From the moment I take a pen to paper, I am transported into another world, one where I can freely express my creativity and hone my command of language. From the age of five, I have had a passion for writing. I do not remember a time when I have not been writing. It is my hope that one day I will be a published author of literature that dutifully represents myself and others who have been marginalized. As a young African American woman who has grown up reading primarily white, male literature, I have learned much about the power of my own influence. When I was seven, I attempted to write my first book, and it was then that I began to recognize my skill. My family and teachers would read my writing and encourage me to continue pursuing this newfound gift of mine. Now, at age eighteen, I can proudly say that I have written my first book, titled Riven. I could not have gotten here without all the support I have had over the years. One element I love about the English major is that I am fully enabled to dive deeply into both the technicality and artistry of writing. I focus on studying other writers and growing my own skill. On one hand, I learn about the distinct voices of authors and what makes their writing effective. On the other hand, I learn how and why their words evoke emotional responses from readers. In my major, I am essentially allowed to be like a child eager for sweet treats--unrefined in my craft but endlessly enthusiastic about it. Even though I know a lot more about writing now than I did when I was five, I am still encouraged to approach it with a beginner's eye, and there are always things to learn when you are unafraid of being an amateur. Another thing I love about English is the fact that I am with like-minded individuals who are as passionate about the major as I am. Some are more allured by the works of famous authors, while others prefer to write themselves, but every single person is brought together by a common love of English. Such a devoted community is unique to higher education, and I am extremely grateful to be able to be a part of it. In primary and secondary school, I often had classmates who studied English only because they "had to." They had no passion for the subject, and I was disheartened that I was one of a measly few who had an authentic appreciation for English. In college, however, I have now been able to be in a community that is driven by fascination and joy, genuinely pursuing English if not for any reason other than the fact that they love it. There are many aspects of my major that I love, and I am blessed to be able to attend an institution where I can freely study it. I believe earning an English degree will help me deepen my appreciation for English even more and give me invaluable skills to write my own books. I am filled with gratitude to be able to study such a wonderful subject. The expertise I gain will be with me for the rest of my life.