Grace Dearnley (Engl'21) joined the Coloradan staff in 2020. What's next? Following her passions, catching up on her non-school reading list and aiming for a PhD.
What inspired you to come to ENGL/CU/A&S?
I chose CU for the mountains. I wanted to be somewhere I could hike and snowboard with ease. The 300 days of sunshine also helped. I enrolled as an international affairs major, but when I took a women’s literature class in the second semester of my sophomore year, I immediately decided to transfer to the Department of English. I love that the College of Arts and Sciences prioritizes interdisciplinary learning. I felt that by studying literature I could actually study a wide range of topics since there is such a range of material in the books that are assigned.
What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
My time working in the UMC dining hall definitely shaped my work ethic. I truly learned the value of hard work. I remember scrubbing stains off the ceilings, waking up at 6 a.m., walking there because the busses didn’t start running until seven, to make meals for hundreds of students a day. I was doing work that wasn’t always fun, but I was surrounded by amazing co-workers from all ages and all walks of life. I learned so many lessons from them, and they inspired me to work hard out of respect for both myself and for everyone I work with. I’ll always carry that with me, no matter what job I’m working in.
Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Always read the books that are assigned. You’ll never regret reading a book but you might regret not reading it — especially when finals come around.
Favorite memory?
Snowboarding with my friends on countless bluebird days. Eating PB&Js we brought from home and riding until the chair lifts closed. The drive up to the resorts is always one of the best parts of those days too, listening to music and taking in the view.
What does graduating from college represent for you?
For me, graduation represents the end of a formative chapter of my life, but also the beginning of new opportunities and possibilities. I feel like the entire world has just opened up for me, and I can choose to run unencumbered in any direction I’d like. It's freeing.
What are your plans beyond graduation?
I’m going to take it slow, follow my passions and trust that they lead me in the right direction. I’d like to be a professional writer. I’m learning so much working for the Coloradan now, and I’m excited to stay for a while to keep writing and learning. I’ll apply for opportunities in the writing industry as they come my way. Eventually, I would love to go for a PhD. I’m also planning to make some real progress on my non-school reading list, which, since I started college, has been growing faster than I could keep up.
