Melissa Abshire originally began her college career at UL Lafayette as a microbiology major in 2008. But it wasnСAPPt meant to be СAPP she dropped out after her first year.
Ten years later, she returned to UL Lafayette to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English with a new outlook and old passions.
СAPPI had never dreamed that I would come back to school,СAPP Melissa said excitedly. СAPPI had a kid and I wanted to be someone she looks up to.СAPP
Pursuing her Passion
Melissa chose to study English because of her lifelong passion for reading.
СAPPI prefer books to people,СAPP she laughed.
In addition to her love of reading, MelissaСAPPs English studies let her embrace her other passions as well.
СAPPI really want to write,СAPP she said. СAPPIСAPPve been drawn to theater. I want to write plays and maybe move from there to writing for the screen. I wasnСAPPt thinking blockbusters or anything, but I was thinking with all these streaming services, they have a huge demand for original content, and if thatСAPPs not an opening for writers I donСAPPt know what is.СAPP
This interest in screenwriting motivated Melissa to pursue a minor in cinema studies.
СAPPI think that storytelling is such a powerful tool,СAPP she said.
Motherhood at UL Lafayette
Melissa is sharing her UL Lafayette experience with her daughter, who attends the , UL LafayetteСAPPs childcare for students, faculty, and staff.
СAPPItСAPPs really fun honestly because I feel like sheСAPPs growing and learning with me,СAPP Melissa said. СAPPSheСAPPs really a delight. I feel like going there has helped her completely blossom.СAPP
Exploring UL Lafayette's Courses
One of MelissaСAPPs favorite classes outside her major has been Astronomy Beyond the Solar System (PHYS 170) with Gina Sorci.
СAPPI love space, and I felt like sort of cosmic perspective would really give me a boost in creativity,СAPP Melisa said.
She even found herself enjoying classes she never imagined she would, like practical mathematics (MATH 210) with Haewon Lee.
СAPPI was so intimidated by math before, and somehow this man made me good at math and made me love math and I donСAPPt even know how,СAPP she said.
Becoming a Better Writer
MelissaСAPPs favorite thing about the English department has been reading other peopleСAPPs writing, especially young writers.
СAPPI donСAPPt think of any writing as bad, itСAPPs just different,СAPP she explained. СAPPIt can also be eye-opening.СAPP
In addition to revision, Melissa has learned other tools to improve her writing.
СAPPWrite something in as plain of words as possible, donСAPPt worry about how to say it, just get the thought on paper and you can go back to it later,СAPP she explained.
