched my life immeasurably. There is not a day that I don’t recognize and appreciate my new awareness and appreciation for reading and for the recognition of authors and works of literature. I would recommend an English education to everyone. It is invaluable. (Lyn Blinkhorn, 2003 graduate; property management)

One of the most positive aspects of the classes were the small sizes. This afforded great opportunity to build a relationship with the teachers and I found it more comfortable in talking to and forging a relationship with the professor. (Sara Borelli, 1995 graduate, high school teacher)

The small intimate environment at Notre Dame helped me build confidence. My time at Notre Dame really did give me an opportunity to indulge and expand my love of literature. I remain a voracious insatiable reader. (Jan Bruzzese, 1996 graduate; director of admission at middle school)

My English degree has helped me organize my thoughts and see the world through metaphors (a deeper meaning of life). Every class I take requires strong writing skills. My teachers really took the time to make the understand literature and use critical analysis. (Catherine Jones, 1994 graduate; currently in dental school)

My training at NDNU, particularly an advanced writing course, has been enormously helpful in making me an effective, literate communicator. Small classes and the opportunity to develop personal relationships with faculty were extremely rewarding. (Jane Dunbar, 2002 graduate; chapter coordinator for California Society of CPAs)

Writing and communication are essential in any career, but I think especially important in sales. My English major has prepared me very well in all aspects of these two pertinent skills. I am able to communicate clearly and explain fully the usefulness, functionality, and application of the products I sell. (Mirella Kaell, 1994 graduate; design consultant in the custom window coverings industry)

My English major has given me a transferable skill set that has allowed me to participate in the vocational arena of my choice. As a divergent thinking, I am able to tackle the intangible aspects of my job and receive all the intended positive results. NDNU has been one of the outstanding experiences of my life. I experienced a tremendous period of growth while attending NDNU. (Steve Kinney, 2002 graduate; Executive Director for the National Consortium for Academics and Sports).

All of the skills I learned from my studies have been helpful. I use critical thinking in every aspect of my position; the writing I was trained to do now assists me in writing narratives in monthly reports. After my stint on the Bohemian I learned how to be critical of others’ work in a positive and pro-active way which I use when conducting evaluations. (Roxanne Lewis, 2001 graduate; senior community health worker for a non-profit)

Experience as an English major prepares one for any and all vocations. The ability to understand, interpret, analyze, and write opens doors in any field one wishes to enter. (Linda Morgan, 1996 graduate; assistant to head of high school)

My English major experience prepared me greatly to excel as an attorney. My experience in reading voluminous texts, analyzing anything and everything, and the ability to present my ideas in cogent, critical writing was a great asset in law school and the practice of law. (Mary Peterson, 1995 graduate; attorney)

NDNU’s English major prepared me for the rigors of being a language arts teacher. To meet the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the California Content Standards for 8th grade language arts, I not only need to have a full understanding and knowledge of my content area, I need to be able to teach these areas to my students. NDNU’s English Department helped me learn how to develop thesis-driven essays, to properly edit papers, and to build critical thinking skills. I am able to adapt what I have learned to assist my students in the classroom. (Amelia Ramos, 2004 graduate; middle school language arts teacher)

I think all the different classes I took as an English major at NDNU have helped me find the perfect profession for me. I found my true calling at NDNU. I loved the small class sizes. It helped me to learn to express my opinions and to not be so shy. (Monika Stahler, 2002 graduate; ESL teacher)

My experience as an English major was invaluable to my vocational and educational direction. Accordingly, two of the most frequently employed skills in law school (and indeed the profession as a whole) are the ability to analyze and communicate. (Jennifer van Dyke, 2005 graduate; law student)