As a new graduate student in the WRD department, the most exciting thing I’ve learned about our community is that everyone comes from a different background. Each person is drawn to something specific and has their own story to tell about how they ended up in WRD. Being new to DePaul myself and Chicago at large, I’ve found this variety to be entirely comforting! To get a better understanding of how these stories influence the culture of the WRD department and to hear memorable moments within these walls, I recently sat down with two undergraduate students to learn how their paths were shaped by WRD.
Dara Drury (She/her) and Barbara Riendeau (She/her) are both in their last year of finishing their majors in WRD and had wonderful insight to share.
What drew you to WRD in the first place?
Dara mentioned how writing had always come naturally to her and that she was very comfortable in academic settings due to her mother’s role as a teacher. But when the time came to choose what to do after high school, her path wasn’t a straight line. “I was kind of at a crossroads of not knowing what I wanted to do in life,” Dara said. “I saw something that said, ‘Follow what you’re good at,’ and so I was like, okay, well, I’m good at writing! So that’s kind of what I went into.”
Barbara echoed that same initial uncertainty. To study what really inspired her, she was always told that she would have to pursue English literature or creative writing, but neither felt quite right to her. Barbara’s designs for herself were different. “I wanted to do more academic, essay-based kind of writing. When I found the WRD program at DePaul and learned more, I really enjoyed the way that it was structured,” Barbara said. “I’m an English minor, so I’ve gotten a little piece of the English school as well, which I really enjoy. But I would say there is a distinct difference, and so I’m glad that I ended up doing the WRD program.”
Are you liking the program so far? You’re almost done!
In her experience, the people of WRD and their dedication to the field were the cornerstones of the program for Dara. “For sure! I definitely feel that all the professors within the program are passionate about what they teach. Everyone is just really dedicated to it, which can be rare,” she said. “It’s hard to get students who are passionate. They’re doing it because they think that’s what they’re supposed to, but I don’t feel that way with WRD.”
Barbara’s perspective was the same, highlighting how the size of the department makes for an authentic, generative learning experience, especially when it comes to instructors. “I’ve had some really great professors. Having that sense of rapport with the professors’ small classrooms is nice. You’re getting to know each other, which is really helpful.” She added that when professors say, “I’ve had you in two other classes and I know how you write,’ it’s really helpful for me.”
What does a typical WRD class look like for you?
From changes in modality to class theme, WRD has a great variety for every student. For Dara, the department’s name said it all. “I mean, of course it’s a lot of writing. Tons of it!” She joked. “I would say there’s not much testing. It’s all based on taking what you learn, applying it, and then professors grade you on that application.”
Barbara was quick to point out that for in-person classes, the collective and practical efforts are key. “For those classes, there’s days where it’ll be purely lecture; definitely very much a question-and-answer discussion, very communicative, very group based,” she added. “So overall, I would say it’s pretty communal, pretty hands-on.”
What’s a class that’s been very meaningful to you?
Both Dara and Barbara listed courses that they remember fondly and appreciated deeply without hesitations. Professors Jennifer Finstrom, Mónica Reyes, Victoria Hohenzy, Margaret Poncin and Julie Bokser led classes on themes and incorporated practical applications that both Dara and Barbara cited as being highly influential to their paths within WRD and beyond. From WRD 371: Mentoring Youth in Community Writing Groups, to WRD 360: Cults and Rhetoric of Community, to WRD 242: Writing with AI, and WRD 203: Style for Writers, both students look back on their four years with gratitude for courses that elicited curiosity and collaboration.
“Margaret Poncin teaches a class on writing with AI that I was part of, and that was a really fun class,” Dara said. “I was able to work with her on a scholarly article that we wrote together that’s possibly getting published, which is awesome. The professor was extremely collaborative with the students; I think that’s why the scholarly article happened.”
Barbara similarly reflected on a prior class. “Last year, we got to volunteer with Leo High School students. It was through Zoom, but we also got to meet them in person, so it was like a writing mentorship course, which I thought was very fun. Professor Finstrom was great; she’s very hands on, just a lovely teacher.”
My takeaway from these stories? WRD’s diversity is its strength.
Though I’m new to this community, Dara and Barbara helped me see that coming to a new department from different backgrounds, having diverse interests and taking varied paths make for a vibrant, dedicated community. The hands-on nature of the department fosters a collaborative environment, and this approach helps embolden students to chase after whatever inspires them to become the communicators and writers of tomorrow.