Julianna Vaughan’s ’21 degree in English prepared her for what’s next, as she is set to continue on her academic journey pursuing her Master of Arts in Humanities at Wilson College.
Vaughan was homeschooled for her high school education, but participated in the Middle College program at Hagerstown Community College before coming to Ship. As a first generation college student, Vaughan said of her graduation, “this is a monumental moment for both sides of my family.”
When deciding her next move after high school and attending community college, she knew she wanted a local school with a strong English program. Her initial interest in Ship was sparked by the program’s writing concentration but once she stepped foot on Ship’s “beautiful campus” she was sold.
“Transferring to Ship into the English program felt like coming home,” said Vaughan. She took advantage opportunities on campus, like becoming a member of Sigma Tau Delta and serving as inaugural president of the Commuter Student Association.
Vaughan also participated in peer tutoring, which helped her to earn a graduate assistantship in Wilson College’s learning center. She expressed, “tutoring greatly improved my own writing skills and gave me motivation to do my best for my students.” Vaughan hopes her graduate degree and experience in tutoring students leads to a career as an advisor or a learning specialist.
Vaughan dedicates so many of her wonderful experiences to Ship’s amazing faculty. She said, “Dr. Laurie Cella has been a fantastic mentor to me over the past two years.” She said creative writing faculty Dr. Neil Connelly and Dr. Nicole Santalucia made a significant impact as well. “With these three professors combined, I feel that my writing has gone to a whole new level.”
And though she is heading off to new places, she won’t soon forget the community she found at Ship.
“You won’t find such friendly staff and outstanding faculty in many other places.”
