Minor in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology

Cara Van Ryn, 2021

Cara Van Ryn

How did you choose your degree program?

I decided to get a BA in English with a concentration in writing and rhetoric because I'm interested in technical and proposal writing, and that program was the best way to prepare me for that career.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

My experiences prepared me for my future career, but they also made me a more well-rounded person because I've been exposed to so many new ideas and people.

What accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud of?

I am most proud of all the types of writing I've been able to do over the course of my time at Mason. I've had the opportunity to be a diverse writer thanks to the programs I've been in.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career? Please give an example of this impact if possible.

I want to thank Dr. Hurley for teaching me theory that changed how I view the world, not just literature. I'm also grateful to Dr. Fernandez for making me feel ready to pursue my career of choice post-graduation and Professor Liberatore for helping me realize that I can be a creative writer, and I have stories worth telling. Lastly, I wouldn't be the same if I didn't have the opportunity to work at the Writing Center, and I'll deeply miss collaborating with writers and my colleagues.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

Once I graduate, I'm starting a full-time position as a proposal writer, and I plan to keep doing proposal and technical writing in the future. I also am working on publishing a piece of flash nonfiction because I do indulge in creative writing on the side.