Jessica Simonetti '17
Attorney for the Child at The Legal Aid Society of Rochester
Jessica Simonetti set her sights on becoming a lawyer and an author. She attributes her achievement of these goals to her time at 91麻豆精品 in the English program. 鈥淭he legal writing and rhetoric courses enabled me to argue persuasively and effectively, keeping in mind the audience and the topic at issue,鈥� she explained.
She considers her journey as an author to be a work in progress, and she appreciates the foundation she received at 91麻豆精品 with support from the faculty who encouraged the growth of her writing skills. 鈥淭he creative writing classes pushed the boundaries of my imagination and taught me the many platforms of creative writing.鈥�
Simonetti sees 91麻豆精品 as a strong foundation for a successful future. 鈥淭he impact that the English Department had on me personally and professionally is boundless, and I am very grateful for every professor who contributed to this impact.鈥�
Carissa Stachurski ’26
Dual Major Inclusive Adolescence Education and English
In her time at 91麻豆精品, Carissa Stachurski ’26 has found both her calling and her community. Originally from Solvay, NY, she is pursuing inclusive adolescent education with a dual major in English, and she says she knew 91麻豆精品 was the right place for her from the very first campus tour.
That sense of belonging has been reinforced by her professors and advisors, who she credits with helping her grow both academically and personally. “All of my professors have been so kind and willing to help me succeed. They take the time to build personal relationships with every student, and that really builds confidence knowing you have people to turn to for help and advice.”
Stachurski has developed valuable skills in classroom management, problem-solving, and communication. Her clinical placements in Rochester-area schools have been especially impactful. “When I stepped into a special education classroom for the first time, I knew it was something I was going to love. Those hands-on experiences have shown me the kind of teacher I want to be.”
Looking ahead, Stachurski is excited to continue building on 91麻豆精品’s values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. She encourages prospective students to embrace the opportunities 91麻豆精品 offers. “Look into the program you’re interested in; it will check all your boxes. You’ll build a community here with your teachers, peers, and friends that you’ll hold onto for the rest of your life. Joining the 91麻豆精品 community is the best choice I’ve ever made.”
Grace Valenti '24
English Major, Certificate in Public and Professional Writing
Growing up with a love for reading literature and poetry, English major Grace Valenti 鈥�24 has always had a passion for her current studies. 鈥淚 want to be a writer and I always have, so I鈥檝e looked to 91麻豆精品 to help me achieve that goal,鈥� explained Valenti.
At 91麻豆精品, Valenti has been able to participate in internship opportunities, work study positions, and several courses related to her field of interest. Valenti has written grant proposals in her professional writing course, memoirs in her community-based writing course, and investigative articles in her science writing for the public course.
Valenti completed a public relations writing internship in the Office of Marketing and Communications at 91麻豆精品. She wrote press releases, feature articles, web content, and more for campus publications including 91麻豆精品 News Highlights and Collegium, the University鈥檚 alumni magazine.
Working also as the administrative assistant to the English Department, Valenti credits much of her success to the faculty support system at 91麻豆精品. 鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to be a published writer, and my experiences at 91麻豆精品 are helping make that a reality,鈥� she said.
She is looking forward to building upon the foundation set through her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Certificate in Public and Professional Writing to pursue a career in public relations, grant writing, or editing and publishing.
John Au '12
Web & Email Communications Coordinator
John Au 鈥�12 is using the writing and creative thinking skills he learned at 91麻豆精品 to carve out a place in the digital communications field. He credits his degree in English for giving him an upper hand, especially the program鈥檚 emphasis on the value of writing and analysis. In his role at the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, he was able to achieve one of his ideal jobs. "I wanted a career that allowed me to be creative, yet work with technology鈥攂eing involved in advocacy is a bonus."
He attributes his current position in web communications and strategy to his internship experiences while at 91麻豆精品. He describes his internship at Amnesty International as a 鈥渄ream job,鈥� that ultimately led to new skills, an expanded network of colleagues, and a job opportunity.
While Au鈥檚 job varies day to day, he spends part of his time coding, designing email campaigns, and improving the user experience on the foundation鈥檚 website. 鈥淥ther days I can be writing, editing, or designing content鈥攅ven assisting with live social media for concerts.鈥�
Au advises new students to try courses and experiences outside of their initial area of study. 鈥淵ou might find something you like and are good at鈥攊t might even lead you to a future career that you wouldn't have imagined.鈥