Senior Spotlight: Michael Katski

Fall 2021 graduating senior Michael Katski has been involved with UMD's chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops and worked for the national organization as a Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizer. Michael hopes to one day be a Creative Writing professor.

Why did you decide to become an English major?

I actually started off as a Government & Communication double major. My first semester I took an introductory creative writing workshop, and it was my favorite class by far. I liked it so much I switched from Government to English at the end of that semester!

What clubs, campus groups, internships, outside of class projects have you been involved with?

From my freshman to junior years, I had a radio show on UMD's radio station, WMUC. I was pushed to join by one of my first friends on campus, and from there met a lot of people who ended up being close friends throughout my time at UMD.

For over a year now I've been involved with UMD's chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops, Local #54. I've had the honor of being a part of the group's first iteration of a steering committee this semester, and also have worked for the national organization as a Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizer. I got involved when looking for an organization I could participate in to fight for a more just campus community for all community members. My time with USAS has taught me so much, and has helped me grow exponentially as a person. Leaving USAS, for me, is the hardest part of graduating.

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

Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano

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

Creatively, I have begun to develop my artistic voice, and understand the mechanisms of writing fiction on a deeper, more conscious level. I still have a long way to go, but my time in the English major and creative writing minor has helped me understand the process behind writing, and has challenged me to continue with the process. The major has also challenged me to think deeply and materially. The course loads throughout my time as an undergraduate have given me the tools to be an articulate, malleable, inquisitive, and open-minded individual. There is a whole lot of truth in the statement that there are "three keys to success: read, read, read."

What is your dream job or career?

I hope to one day be a Creative Writing professor, running workshops at a University.

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

I am passionate about labor justice, anti-imperialist politics, and organizing efforts that seek to create a more just and ethical society for all people, both domestically and internationally.