Alumni Endorsements

“No matter if I was considering publication, scriptwriting, ghostwriting, or copywriting (yes, they’re all different, I promise), I knew the skills I acquired would help get me where I need to go. One thing I’ve learned is that the road is still underneath your feet even if you can’t see it. With every success and every heartbreak at Taylor, God has shown me to trust in his plan. And that lesson in my weakness has brought me to the steps of commencement.” –Isabelle LaPapa, ‘25

“Already, God has brought me further than I could have imagined. But this is His nature, I’m learning, to resurrect the things we think are lost. In three years, I have watched Him draw to life more than just my dreams of word-working. He’s started breathing love into the narratives I’ve written out. He has developed confidence and openness and grace where once I held only a stubborn refusal to explore anything more than the lanes of comfort I had marked out for myself.” –Contessa Hussong, ‘25

“The Professional Writing major has helped me to explore my calling for children’s writing. Each class has given me a deeper appreciation of the power of words. I had come in with a different major, but I am so grateful that I made the change because of what I’ve learned and the friends I’ve made. They have helped me see that my stories are needed. Whenever I doubt my calling, they tell me the Truth and stay by my side, reminding me of my worth in Him. I love laughing and learning alongside them and I hope the friendships I’ve made here will last long after I graduate.” –Emma Holley, ‘24

“This major is built around the power of words. We are concise because we can be, because even a short sentence can make an impact. I think that’s what gave me confidence. By removing unnecessary words, sentences, and paragraphs, I affirm that some of my words are necessary and powerful enough to carry my intentions across the page to the reader. I can’t ignore that the Professional Writing major’s community has been the main source of my new confidence. I’m leaving this program with a sense of purpose that I’ve never had before.” –Anna Molendorp, ‘24

“The Professional Writing program gave me not only the education and career training I was searching for but also a group of friends who shared my interests and took me under their wing. They taught me the importance of sharing my writing and how to critique and be critiqued in a writing group. With Christ-centered hearts and word-driven minds, they became my people. My work is to be an act of worship, a tiny reflection of the creativity of my God.” –Charis Negley, ‘24

“The Professional Writing major went beyond my education and social life; it allowed me to really grow and think about my faith deeply. It helped me learn to trust God and realize what it means to be ‘living in the world, but not of the world,’ and friends and professors helped strengthen that a lot.”  –Lilia Snyder, ‘23 

From the four years of Professional Writing, I learned more of what my own writing style is, that editing can actually be genuinely fun, that getting a book published is harder than I thought, and it is OK to not be a perfect writer. The four years of other classes taught me valuable things about other languages and cultures, creative writing, journalism, Adobe programs, Christianity, the Bible, and technology. Overall, my classes at Taylor pushed me to work harder than I thought I could. —Jared Salomon, 2023

“I found a culture and community here at Taylor that helped me learn and helped me thrive. From my friends in the Professional Writing major to my teachers who answered my questions, I found people who were willing to take the time and help me be better than who I was the day before. I grew not only in my writing and in my knowledge, but also in God. God placed professors in my path who took my faith from brittle and fragile to a faith that cannot be easily broken.” –Grant Patterson, ’22 

“Through my three years in the department, I have discovered a love for all levels of the editing process—I love taking people’s stories to the next level. This has largely happened through participation in a writing critique group to which my peers and I submit our writing for revision. Their stories are already so well developed, and their prose is excellent, that it is a real honor to help them go from good to great.” Kipp Miller ‘22

“I started my freshman year a nervous, insecure writer who would practically shake anytime she had to share her work with someone. Now, I’m graduating as a confident woman who isn’t afraid to put herself out there and who has recently signed on to a full-time writing position at a job she’s very passionate about. I wouldn’t trade the last four years for the world.” Tarah Zumbrun ‘22 

“It took a lot of thinking to discover my love for storytelling. Looking back, it should probably have been obvious. I was always the kid who tried to add more narrative and backstory to games of make-believe. Through the Professional Writing program, I discovered not only a community filled with people who share my passion for storytelling, but also a career path that allowed me to live that passion in my daily life. At the end of the day, I found two things here. I found a community of people that share my love of storytelling and a calling to go help people share their stories with the world. These are two things that I never plan to give up.”  Zach Brown ‘22

