When I began the M.A. program in English here in fall 2001, I had no idea where it would take me. After initially declining encouragement to apply for a T.A, I eventually did so. That decision marked a dramatic turn in my life/career course.

As a youngster in central Vermont, I dreamed of living in the Wild Wild West, but the dream involved a cowboy, a log cabin, horses and lots of cattle. Not once did I entertain the notion of teaching English to university freshmen. I thoroughly enjoy teaching, though and saying yes to that opportunity has opened even more doors for me.

In addition to the English classes, I tutor in the writing center and I’m certified as a Latin 101/102 tutor. I served for nearly three years as one of four volunteers teaching a creative writing class at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center. I now also spend some time at English Language Services in Pocatello, where I teach English as a second language to International Students.

After working on several issues of Rendezvous, with Dr. Roger Schmidt, I am now the assistant editor for Idaho Yesterdays, the publication of the Idaho Historical Society. My freelance copy editing is beginning to pick up, and my client list is growing. In June 2006 and 2007 I was appointed to serve as a Reader for the AP English Language and Composition Exam. I have taken some Lay Ministry classes and have occasionally been called upon to preach; I served as emcee for the 90th anniversary celebration of Central Christian Church and have conducted both a memorial service and a funeral.

Courses Taught

• English 90, Basic Writing
• English 101, Composition

Office: LA 214
wallnanc@isu.edu