Discover how Penn State Abington’s Writing Program empowers student voices. Hear directly from students about their experiences in writing courses, how the program has shaped their academic and professional goals, and why strong writing skills matter across every discipline.
ENGL 030 was one of my most enriching courses. I became a better, more confident writer and thinker because of it. One of my most impactful assignments involved a rhetorical analysis of one of L’Oréal’s commercials, in which I needed to learn to read ways that words and images construct messages in a context of culture. It most definitely makes you realize, firsthand, the ways that communication processes operate in everyday life—and those are skills that you’ll take with you long after graduation. I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to improve their writing and critical thinking.
I am incredibly grateful for taking English 030H. The assignments given helped improve and shape my academic writing and critical comprehension skills. Undoubtedly, this course equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to succeed academically and professionally during and beyond my collegiate years.
English 202A was incredibly helpful, from preparing general professional materials such as resumes and cover letters to more social science field-related information. After completing the course, I feel more confident in how my writing abilities will carry over to a professional setting.
My time in my English 202B class, Writing in the Humanities, truly prepared me for what the modern work world would be for English majors today. I use the skills I learned in that class every day, from digital writing to critical thinking, in every aspect of my life, including the work that I do. Never once did I feel as though my English major background made me ill-prepared for the future work that I would be doing, and in an age where AI is prevailing (and often failing!), I’ve found that employers and people alike are valuing writing skills more and more.
ENGL 202D advanced my writing in both academic and professional settings. The assignments had real-world applications, including emails, cover letters, resumes, and memos. With that experience, I feel well prepared to communicate effectively as I start my career.
I took both ENGL 412 and ENGL 50 and enjoyed myself in both classes. I learned valuable lessons that laid a more stable foundation for my writing in ENGL 50, while ENGL 412 was a much more comprehensive experience that allowed me to really spread my wings as a writer.
ENGL 412 allowed me not only to work with my classmates and get real value from group discussions but also to see the flaws in my writing and find ways to adapt and move ahead on my own. The teaching was excellent, and the readings were helpful, but I think the community within the classroom was the real motivation for learning. All in all, these creative writing classes taught me lessons I will use for the rest of my career as a lyricist and author, and I believe anyone who enjoys writing, even as just a hobby, should take these classes!
