Today we feature Destiny H. a first-generation college student and senior double majoring in Writing Arts and English with specializations in Shakespeare Studies and Creative Writing. She also has a minor in Women and Gender studies and is from NJ. Destiny shares her thoughts on her major, feminism and her future.
Discovering a Passion for Writing and Literature
Why did you pick your major?
I was always super into writing. I originally came in with a Political Science major, but I just did not fall in love with it. I eventually picked English because I missed reading in my major. Women and Gender Studies happened accidentally. I realized I had all courses but two because I’m really into feminism. Shakespeare, that was an accident too, I only have to take one more course. I love Shakespeare so I just followed my bliss when it came to choosing everything.
Exploring Feminism Through Literature
What suggested readings do you have for somebody who’s interested in learning more about feminism?
“A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf and “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. I think you can learn as much [through] feminist texts as you can in anti-feminist texts.
Are you involved with feminist movements on campus?
I’m the editor-in-chief at Her Campus, and I love it so much.
How is feminism and the feminist movement on campus?
Whenever I take a Women and Gender Studies course or an English course I really feel at home with feminism, I really really do. It’s just that I never really had a community of people to talk about stuff like talking about that. Sometimes I have had interactions with people and it definitely wasn’t very women-oriented or intersexual. So there was always that duality of being a racially ambiguous person of color and being a woman. I don’t think it’s a Rowan problem. I think that people who are part of the world go to Rowan and I had weird experiences with them — but other than that I love the community of feminism here.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
For writing, I think that you just need to be brave and take risks. When you start as a novice writer you write to write but as you get further along you realize that writing is different from the craft of writing and you need to learn how to grow as a writer. Also how to put your ego to the side to really become the writer that you were meant to be. Show your work too and don’t be afraid to change the things about your writing because if you enter Rowan the same writer that you would leave Rowan you didn’t learn anything. You need to learn how to change and grow and grow into this craft of writing.
Looking Ahead to a Career in Writing
What are your goals?
I am applying to grad school for an MFA.
What impact would you like to have on the world and your field?
I really want to write a book someday. I don’t even want to be a big name. I want to put myself out there and say I did this. When I teach I want to be a professor of writing, hopefully creative writing, but I know I’m going to do other stuff too. I want to share my passion for writing and teach people how to write, how to articulate writing and, if I could, just inspire one person or change someone else’s mindset.
Story and photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
About Rowan’s Writing Arts Major
Students studying Writing Arts at Rowan University develop the creative, analytical and professional writing skills needed to communicate effectively across a variety of industries and media. Coursework blends creative writing, professional writing, editing, publishing and digital storytelling while strengthening critical thinking, research and communication skills.
Through internships, student publications, experiential learning and faculty mentorship, students build professional portfolios and gain real-world experience in writing, editing, content creation and publishing. Graduates pursue careers in publishing, journalism, marketing, public relations, digital media, nonprofit organizations, education and other fields where strong writing and storytelling skills are essential.
About Rowan
Since its founding in 1923, Rowan University has evolved from a teacher preparation college to a public research institution ranked among the top 100 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and professional certificates in person and online to nearly 25,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro and its eight other locations in southern New Jersey. Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. The University has earned national recognition for innovation; commitment to high-quality, affordable education; and the development of public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan is the fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast and among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2025, Rowan opened New Jersey’s only veterinary school and is one of only two universities in the nation to offer M.D., D.O., and D.V.M. medical degrees.