Think beyond

London Semester, in front of Tower Bridge.

Major: Political Science
Minor: Writing

Q. So, Seth, why did you chose Drew?
A. If I had written a personal ad seeking my ideal college, it would have read, “High school student seeks small, liberal arts school with excellent, personable professors; must have terrific political science and writing programs and a reputable student-run newspaper; close proximity to a major city essential.” Drew fits that description to a T.

Q. And what’s your next step after Drew? 
A. Grad school is definitely in my future, but not right after Drew. Upon graduating, I hope to serve in AmeriCorps for a year before I enter the work force. After I find a field of work that I enjoy, I’ll apply to grad school to further my career. 

Q. There could be many reasons for a poli sci major to study writing as a minor. What’s yours?
A. I’ve got career aspirations in journalism, education and government, and clear, concise and persuasive writing is beyond essential in those fields—or any field, really. 

Seth playing Hank in Life Under Water by Richard Greenberg, a DUDS one-act play.

Q. How has Drew’s writing program prepared you to potentially meet these demands?
A. It’s helped me find my voice and improve my writing through a nurturing writing environment. Drew professors are here first and foremost for the students, and all professors have open-office hours. Sitting down one-on-one with a professor is a rare opportunity in most schools, but at Drew, open-office hours are as commonplace as dry erase boards.

Q. Can you give an example of this kind of environment?
A. My Travel Writing course: travel writing is not a formulaic writing form, and I enjoyed the professor’s challenging assignments and her beneficial input on drafts. The class really instilled confidence in me, and pushed me as a writer.

Q. Has your writing minor helped you outside of the classroom?
A. I’m a staff writer for The Acorn and a tour guide. Both require communicating clearly and convincingly, which is a skill I honed through my writing minor. 

Q. Getting back to academics, you’re quite a decorated scholar.
A. I’ve worked hard to be a good student, and it’s paid off. I’ve been on the Dean’s List every semester, and I’m a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. I also am the recipient of the Whaley Endowed Scholarship in Political Science, a First-Year Recognition Award and a Drew Recognition Award Scholarship. 

Q. But what’s this about a complaint from your roommate?
A. Ha, ha. Yes, much to his dismay, I read most everything I write out loud; I found it’s the only way to really proofread. And it’s good practice, since reading your own essays aloud in class is a common occurrence in the Drew writing program!