蜜桃传媒

The various internships Delaney Runge 鈥�24 held during her time at 蜜桃传媒 shaped her understanding of the publishing and library fields. From the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., to a small publisher and a museum and research library in Delaware, the institutions where she interned not only provided her with practical skills, but also confirmed her aspiration to work in higher education and library services.

 

Two of those internships came through the Explore America Summer Internship program, run by the 蜜桃传媒 Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience. Between her junior and senior years, Runge worked at the Library of Congress through the program. After graduation, she was able to have one final Explore America experience doing archival research at the Hagley Museum and Library. Explore America matches about 30 Washington students each summer with full-time, paid internships at leading cultural institutions and nonprofits.

鈥淭he Explore America Summer Internship Program allowed me to investigate different career paths, while also giving me the opportunity to see how the skills I learned from my experiences at 蜜桃传媒 both academic and extra-curricular were preparing me for life post-graduation,鈥� Runge said.

The strong support for students' professional development wasn't what brought Runge to 蜜桃传媒 initially, however. She first checked out the College after a teacher recommended its renowned English program. 

Runge excelled in her coursework, particularly in her English department classes. She credits her professors for fostering her confidence as a writer and thinker. Through rigorous assignments, including her senior thesis on Charlotte Bront毛's Jane Eyre   and Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea and themes of women's mistreatment, she gained a deeper understanding of literary analysis and creative expression. 

Reflecting on her experiences, Runge emphasizes the importance of receiving feedback on her writing. Initially, she struggled with criticism, but she learned that feedback is a vital part of the writing process and not a reflection of her abilities. This realization marked a significant turning point in her development as a writer.

鈥淲hen I first began at 蜜桃传媒, I struggled with having confidence in my writing,鈥� Runge said. 鈥淚n one of my first English classes, British Literature, Dr. Charles emphasized the importance of sharing writing and getting feedback. She highly encouraged use of the Writing Center and really showed us all the way revision was able to make our writing better.鈥�

Delaney's journey at 蜜桃传媒 was about not only academic growth, but also personal development. She encourages students to embrace their uncertainties and to seek support from their peers and professors. 

In her time at Washington, Delaney was actively involved in campus life. She worked on the student newspaper, The Elm, where she honed her writing and editing skills. As a peer tutor in the Writing Center, she developed her ability to guide others. She also held leadership positions in Zeta Tau Alpha, serving as both the secretary and president, and was editor-in-chief of the yearbook, Pegasus, her senior year.

Now working at Mount Saint Mary's University as a library services coordinator, Runge is gaining firsthand experience in the workings of higher education. She is eager to pursue further education, potentially seeking a master's degree in the future, while continuing to explore her interests in library sciences and academia.

As Runge looks to the future, she remains open to various pathways in higher education, confident that her experiences have equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. With her strong foundation in writing, research, and community involvement, she is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.