Jessie Garrison '19, English Alum Spotlight
Jessie At A Glance
Education
- B.A. English Writing Studies, 2019 (Millersville University)
- Journalism Minor
- Department Honors
- M.A. Professional and Digital Media Writing, Current (East Stroudsburg University)
Career Highlights
- Head Copy Editor and Associate Opinion Editor for Millersville's The Snapper
- Technical Writer for Lutron Electronics
- Environmental Journalist for Delaware Currents
Impactful and Hard-Hitting Articles
- Student Trauma and Care in ENWL:
- Garrison, Jessie. "Reflecting on My Last Semester at Millersville." The Snapper. Millersville University, 12 September 2019, https://thesnapper.millersville.edu/index.php/2019/09/12/reflecting-on-my-last-semester-at-millersville/.
- Open Letter to Professors, Student Mental Health:
- Garrison, Jessie. "We Don't All Look the Same." The Snapper. Millersville University, 27 March 2019, https://thesnapper.millersville.edu/index.php/2019/03/27/we-dont-all-look-the-same/
- Disability Advocacy:
- Garrison, Jessie. "Invisible Yet Still Visible." The Snapper. Millersville University, 8 November 2019, https://thesnapper.millersville.edu/index.php/2019/11/08/invisible-yet-still-visible/.
Jessie's journalist contributions to Millersville University's publications are undeniable and highly regarded. Continue reading Jessie's story to learn more about what experiences during her time as an undergraduate English major empowered her current writing pursuits.
“I am choosing to tell my story because my professors never looked at me differently. They listened, they cared, they even checked in on me. To my surprise, some of them even opened up to me about their own struggles with mental health, whether themselves or a loved one.”
- Jessie Garrison in "Reflecting..." | B.A. '19
Everything Changed When She Took WRIT 466...
"I changed my major after working in Early Childhood Education for 5 years. When I changed my major to Writing Studies with a minor in Journalism, I wasn’t sure what I could do for a career or what my courses would entail.Then I took Dr. Mando’s Environmental Advocacy class [WRIT 466] and my life changed. I did not know I was able to research environmental issues and discuss them without a science degree. From there, I focused my studies on environmental journalism and [everything] just made sense to me."
Only Pros: Career Perks And Saving the World
"Without my English degree at MU, I would not have been able to find my passion of environmental advocacy. I currently report on the Delaware River Sojourn and am sent on hiking excursions to report on. I am learning so much about my surroundings as well as the environment I share with others."
“I remember changing my undergraduate thesis three weeks before the deadline. She was very concerned about my choices, but I knew it was best. With her encouragement, I was able to produce the piece of literature of which I am most proud.”
- Jessie Garrison | B.A. '19
A Big Shout-Out to Retiring Faculty Dr. Judith Halden-Sullivan
"Judy was a life saver. As an avid poetry lover, I felt right at home in Judy’s office and courses. She is full of life and love and I don’t think my writing would be anywhere near [as good as] it is without her. I remember changing my undergraduate thesis three weeks before the deadline. She was very concerned about my choices, but I knew it was best. With her encouragement, I was able to produce the piece of literature of which I am most proud. I owe a lot of my successes to Judy."