Name: Rachel O’Connor
Year: Junior
Major: Biology (PA track)
Hometown: Westtown, NY
A new semester is a time for new beginnings. Junior Rachel O’Connor is warmly accepting her new opportunities as a published writer in the newest upcoming edition of The Bedford Reader. Keep on reading to learn about Rachel’s experience at Seton Hall and the hopes she has for her future.
Her Campus (HC): What are you looking forward to the most this spring semester?
Rachel O’Connor (RO): This semester, I am most looking forward to my science writing internship at GLO Science NYC. I’m so excited that I was able to find a part time job doing what I love that will also give me great experience!
HC: Tell us about your published piece in response to the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson that will be published in the 13th edition of The Bedford Reader. How was this made possible & do you know when it will be published?
RO: My former Christianity & Culture professor, Dr. Nancy Enright emailed me over the summer about the opportunity to be published in The Bedford Reader. I’ve always wanted to be published in a textbook so I jumped at the opportunity and immediately drafted something. It was accepted for publication in October and the new edition will be out sometime this year…I’m not sure exactly when.
HC: Have you always loved to write? What other dreams and opportunities has this published piece sparked for your future?
RO: Yes, I’ve always loved to write. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve wanted to write books and although I’ve added a bunch of new interests and goals along the way, I still have that desire in me. I am so grateful for this publication because as a writer, having a publication (or many) on your resume is so important in order to be viewed as credible. So I view this publication as a stepping stone to bigger and better opportunities.
HC: How do you connect your love for writing with your biology major?
RO: Science writing is how I connect writing with my biology major. I think a lot of people overlook the avenue of science writing but there is actually a plethora of opportunities to write in the science community and the demand for science writers is out there. That’s how I got my internship at GLO, since the combination of a science major and a writer is a lot less common than just one of the two.
HC: Let’s take a break from the future and go to the past. How did you enjoy winter break? What were some your favorite things that you did?
RO: Hmm, I actually didn’t do much over winter break. I finished up the remainder of hospital shadowing hours I needed to enter the grad phase of the PA program, spent time with my family for the holidays, read two books, and spent time with my boyfriend.
HC: As a junior, what has been some of your favorite parts about Seton Hall?
RO: My favorite thing about Seton Hall is that I met my two best friends here, both of which I hope are in my life forever.
HC: What do you hope to do after you graduate?
RO: After I graduate, I want to work as a PA and also be a contributing medical writer for some publication. Even further down the road, I want to write novels.