Jessica Bertoni

I am currently an author with two published books and a special edition. Through my English degree at Carleton, I learned about the publishing process and industry, as well as how to properly edit a text. I had the opportunity to take several creative writing courses, which helped me perfect the craft before I embarked on my publishing journey. Although, because I love academia, I am also beginning my Master of Arts in English at Carleton this September to focus on my research of twentieth century American literature and culture. My degree at Carleton not only helped me become a published author, but it also introduced me to my passion of research, learning, and academia.

My degree at Carleton informed my creative path because I learned a lot about the creative writing process and how to better my own writing through the creative writing classes, creative writing circles, and my like-minded peers who had similar passions for writing as I did. It also informed my professional path because the opportunities that were afforded to me Carleton were where I learned of my own passion for academia. I was able to participate in the SaPP program at Carleton with Professor Franny Nudelman and this is where I learned not only that I love research, but also that I am fascinated in my research area of choice. Thus, Carleton has completely paved the current path that I’m on and I believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without the experiences I had at Carleton.

As I previously mentioned, Carleton has many opportunities for their undergraduate students, and I have benefited from many of them. I was able to be an undergraduate TA, which showed me that I love teaching and working with students. As well, the SaPP program was an incredible experience that I will always cherish very deeply. Finally, getting involved in all the clubs that I did at Carleton really made my experience here in my undergraduate degree feel like home and like I was part of a family. Which is why I chose Carleton and I decided to come back for my Masters.