Chloe Donnelly

About Chloe

Why did you choose this program?

I chose to pursue an English major at HSU because I knew that I wanted to teach, and I wanted to write. Fortunately, the structure of the English department allowed me to pursue both of those interests and even helped me to discover a new one: linguistics. (Thank you, Dr. Doty!)

How did this program prepare you for your job?

At HSU, I became a true academic. The world-class faculty put the right materials in my hands, challenged me, and taught me how to join the conversation. Equally important was how much they believed in me. The teachers helped me believe in my own talent and resilience, nurturing a sense of self-efficacy that has carried me through various challenges. The Writing Practices track was particularly helpful in this regard. The classes elevated my writing to a professional level—but just as importantly, they provided me with a structured creative outlet. I truly credit this program with helping me integrate what I was learning and experiencing at a crucial time in my development, creating a strong base for me to build from.

Since graduating, I have continued to pursue my love of English in all its forms. I got a teaching certification in Rome, then taught EFL in a town just outside Venice, Italy for a year. During that time I also took graduate classes in linguistics at Ca’Foscari University, and enjoyed connecting with international colleagues over a love of language. When I returned to the states, I began teaching ESL at a school in San Francisco, where I got to work with students from (almost) every continent! During the pandemic, I worked on finishing my master’s degree, and this May I graduated with an MA in Linguistics and a Certificate in the Teaching of Composition from San Francisco State. I am now able to apply all that I have learned at my position teaching English at Fusion Academy SF, and I plan to pursue a doctorate soon as well.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

The diversity and flexibility of the English program at HSU allowed me a unique opportunity to pursue all of my interests, and discover new ones. Because of this, I have been able to teach and study in a variety of contexts, and feel competent in each of them.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

This program offers a unique opportunity to receive a high-quality education in an intimate setting. The faculty is able to offer a more personal level of support than is possible at a bigger school, and the instruction is world-class. If you are on campus, you will have the added benefit of puzzling through texts or writing your own at the base of the redwood forest, just a short drive away from peaceful beaches and stunning hiking trails. If you want to grow as a scholar and a person, and/or if you fancy writing poetry in the forest after a light rain, this is the program for you.