Maryellen Groot is a writer and educator currently pursuing an MA in English (Writing) and a certificate in Writing & Rhetoric at Salem State University.
She holds a joint B.A. in Written Arts and American Studies from Bard College. Maryellen studies “Creative Writing,” “Creative Writing Pedagogy,” “ Literary Theory,” and “American literature.” Her fiction focuses on themes of capitalist alienation, the commodification of the human body (and spirit), and the use and abuse of American mythos. Recently, she presented a short story entitled "Felix and the Flying Tiger" at the 2023 Master's in English Regional Conference, which won "Best Essay." Her non-fiction work has previously been published and can be found online at Vox.com. She is currently a writing tutor at the Mary G. Walsh Writing Center and lives in North Andover with her husband, Bobby.
Why did you choose to major in English?
I chose to major in English, specifically the writing track, because I had much more to learn about my discipline and have ambitions of being a published writer and university professor. These career tracks require a master’s degree for employment, but I also desperately missed the classroom, and the pandemic made me realize that it was time to return to higher education and contribute meaningfully to my field.
What are some of your favorite English classes?
My favorite English classes include any of the writing classes taught by Dr. Amy Minett, Dr. Al Deciccio, or Dr. Tanya Rodrigue. I particularly enjoyed “Grammar & Style” with Amy Minett and am learning an unbelievable amount of valuable information about writing and the teaching of writing from Tanya Rodrigue in “Approaches to Teaching Composition.” The fiction workshops with Kevin Carey are amazing, too, and I also had an extremely intellectually inspiring time with Stephenie Young when she taught ENG 725, the introductory class which is required of all English graduate students.
Do you have any memorable experiences as an English major? Are there any activities you recommend?
I had a very memorable experience in Amy Minett’s “Grammar & Style, ” as it was my first class since I graduated from Bard College in 2012 with a degree in Written Arts. She made my return to the classroom a triumphant joy, and I learned so much from her and my fellow students.
My most memorable experience, though, was probably in ENG 725 with Dr. Young when she allowed me and other students in the creative writing track to hand in creative pieces for our academic essays. I wrote a story, “Felix and the Flying Tiger,” that I ended up presenting at the Master’s in English Regional Conference and which won “Best Essay.” Dr. Young was in the audience with Dr. Valens and Dr. DeCiccio, and it was just a great moment.
How has the English program changed you as a person?
The English major at Salem State has made me a stronger writer who understands their place in the overall discourse and who is more sensitive to the social aspect of writing. I have gained not only knowledge about key topics and concepts from literary and writing studies in the past, but also a keen understanding of where the discipline stands today, and where I might be able to contribute to it as a growing scholar and creative writer.
What do you want to do with your English major? What are your future plans?
I want to go on and pursue either an MFA in fiction or a PhD in Composition Studies, or perhaps both. My ultimate goal is to be a published author and university professor in the field of creative writing and creative writing pedagogy.