“After my four years, I feel knowledgeable about the publishing industry, publishing process, and how to write for multiple different outlets. I have a full novel manuscript and published pieces of work that I’m proud of. I also have a group of writing friends that meet every week over Zoom to critique each other’s writing. I am not quite sure what specific position I want to have in my field, but I feel prepared to fill any position that I choose.“  Aleigha Hummel (Henn) ’21

“I am so thankful for how the program explores being a writer who loves Jesus. Before Taylor, I never quite knew how my faith fit with this passion. Through many rewarding discussions, I have a clear understanding of how to use my creativity as a gift to glorify Him.” Kamryn Lockwood (Koble) ’21 

“The Professional Writing major was perfect for me. I learned how to funnel my passion for writing and creative ideas into practical and publishable prose. Now I have a full resume and a foot in the door of the publishing industry.” Tim Pietz ’20

“Taylor University taught me that I’m here to shout God’s name and glory to the highest mountains. Here to be a voice to those who need someone to stand up for them. Here to listen when someone needs a listening ear. Professional Writing taught me I can do that through writing. Words hold meaning, they hold power, they can bring encouragement, discouragement. Words can change hearts. I have learned that I’m meant to use those words.” Cheri Stutzman ’20

“I want to be an editor! I want to help people with a story to tell figure out what to say and say it well. The idea of bringing something that much closer to perfection by rewording awkward phrases and fixing misplaced commas is incredibly exciting to me. I’m tired of seeing things that are almost good. There are so many creative people out there trying to tell the stories they care about. Whether they’re in need of just one more polish to make their manuscript publication-ready or are an entire rewrite away from even considering showing their work to others, I want to be there to help them achieve their dreams.”  Emily Pawlowski ’20

“As I complete the Professional Writing program, I’m excited to see what comes next. As I look back on all that I’ve learned in only few short years, I realize how prepared I am to join the ‘real world,’ even if it is intimidating to venture out for the first time. I’m no longer ashamed of who I am and what I love, and I’ve gained a confidence that goes deeper than my fear.” Paige McNinch ’20

“The professional writing major at Taylor taught me to have a thick skin, persevere through all trials, and enact all plans and goals I set out for myself. Through this program I have learned to polish my craft, develop a keen eye for design, and find ways to create a platform for the voiceless through excellent editing, a development of divergent skills, and a willingness to tackle tough topics. I am forever indebted to Taylor University from its content and character.” Hope Bolinger ’19

“I feel I have a good sense of how the ‘real world’ works outside of college because of the experienced professionals the program brings in to speak and converse with. The Professional Writing program doesn’t joke around. When you come here, you come here to work and become a published writer.” Chrysa Keenon ’19

“Professor Taylor and the Professional Writing major have really prepared me for what the publishing world wants from me. I have been put in several situations in my four semesters that have challenged me and forced me to grow into a publishable writer and a thorough editor, and I can’t wait to see what the future throws my way.” Gabby Carlson ’19

“Three main things I learned in my Professional Writing major at Taylor: (1) Words matter. What you say will have an impact on people. Use the same wisdom you would use when driving a car as you would with what you put out there in publishing. (2) Get to know people. Every contact helps. The more people you know, the more people you get to meet through them, and the more opportunities you have for potential job opportunities. (3) Learn to take criticism. You only become a stronger writer when you work through your faults. Sometimes, we need others to point those faults out.” Brian Branscum ’17

“The Professional Writing program gave me practical skills, contacts, and experience all while taking classes that counted toward my degree. I thrived living in Taylor’s community, diving into relationships with friends who challenged my spiritual and personal habits and molded me into a well-rounded person. There are so many experiences I would never have been able to have anywhere else, and the memories I take from these four years are ones I will cherish for a lifetime”. Jeff Grogan ’17

“My daughter Taylor’s confidence in her writing and editing abilities grew along with her confidence in speaking with people and expressing herself. Taylor accepted the compliments along with the constructive criticism she was given on her work and used it to her advantage. Taylor University is a place where your child will not get lost in the crowd.” –Tina Puitz, parent of Taylor Frecker (Puitz) ‘17

“When I was a sophomore, a graduating Professional Writing student encouraged me to remember the words of Pablo Picasso, ‘I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.’ This was her advice to me about taking on internships. I took it to heart and contacted everyone I could. . . internships have taught me that life after and during college is all about setting out to learn something you don’t know and excelling in it.” Jessie Stover ’17