Alumni Spotlight: Lizzy Thompson, Class of ’19

What are you up to right now?

For the last 6 years, I have been teaching English Language Arts at a high school in Los Angeles. After working for the Joint Educational Project at USC, I realized I had a passion for education, specifically literacy, and promoting educational equity. I got my teaching credential through a free LAUSD program where participants start teaching right away. I fell in love specifically with secondary education, and currently teach Advanced Placement classes. I absolutely love it and am able to discuss what I’m passionate about, literature and expression, every single day.

What sparked your decision to major in Creative Writing?

My passion for reading, self-expression, and creativity are really what sparked my decision to major in Creative Writing. When I was accepted to USC, I had initially applied as a major I thought would offer a clear career and earn me a lot of money. In the first few days of classes in that major, it was clear I would be miserable if I continued down that path, though. My passion has always been literature, journaling, writing poetry, and thinking about narratives in film and music. Ultimately, I switched to Creative Writing so I could study these concepts. I quickly found these Creative Writing classes were genuinely interesting, engaging my passions, and helping me find meaning in my own life. Although I was nervous about post-grad career options, I found a passion for teaching and smoothly transitioned into a career in education. My fellow Creative Writing majors have also gone down joyful and fulfilling paths in publishing, education, as musicians and more.

Thinking back to your student days, what’s one piece of advice that would have made the biggest difference in your college experience or career planning?

If I could give current students advice, I would encourage them to reach out to professors for help, advice, or just as a passionate resource. During my time at USC, I was often so intimidated by my professors! The few times I did seek them out during office hours or after class though, they were so willing to help and genuinely wanted their students to succeed. As an educator myself now, I love when students are passionate about what I teach and just want to chat about it! I wish I had done more of that with the professors whose classes I loved. Professors are such an incredible resource and really seeking them out would have deepened my learning and academic experience.

How did your Creative Writing major prepare you for the challenges and opportunities in your current field?

These days, it seems we’re on the cusp of major change technologically, socially, and politically. As artificial intelligence further embeds itself in daily life, and the future holds more questions than answers, I find myself relying on the humanities and the skills I developed at USC more than ever. As an educator, every day, I walk students through how to think critically, ask good questions, and write creatively. These were skills I truly developed as an undergrad during my Creative Writing studies. Taking classes like English Lit to 1800 taught me to truly understand and analyze context, language and authorial intent. Upper division electives like poetry writing and my senior seminar equipped me to ask deep questions about identity and expression. These classes not only enriched my sense of self, but today, help me teach the next generation these skills. The field of education is rapidly changing and I would not be equipped to navigate it without the practical skills, texts read, and experience gained during my time at USC.

If you attended or are enrolled in graduate school, what prompted your decision to attend graduate school? What do you see yourself doing after graduating?

I have recently enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Chicago! I hope to continue working in education, and gain leadership skills through this program that will allow me to advance in the field. I am also simply looking forward to being a student again! I consider myself a life long learner and enjoy being in the classroom myself. I appreciate the environment where professors push you, help you sharpen your skills, and guide conversations. Knowledge and education are powerful tools more needed today than ever.