By Megan Finlan ’21, staff writer

Coming to LVC, Rachael Speck hadn’t initially intended on going to graduate school, but after participating in multiple research projects, Speck knew it was something she wanted to continue after graduation.

During her junior year, Speck participated in an independent study where she completed her project “Public-ation: Poetry in Everyday Spaces.” It was through this project that Speck says her desire to pursue graduate study after LVC was solidified.

“I think my independent study helped prepare me for graduate school the most because it required me to work more independently and allow me to go into depth about a topic that I wouldn’t have be able to research in another class,” Speck said. “However, all of the English classes I’ve taken at LVC have allowed me to pursue work based on my own interests.”

Speck began the search process for graduate schools in the spring of her junior year and by the fall, she had narrowed down a list of eight school to apply to. Along with her usual rigorous course load in the fall, Speck also had to begin drafting personal statements, working on a writing sample and collecting letters of recommendations throughout the semester.

Now that Speck has completed the application process and has made her decision on where she will pursue her education after LVC, she can take a breath and look back on the experiences she has gained through her involvement at the College. Speck was heavily involved in the English department on campus as she participated as the Poetry Editor for Green Blotter Literary Society, President for Sigma Tau Delta and was involved in LVC Writers’ Group.

“I’ll miss the English department the most,” Speck said. “The department was always there to chat and every has been super supportive of my work over the past four years. Of course, I’ll also miss hanging out and taking classes with my friends every day.”

As the semester comes to an end and Speck begins to look back on her past four years at LVC, she shares some advice for students in the future.

“I would say to reach out to your professors when you need help with things,” Speck said. “Every professor I’ve had has been very supportive and helpful. Being able to develop close relationships with your professors is one of the things that makes LVC so special.”

Speck will be attending the University of Cincinnati in the fall where she will work towards a master’s degree in literary and cultural studies.