Allie Newhouse

Hello!

My name is Allie Newhouse and I am currently a junior at Ashland University. During my freshman and sophomore years at AU, I participated in AU GIVS as a member of the executive board where I was a part of a small group of students who planned community service projects on campus and in the community. I also participated as a singer in voice lessons, University Choir, and Chamber Singers, the top choral group of AU. Unfortunately, due to semesters of 24 credit hours, I made the difficult decision to drop my extracurricular music and community service activities in order to focus on succeeding academically. Currently, in addition to my academic work, I also work as a Writing Assistant in Ashland University's Writing Studio. This position allows me to work with freshman undergraduate students who are struggling with their English composition classes. This position as a Writing Assistant allows me to not only aid other students in their academic writing pursuits, but it also allows me to further my own knowledge of academic writing, grammar, syntax, etc.

When the end of my sophomore year rolled around, I learned that, because of my exhaustive majors in which I hoped to get two individual degrees, I would not be able to graduate on time. However, through determination, summer courses, meetings with the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and with the cooperation of faculty and advisers at AU, I am on track to graduate with both degrees in May of 2017, an accomplishment unheard of at the university thus far. This experience allowed me to further my communication skills, and taught me how to professionally react to trying situations. I think this kind of determination and drive to achieve my goals despite the obstacles around me will help me to excel as a member of The Odyssey.

During the summer of 2016, I will be preparing for and taking the GRE in hopes of attending graduate school in the fall of 2017. My ultimate goal is receive my masters and doctorate in English and Creative Writing, going on to teach at the university level. I think this opportunity through The Odyssey will allow me to enhance my leadership skills, as well as enable me to hone my craft of writing creatively.

- Allie Newhouse