In their own words: April McHugh '13
In her own words, April Mchugh '13 describes her experiences in the Utica College English program and its impact on her life and career.
"My name is April Mchugh, but my former professors will remember me as April Winn. I will forever be grateful to Utica College for my education and experiences that continue to improve my life and career. I am a Bachelor of Arts graduate of UC, with an English degree. I attended UC from 2011-2013, coming in as a transfer student. I was immediately enveloped into a warm community of English lovers and learners!
In my second year I joined the Harold Frederic English Society where I enjoyed group meetings, fundraising events, and poetry nights! I also met a new group of friends in this society whom became some of the greatest I ever had! My most memorable professor was Barbara Witucki, an incredibly learned and giving woman. I spent countless hours in her office discussing papers, novels, and the world in general. When I shared with her my upcoming marriage to a man in the Navy, she provided me with support and encouragement, even offering to help me pick graduate schools where we would be stationed. Professor Witucki was also the one who suggested I tutor at the Writing Center. Professor Mary Ann Janda was thrilled to bring me on board the team of writing tutors, and I continued to work in the center until my graduation. It was inspiring to help so many of my peers improve their writing skills. My most challenging course was Linguistics with John Cormican, and luckily I passed with serious dedication and hard studying! My time at UC was highly educational, and prepared me to enter the “real” world with a variety of skills. I still look back upon my two years with fond memories and appreciation.
Since graduating in May 2013 I have relocated twice, and recently graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with an M.A in English and Creative Writing. My education at UC certainly helped me during my graduate studies, as I was familiar with hard work, and effective study skills, especially in the subject of English. While studying at SNHU I had the opportunity to learn the aids necessary for teaching English at the collegiate level. Almost immediately after graduating I accepted a position as an adjunct English professor at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, VA. During my interview the dean of Liberal Arts expressed how impressive my education was, not only from SNHU, but equally from UC. Also, in one week I will begin attending Regent University in Virginia Beach to attain my M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
When I am not working, or supporting my husband in his military ventures, I tutor local college students helping with their papers and writing abilities. I also love to take adventures in my area of Hampton Roads by exploring beaches and monuments with my three Australian Shepherds.
Regardless of what changes occur in my career, I will forever be an English major, and will always cherish my education!"
More Stories
Utica University Receives $1.2 Million NYS Grant for Accelerated Educator Preparation Program; Teacher Candidate Applications Now Open
Utica University announces new leadership roles
I would like to see logins and resources for:
For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.