Class of 2022: Writing into tomorrow with Megan Richardson
Megan Richardson, a senior in the Department of English, found a way to explore her passion for words. She double majored in creative writing and professional and technical writing and plans to continue putting pen to paper — or fingers to the keys of her laptop — after she graduates. Hannah Ballowe, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in English program interviewed Richardson about her time at Virginia Tech.
Q: What brought you to the Virginia Tech Department of English?
A: I’ve always loved reading and storytelling, and I realized it was something that I wanted to focus on beyond school. Initially, I came to Virginia Tech with a different major, but I wasn’t in love with it. When I discovered the creative writing program, which is what I initially changed to, I added professional and technical writing afterward. I made the switch realizing that writing is my passion and a skill I wanted to grow, and I have felt much better in this major overall.
Q: What is your favorite class you have taken at Virginia Tech that you would recommend to other students?
A: One of my favorite classes that I’ve taken here has been Intro to Detective Fiction with Alice Kinder. I discovered my love for detective fiction as a genre, and it was just a really fun class overall. I would highly recommend this class because it grew my appreciation and knowledge about this genre as a whole.
Q: Where is your favorite study spot on campus?
A: My favorite place to study on campus is Squires. I like to either study in the eating area where I can get some food (and coffee) as well as focus on my work or find a nice chair or couch on one of the upper levels, put my headphones in, and get working.
Q: What is your favorite memory from your time at Virginia Tech so far?
A: One of my favorite memories from my time at Virginia Tech was when we had a big snow at the beginning of the spring semester of my junior year. Once there was a lot of snow on the ground, some friends and I set up spikeball outside our apartment and played in the snow. It was definitely a different experience than normal in the game but tons of fun.
Q: What is your favorite spot in or around Blacksburg to grab a bite or spend time outside?
A: This isn’t technically Blacksburg, but there’s this really great cupcake place in Christiansburg called Gigi’s Cupcakes that I found last year and loved! All of the cupcakes I’ve tried have been really good.
Q: What is a hobby you like to pursue in your free time?
A: Not surprisingly, I really enjoy reading, particularly fantasy and detective fiction, mainly Agatha Christie, but I also enjoy baking and painting. I’m trying to learn watercolor right now. Additionally, I’m a big fan of playing games on my Switch (especially MarioKart and Hades).
Interview by Hannah Ballowe, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in English program
