Tori Rodgers '22, English, Creative Writing, Professional Writing and Editing, Global and International Studies
Tori Rodgers ‘22 chose Malone because of its proximity to her home in Alliance and its English program.
Rodgers, a recent graduate with degrees in English, creative writing, professional writing and editing, and global and international studies finished her studies in South Korea.
Rodgers landed on South Korea as her study abroad location because of a passion for learning about Asian history and culture.
“I’ve always wanted to travel abroad to some extent,” she said. “In the last few years I’ve developed a growing interest in South Korea, so it was just the matter of making a dream into reality through study abroad.”
When she discovered that Malone had a study abroad program and consulted Dr. Elizabeth Patterson-Roe, she knew it was something she wanted to do.
“I started looking into studying abroad my second year in school. At first it was just fun to research, but the more I invested in it, the more I realized it was something I could actually do,” she said. “Dr. Roe told me I could add the global & international studies major and complete it almost entirely while I was abroad, which was a priority for me, since the fall of 2022 was my final semester in university.”
Rodgers treasures her studying abroad experience.
“I loved visiting Korea and I miss it already,” she said. “I did a lot of preparation, so language and culture shocks weren’t too severe. I loved the wonder that came with living in a new culture.”
With one study abroad semester completed, Rodgers hopes to travel and become an editor.
“My classes and workshops have been the biggest help in preparing me for my journey as an editor because they gave me the motivation to edit.”
As for other experiences outside Malone, Rodgers was a gift shoppe and digital learning intern at the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, as well as a blog writer for Almost Heaven Ice Cream. These experiences have sharpened her writing and editing skills. While writing shapes her creative side, editing provides a way to help others improve their writing.
“I’ve always loved to read and I have an eye for detail, so when I discovered I could edit novels it sounded like a dream job for me. Although I do enjoy writing myself, I enjoy critiquing and helping others shape their stories more. It’s such a cool experience to help someone develop their artistic vision.”