Every quarter, the Department of English features on its Web site the experiences of a soon-to-graduate Ohio State University English Major. Our current  interviewee is … Daniel Louis Mann

“I knew I was interested in writing in a business/ professional context, but I did not really desire a career as a journalist. After reading a flyer about technical writing, I decided that English was the major I needed.”

Hometown: Albion, Michigan
Major(s): English
Minor(s): Popular Culture Studies
Graduation: Summer 2011

Why did you decide to major in English?

My decision to major in English was a late one. I began my undergraduate career as a journalism major, but switched to English during my junior year. I made the switch because an English degree is more general and universal than a journalism degree. I knew I was interested in writing in a business/ professional context, but I did not really desire a career as a journalist. After reading a flyer about technical writing, I decided that English was the major I needed.

What course stands out as memorable?

It is really difficult for me to pick a single course as my "favorite", but I would have to say English 305 with Jonathan Buehl is one of them. English 305 is an introductory technical writing course that introduces students to the field of technical writing. Through service, a learning component of the course, students gain actual experience as technical writers. The first half of the class is your traditional lecture style teaching. The second half of the class you are put in groups and the setting shifts from the classroom, to a professional work environment as the class is assigned a comprehensive project with the English department's D.A.L.N, or digital archives of literacy narratives. This experience is like an internship within the context of the classroom. English 305 was definitely one of my favorite classes in the department!

What are you planning to do after graduation?

After graduation, I will be pursuing a Master of Science degree in Technical/Science Communication at Drexel University in the fall. I am excited about starting this new phase in my life and I can definitely say that majoring in English at Ohio State has helped prepare me for graduate level studies.

What other programs, organizations, or departments are you a part of here at Ohio State?

This quarter I am not involved in anything, as I am just focusing on my final courses at Ohio State. I have previously been involved in activities at Ohio State such as the OSU athletic band (I play the alto saxophone), I have sung in several vocal ensembles such as the African- American Voices Gospel Choir (tenor section leader/chaplain), edify, and the school of music's gospel & spiritual ensemble. In addition to being involved in the performing arts, I have also served as a peer mentor through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, served in leadership of Kingdom University (student organization/campus - ministry), and have volunteered with the Bell Resource Center's Early Arrival Program for incoming African-American males.

What advice do you have for new students?

Advice for success at The Ohio State University - Utilize the many resources that are at your fingertips, study, and get involved! The combination of these three things will help you find and create your own niche at OSU. GO Bucks!