At the University of Indianapolis, Piper Parks ’26 has pursued her interest in creative writing while taking advantage of the opportunities available to her. Parks is majoring in creative writing with a minor in studio art. She also serves as a Greyhound Ambassador, Communications Outreach Chair for SGA, vice president of Sigma Tau Delta chapter Nu Xi, president of HerCampus at Indy, secretary for the Creative Writing RSO, and UIndy’s Poet Laureate. We asked Parks about her time at UIndy.
Why did you choose to study creative writing?
My love for writing creative work flourished at a young age. I’ve always been a creative person, but this form of expression is the only one that I’ve ever been drawn to. I knew that this was the right path for me in my senior year of high school, and I don’t regret that decision at all.
How has your program challenged or inspired you academically?
My program has challenged me to push myself out of my comfort zone in many ways. I’ve learned to grow comfortable with a blank page and smile at the face of rejection. Growth only comes when you’re given a chance to learn, and that only comes when you’ve been pushed to try again. That’s what writing and publishing are about.
What skills and knowledge have you gained that you’re excited to use in your future career?
During my time in the creative writing program, I’ve developed skills in copyediting, proofreading, and digital design. I’ve gained publishing experience through working with Etchings Press as a design editor for issue 37.1. In working with Etchings Press, I have had hands-on experience with Adobe InDesign, creating focal points and navigating negative space in digital media. My typography experience has aided in the development of these publications and print designs, a skill that is invaluable in publishing. These skills may be valuable in my future if I choose to pursue this as a career path. Regardless, these skills are useful in the real world.
Can you share an example of a time when a professor went above and beyond?
My professors within the department have always been supportive of my personal and professional growth. I can easily say that they are the reason I’ve grown at the rate I have, but one professor has always stood out, and that is Professor Barney Haney. I’ve taken classes with him almost every semester here at UIndy, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to learn from someone as passionate as he is in his field. He’s pushed me to reach for leadership opportunities when they come to me, and I’ve gone for every single chance. Only because of his confidence in me have I leaped at such opportunities, and it’s helped me open doors I didn’t even know existed. This kind of care outside of the classroom has made me confident that I’ve taken the right path academically and professionally, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it.
Have you participated in research, internships, service learning, or study abroad? What did you learn from that experience?
Earlier this year, I interned with Heartland Film as an operations intern. While in this program, I’ve also studied abroad in London, Scotland, and China. Most of these opportunities came to me through my department! I’ve discovered a passion for non-profit work as well as travel writing. These experiences challenged me to work independently and communicate in a global context. I doubt I would have had the opportunity to grow in such areas if it weren’t for the assistance of my professors in my program.
What are your goals after graduation, and how has your academic program prepared you for them?
My goal after graduation is to pursue a graduate program in creative writing. I’ve received suggestions of universities to look into and have a great team of people helping me through this process. My academic program opened my eyes to opportunities for building connections and pushed me to believe in growth. I know there’s so much more I can learn, and I know now that I can, if I choose to try. I now have the confidence to do that.