As an English Major student, I have learned many things throughout my four years at the Virginia Military Institute. Many people believe that an English degree only pertains to reading and writing. In fact, I get asked quite frequently what my plans will be after college with an English degree, as if to say that it’s irrelevant to finding a job. I’ve come to learn at VMI, however, that the English department teaches some of the most applicable and sought after skills for successful leaders in our world today. Being able to communicate clearly and effectively in any facet of life is often overlooked as a much needed skill. In my studies at VMI I have learned how to express myself across a wide variety of mediums, think critically with others, communicate ideas effectively, and appreciate an understanding for cultural awareness. One assignment that showcases the skills that I have built as an English Major is my Senior Capstone project that I completed this fall. While the research paper that I wrote specifically explores the connection between Classical and Modern Rhetorical concepts, I believe that it serves as an excellent example for the cumulative skills I’ve learned during college.
One of the most challenging aspects of my semester long Capstone project, which resulted in a research paper, was the act of researching itself. As an English student I had written plenty of research papers before, but not to the degree of my final Capstone paper. Unlike the other papers that I had written previously, my Capstone project required me to incorporate a wide variety of scholarly sources both from the Classical period and in the Modern application of rhetoric. Over the course of writing my research paper I analyzed the AMC show “Mad Men” as a way to explain
and apply rhetorical principles discussed by ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. During my research I reflected back on assignments that I completed in both Traditions of Rhetoric courses and in the Digital rhetoric course that I completed. For the most part, this is where I received most of the information about the Classical rhetorical principles that I discussed in my paper. However, I still needed to apply these concepts to rhetoric as practiced in the modern world. I knew that I wanted to use on of my favorite television shows, “Mad Men,” as a reference throughout my paper, but I was unsure how. To better understand material and sources that I could incorporate into my paper I was in contact with VMI’s research librarians throughout the course of the fall semester. Communicating with the librarians at Preston Library and my faculty advisor in the English Department helped me to better understand what to write about. Overall, the rigorous process of researching a difficult topic tested my abilities to multitask multiple assignments and areas of study, as well as communicate across different departments in order to accomplish a common goal. I will use these same skills as an officer in the United States Army and in my endeavors with any civilian job that I pursue. While difficult at times, the English Department at VMI has always expected my best work as a student. Putting the most effort to which I am capable of into any assignment will serve me well in the future.
The process of writing my final Capstone paper started well before this past semester. Actually beginning in the Spring of 2020, I first started the process of crafting the ideas that I wanted to research. Like any creative process, the ideas that I had in the Spring continually changed and shifted. By the end of the spring semester the general topic that I had landed on was not on the topic of rhetoric anymore, rather it was leaning farther into the discussion of ethics in commercial advertising. As I returned to school in the fall I quickly realized that this was not the topic that I wanted to explore in my Capstone paper. Changing my topic towards a focus on rhetoric forced
me to adapt as a student. In order to shift the focus of my paper I had to adapt my style of writing, my area of research, and reference material. Much like the research, this process was challenging as well. Throughout my efforts to change topics I was in constant coordination with both the course professor and my faculty advisor for the project. Colonel Knepper and Colonel McDonald were instrumental in helping me refine my efforts through their help over the course of the entire project. Overall, changing my topic taught me the importance of being flexible and adaptive in any situation as new information becomes available. Whether it be in the civilian workplace or in the military, very rarely do things ever go as according to plan. I understand now that remaining flexible and utilizing the proper resources available is the key to adapting to a challenging scenario such as my Capstone project.
Aside from the aspects of my Capstone paper that were difficult, my favorite part about this project was the opportunity it gave me to express myself. To include changing my topic this fall, through the entire process of writing my Capstone paper I was encouraged to write with my own style and voice. One of the things that I most proud of about my paper is the structure and style that it conveys. I was initially nervous that as I would start incorporating scholarly sources that it would lose the personal perspective that I wanted. However, through the help of my peers and professors the paper was able to keep the relatable tone that I intended it to have. As a guide to rhetoric, the vision I had for my audience was future English majors and students. With a causal tone I felt that it would be much easier for my readers to understand the lofty concepts set out by ancient rhetoricians.
Overall, my Capstone paper was a very challenging project, but ultimately one that was fulfilling. Through the process of researching and writing my Capstone paper I had the opportunity to test the skills that I learned over my college career as an English major. Specifically, the biggest skills that I utilized in this project were communication, analysis of literature, and adapting through critical thinking. Just as they helped me succeed in my Capstone project, they will also serve me well in the Army and in my civilian career path. Outside of college the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with people in any capacity is an essential skill in order to succeed. In both the military and civilian jobs, being able to analyze different pieces of information concurrently is also extremely practical. Finally, the ability to think critically and adapt to difficult environments and situations is beneficial in all aspects of life. Over the four years that I have spent studying as an English major I have continued to practice and build these three skills, among others. I am fully confident that upon graduation I will be prepared to succeed in whatever I chose to do.
