Why English? Kaylee Erickson Shares
Kaylee Erickson always loved writing, from journaling as a kid to brainstorming ideas for children’s books while on a religious mission. Now, as an undergraduate in the English Department, she has decided to pursue that love.
“I had incredible stories growing up full of hope, growth, and life lessons. I want to put more of that out in the world,” Kaylee says. “I stuck with it because I fell in love with the classes I was taking. I felt inspired. I learned so much about the human condition, relationships, and living a good life. I want to share what I’ve learned.”
Kaylee originally went to Brigham Young University, where she played on their softball team. Following her religious mission, she transferred to USU, where she has continued playing softball, earning Academic All-Mountain West and Mountain West Scholar-Athlete titles. She is also tied for the second-most grand slams in a single season in NCAA history.
Between the jampacked schedule of a student-athlete, Kaylee said her English classes are also filled with some unforgettable memories. “Some of my favorite memories here were taking Ben Gunsberg’s Intro to Poetry class. Every class gave me the opportunity to learn and really feel like what I have to say is important,” Kaylee reflects. “Another was in Dr. Christine Cooper-Rompato’s Medieval Literature class. We made a healing ointment from the medieval times and put it on a foam mannequin head. My professors were all so passionate about what they were teaching—it was inspiring!”
For Kaylee, the professors in the department are what makes the program unique. “We have incredible faculty who really care about the students as people. I’ve never had so many professors/teachers who genuinely get to know me and care how I’m doing mentally, physically, and emotionally,” she comments.
Kaylee’s favorite lesson from her time in the USU English Department is this: “I learned the value of people. Our relationships—platonic, familial, and romantic—are what make life worth living.”