WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 14, 2016 — College is a time of classroom learning, lectures and homework. It’s not often that students get a chance to achieve publication in a nationally read online magazine.
Three students enrolled in Dr. Stephen Criniti’s honors class, Writing Wheeling, have done just that. Honor students Callaway Barr, Shannon McDermott and Natasha Muhametzyanova published their work in WEELUNK recently. All three are from outside the state or country, which makes their writing about Wheeling even more notable.
From left, Shannon McDermott and Natasha Muhatmetzyanova pose in Elbin Library. Callaway Barr was unavailable for photo due to Lady Hilltopper softball travel schedule.
“I was always on the lookout for essays that were polished and professionally crafted. The three essays that got published avoided seeming like classroom exercises, but rather were written as articles right from the get-go. I’m pleased that my students have had the opportunity to see their work published. This is rewarding for them and for me. As their professor, I take pride in my students work and believe that this kind of result offers them encouragement that will go a long way,” said Criniti.
“When I saw my article on Weelunk, I was very excited, and it definitely inspired me to write more,” said Muhametzyanova, who is from Turkmenistan.
The Ohio Valley’s (Fake) News Leader was published on Weelunk on Nov. 7, 2015. In her article, Muhametzyanova talked about the importance of local media and the role of the local fake news blog.
Muhametzynova is a sophomore public relations major with a minor in creative writing.
Shannon McDermott shared her opinion on the role of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in her article A Magnificent Present published on Jan. 11, 2016.
McDermott is a freshman from Springfield, Mo. and is a history major who wants to go into research.
“This was my favorite class last semester,” she said.
Callaway Barr was the third student to publish her work on Weelunk.
“I did not expect it at all. It was the first time my work was published. It feels amazing!” said Barr. Her article A Future: Live As If There Were One was published on Jan. 24, 2016. Barr discussed in the article the economic future of Wheeling.
Barr is a freshman majoring in biology from Austin, Texas, who plans on entering WLU’s Physician Assistant Studies master’s degree program after graduation.
“I’m thrilled that the editors at Weelunk agreed with me that some of the students’ work was worthy of a larger audience. It’s wonderful to have such a great local resource that is so focused on promoting local stories,” said Criniti.
Criniti designed the class for honors students around interactive experiences that involved real Wheeling leaders, like the Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie and local entrepreneurs like WLU alumna Amanda Carney, owner of an art framing shop. All of the class projects explore Wheeling’s past, present and future making the students see a bigger picture of writing.
“I always urge students to get beyond the mindset of producing ‘course exercises.’ Instead, I want students to realize that there can be a real-life audience who is interested in reading their work,” said Criniti.
Criniti joined West Liberty University as associate professor of English in 2008.
“I remember I’ve been told that 350 people read my article the first day it was published. It made me realize that if you are passionate about your work it will be important for other people as well,” said Muhametzyanova.
There might be more opportunities for publishing to come.
“I might revisit the ‘Writing Wheeling’ theme again the next time I teach an Honors Composition class. I believe it’s a good experience for our students to take a kind of ownership of the ideas and issues that matter to the local area,” said Criniti.
WLU’s English Department is housed in the Department of Humanities within the College of Liberal Arts. For complete information, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.
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