2024 PSD Language Arts: Jamie Seitz
Jamie’s love of writing wasn’t the motivating factor in where she went to college. Cypress simply happened to be close to her home. Here, however, she had a realization that has changed the course of her academic careers. Jamie discovered she loved writing — more than she loved her initial science major. Her newfound passion led her to the Writer’s Guild and its publication “Sole Image,” where her personal reflections appeared. Jamie’s going on to study English at CSULB and continue finding what she connects with and expressing her feelings in the written word.
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I’ve been in Southern California all my life. Always been just up the street from Cypress College. I went to a Catholic elementary school, then moved to public schools for seventh grade until my senior year of high school. Not until my junior year of high school did I realize that I enjoyed writing. Going into Cypress College, I was a biology major, until I realized that it wasn’t the major for me. So I changed to English and have been much happier with that decision. Retaking my English 100 class, my professor pushed me to publish to the writing club’s paper, “Sole Image.” There, I had my first piece published.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
I am most passionate about writing. Stories are passed down and analyzed to uncover the true meaning behind the pieces. A good story is something everyone will enjoy. There isn’t a day we don’t think of something that is written. It leaves a mark on people and inspires others to create masterpieces for the future.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
I chose Cypress because it was less than a 10-minute drive from my house, and the closest college to me. My high school had duel enrollment with Cypress, and I heard good things about the professors.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
I’m a part of the Creative Guild here at Cypress. A writing club for anyone that enough creative writing. The professor in charge of the club, Professor Politanoff, asked me to join when I was in his class. Since then it has inspired me to write creative literature.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
In summer of 2023 I went to study abroad in Ireland for English 104. So far that has been the most memorable experience Cypress has offered me. There were posters everywhere about this trip, and I applied on a whim. I didn’t have high expectations of getting accepted but gratefully I was.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
There are three professors that have helped me get to where I am today: Professor Ashton Politanoff;, my English 100 professor after I decided to turn my academic life around; and David Halahmy, my History professor
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
The library and DSS has helped me throughout my time here. The library offers isolated desks that help with studying. DSS was always so kind when I had to schedule and take a test that day. Whenever I had to take long tests that weren’t online, DSS was perfect for me. Their tests rooms were the perfect environment for me to complete my tests.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
I will be transferring over to CSULB for the fall. I plan on graduating with a bachelors in Rhetoric and Composition of English.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
As a longterm goal so far I just want to get my BA in English. I’m not going to hold myself down to any particular career because I want an open mind of what I can do after my degree. I do aspire to write, it can be challenging but that’s my passion.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of being able to go from failing to being a successful student. It was hard starting fresh, but better than failing.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
It gets hard working through the transition from high school and college. It takes time to adjust, and that’s perfectly all right. Never compare your progress to the progress of your peers, everyone is at different stages of their lives. It’s the same as comparing a cow to a cat; it simply does not make sense. With hard work and dedication, your goal will become a reality.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank Ashton Politanoff for giving me the motivation to write again.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Cypress also gave me the opportunity to travel abroad in Ireland. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.