Senior Spotlight: Shylee Yachin

English major Shylee Yachin is the Vice President of the English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta, and in the fall will pursue a Master's in clinical social work at Columbia University to become a child therapist specializing in writing and narrative counseling.

Why did you decide to become an English major?

I decided to become an English major because it’s what I truly love to do. I wanted to engage with a community that appreciates books and writing and to spend my college years in meaningful conversations.

What groups and internships outside of class have you been involved with?

I was an intern for the Writing Center, Rowman & Littlefield, Baby Books 2 Lab, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and have an editorial internship at GRSi for summer of 2021.

I was also involved with RecWell as a fitness instructor, the department of resident life as a Community Assistant, and was part of the Jimenez- Porter Writer’s House. I was also a Prose Editor for Stylus magazine and a tutor at the Writing Center and for the Lakeland stars organization.

I am currently the Vice President of the English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta.

Have you joined any student organizations on campus?

Sigma Tau Delta, Phi Alph Epsilon, College park scholars, Lakeland Stars, Jimenez-Porter Writer’s house, RecWell, Health Center Peer Counseling and Crisis Intervention Hotline.

What is something you read during class that impacted your worldview?  

Hemingway (In Our Time) and Milton (Paradise Lost) really impacted my worldview. They taught me how to appreciate the small pleasures in life and also the importance of avoiding poor behavior, such as pride or regression into self-love.

What skills (professional, creative or other) do you think you’ve gotten from the major?

I’ve gotten such a range of skills from the English major. Professionally, I can communicate both through writing and verbally. I know how to conduct analyses and how to get a point across in various ways depending on the requirements.

Creatively, the major has truly made me value writing even more than I did before. I have a stronger grip on writing techniques and ways to connect with readers. English has translated into learning to listen and translate narratives.  

What is your dream job or career?

My dream job is to be a writer. I will always write every day and hopefully make that into a full time job eventually. As for a career, in the fall I will be pursuing a Master's in clinical social work at Columbia University to become a child therapist specializing in writing and narrative counseling.

What are you passionate about (or even curious about)?

I am passionate about so many things, and the English major has only expanded those interests. I love traveling, writing, reading, working out, volunteering, and hanging out with friends and family.