Lebanon Valley College issued the following announcement on Mar. 23.
One incoming student’s college search criteria consisted of two essential requirements: an NCAA Division III school in Pennsylvania where she could continue her cross country and track athletic career. Of the 61 colleges available to Marah Hoffman ’22, LVC was the only one that immediately felt like home.
“At LVC, I knew I would be seen as an individual first, then a student, then an athlete. After four years, I can attest that my gut feeling was correct,” Hoffman said.
Having always been a voracious reader and writer, she knew that she needed to be involved in literature since she was a child. After encouragement from her high school teachers, she hatched a plan to major in English and creative writing.
Ever since, Hoffman easily fell into step with LVC’s English Department, becoming a writing mentor/peer tutor, an ambassador for the department, and an editor for Green Blotter, LVC’s literary magazine. She attests that a primary factor in her decision to come to LVC was hearing Dr. Holly Wendt, director of creative writing and associate professor of English, talk about life as an English major during a Discovery Day visit she made as a high school student.
“I am so grateful to my professors because, without them, I likely would not have many of the accolades my résumé boasts,” Hoffman said. “Because they know my interests and aspirations, they inform me of relevant opportunities.”
Hoffman’s passion for storytelling and involvement with Green Blotter led to her internship with Sundress Academy for the Arts (SAFTA), where she is a remote editorial intern this spring. Her responsibilities include writing press releases, composing blog posts, researching, designing graphics for social media, collating residency data, and helping to facilitate Zoom events such as workshops and readings. She recently completed a special project for SAFTA, writing a book review and starting an author interview for “The All-Night Sun” by Diane Zinna, an author featured in LVC’s Writing: A Life series.
“My connection with Diane Zinna, forged through the English Department, allowed me to take this amazing step in my internship,” Hoffman said.
Although she has historically focused on storytelling, she feels comfortable knowing that she has various interests and skills to pursue a fulfilling career.
“My professional desires could take the form of communication associate, college admissions counselor, book publicist, assistant editor, or literary agent. These are all roles I am currently applying for. My professors taught me that, contrary to popular belief, English majors are not difficult to employ. The soft skills achieved through an education in the humanities opens so many doors,” Hoffman said.
As she prepares for graduation, she reflects on her time at the College. All her professors offered her a unique way to get involved on and off campus, and her experience with the track and cross country teams only solidified her positive experience. Hoffman competed on the cross country and track & field teams each year at LVC and made numerous appearances on the Middle Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Roll. She was also named MAC All-Conference for cross country in 2019.
“Although I am devastated to leave, I know LVC has prepared me for life after college. If you want a small campus where you can forge relationships that lead to self-discovery, professional development, and cherished memories, then you should consider LVC to be your home, too.”
Original source can be found here.
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