How a CSI student balances coursework and real-world experience.
By: Luke Montalvo
Last September, Victoria Ball sat at her desk feeling overwhelmed by her Computer Science assignments at CSI. After some reflection on her interests—namely reading, writing, and tutoring her peers and younger students—she realized a different path might be better for her. She decided on education.
“I felt that I wouldn’t be happy long term with anything I originally tried to do,” said Ball. “With English, I am doing everything that I want to do to get to somewhere I want to be.”
Ball is now majoring in English with a concentration in writing. She is currently taking courses such as Introduction to Journalism, Creative Writing, and Popular Literature, all of which she views as being more relevant and engaging than her previous studies. One in five college English majors eventually becomes a teacher.
Ball is exploring a variety of classes, so that she can craft meaningful pieces, critically evaluate texts, and develop skills for her future.
Tutoring has been one of the most significant experiences at CSI that reinforced Ball’s decision to change direction. She regularly meets with her peers in the campus library to improve their writing, help them meet word counts, and strengthen their critical-thinking abilities. Not only does Ball want to assist others in raising their grades, she wants them to become confident in their work, a commitment that she plans to carry forward as an English teacher.
Aside from her studies and experiences thus far, Ball frequently meets with her advisors and department chairs to explore how obtaining an English degree can lead to a career in education.
Ball is in the midst of searching for an internship as a proofreader to revise and edit academic writing. She hopes that this opportunity will strengthen her resume and bring her one step closer to her goal of becoming an English teacher. Ball is committed to guiding others to become stronger readers and writers, a recurring mindset that is motivating her desire to teach.
“I want to introduce students to dissecting literature, help them write interesting pieces, and get a taste of the real world,” said Ball. “I would love to teach English because we really need more good teachers out there.”
