Hello, my name is Courtney Dunn. I'm 24 years old and currently living in Philadelphia. Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember, but during high school, I struggled with self-doubt and felt unsure about majoring in creative writing. Although it was always close to my heart, I lacked the confidence to pursue it and took a year off to think through my options. The more I reflected, the more I realized writing was something I couldn’t walk away from. It’s how I’ve always expressed myself, and I wanted to connect with others who felt the same way. I decided to study creative writing at the University of the Arts, where I worked with incredible professors who pushed and inspired me, helping me to build confidence in my craft. During my time in college, I interned as an editorial assistant at South Jersey Magazine, where I was able to combine my passion for writing with real-world professional experience. After graduation, I applied to over 100 jobs, hoping to land a position as a copywriter, editor, or publisher. Unfortunately, I had no luck. Eventually, a friend told me about an admissions counselor position at the University of the Arts. Though it wasn’t what I had initially planned, I applied because I needed to start paying off my student loans. To my surprise, I quickly fell in love with the role. Helping students and encouraging them to pursue their dreams was incredibly rewarding. I wanted to be the person I had needed when I was applying to college—someone who could inspire students and give them the confidence to chase their passions. Unfortunately, my time in that position was cut short. Eight months into my role, the university lost its accreditation and closed within a week. Despite that setback, I found a new opportunity at Thomas Jefferson University, where I’ve continued working in admissions thanks to the support of a friend. While my career in admissions has been fulfilling, writing remains my true passion. After work, I dedicate my time to writing a novel, focusing on contemporary fiction. I aim to highlight important issues while uplifting and connecting with other women. To strengthen my skills and become a more competitive candidate for roles in copywriting, editing, and publishing, I plan to pursue a professional or creative writing certificate. Although I’ve gained valuable experience in admissions, I’m concerned that it may not be fully appreciated in creative fields, making a career switch challenging. My time as an editorial intern was incredibly rewarding, and I loved seeing my work published. While I enjoy connecting with students, I’m eager to pursue a career that directly aligns with my passion for writing.