Maybe we think we know what a day in the life of an English major looks like: classic novels, writing, poetry, writing, presentations, and (you guessed it!) writing. But what do English majors actually learn? Where do they fit in the world outside of universities?

The variety of answers may surprise you.

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley launch their new series highlighting inside stories and college prep practicalities from UT Tyler's English department. Department chair Dr. Ann Beebe and English student Jim Clayton join the discussion to share what's really happening in English classes. If you're choosing your degree, preparing for college life, or just curious about other experiences in higher ed, this series is for you.

Have more questions about life inside an English department? Email us at ADRquestions@gmail.com or leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Want to learn more or connect with UT Tyler's Department of Literature and Languages? Click the links below!

• Department newsletters
• Facebook page
• Instagram: @uttylerlitlang

We sit through classes, sit to study, sit on a couch to relax, and often sit at a desk to work. It’s easier than ever as a busy college student to miss out on the basics: sunshine, fresh air, friends, and movement. Sure, there’s the gym on campus – but what if you’ve never been before? How do you break through the intimidation? Will there even be an activity you like there?

Enter the Rec Sports team – and their director, Rick McGill.

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley discuss what you might not have known rec centers have to offer with UT Tyler’s Director of Recreational Sports, Rick McGill. From free weights to ski trips, the department has something for everyone. He shares how rec sports engagement impacts the lives of students, helping them stay healthy, build friendships, and even secure unexpected career opportunities.

Whether you’re a basketball enthusiast or an air hockey champ, there’s something about sports that brings us all together. The resources you need are here – and it includes so much more than a gym.

Have more questions about rec sports opportunities? Email us at ADRquestions@gmail.com or leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!

Want to stay up to date on UT Tyler’s rec center? Download the app to see the gym’s live occupancy count, register for club sports teams, view upcoming outdoor adventures, and more! Search “UT Tyler Rec Sports App” and find it on Google Play or the App Store.

We all know freshman year is a big turning point. There's orientations, welcome celebrations, loads of "firsts" to experience - but with three more years of college, the changes and growth have only begun.

What happens next?

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley reconvene with two students who appeared on the podcast in their first week of freshman year: Mary Mooney and Dominick Robinette. Now approaching their sophomore year, they discuss the variety of developmental shifts and struggles they've encountered, like managing anxiety, building connections on campus, and navigating AI use in homework. Through it all, they offer insights on how this often-overlooked middle year can be just as pivotal for growth as the first.

Have more questions about surviving and thriving in sophomore year? Email us at ADRquestions@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

There's plenty of debate about whether or not college truly prepares you for a career. Between homework assignments and research projects, how can you build a resume that helps you succeed after graduation?

Let's find out.

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley explore the best resources and tips for college students/recent grads navigating the job market. Joining us to share her expertise is Dr. Rosemary Cooper, UT Tyler's Executive Director of Career Success, and Ebony Walker, a grad student juggling her new job as an adjunct English professor. Together, they share the real-world career experiences of both faculty and students to address the unique challenges of finding work in today's market, connecting students with career development resources, and breaking into creative industries. No matter where you are in your career journey, this episode has the practical advice to help you take your next steps.

Have questions about finding your career path during college? Email us at ADRquestions@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

There’s plenty of challenges to freshman year you might be prepared for – tackling the change in lifestyle or new levels of academic achievement, for instance.

But what about loneliness?

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley combine both a professor and a student’s experiences to create a list of ten things you can do to start making friends in college. Each of their five tips breaks down the larger task – connecting with a community – into actionable steps that may surprise you with their simplicity. The general good news: everyone in college is in the same boat, and in some ways, making friends could never be easier.

Have more questions about getting connected in freshman year? Email us at ADRquestions@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!

The days leading up to freshman year of college can feel like a flurry of activity. There’s enrollment, buying textbooks, moving into dorms – but often, it’s the little things you wouldn’t expect that can impact your experience most.

Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley bring five tips each, combining both a professor and student’s perspectives on ten things you can do to prepare yourself for your first day of college. The list covers simple, often-overlooked advice that may have fallen by the wayside for busy high school seniors in the college transition. From learning how to manage your “housekeeping” tasks to preventing getting lost on campus, this episode brings the practical insider knowledge that’s essential for every incoming freshman.

Have more questions about prepping for your first day of college? Email us at ADRquestions@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!

The first day of college can be overwhelming for anyone. Just navigating the campus is a common challenge - but what if you'd never even set foot on a high school campus before? What if you'd never experienced traditional education until today? This is what homeschoolers are faced with on their first day.

Or is it?

This week, Dr. Ross and (homeschooled) cohost Ashley Worley tackle some of the myths and misconceptions of becoming college-ready as a homeschooler. Joining them are two formerly homeschooled students with vastly different experiences: senior Economics major Sara Maldonado and freshman Music major Lucy Holden. Together, they unpack what it's like to be homeschooled, from joining co-ops and purchasing curriculum to building independence and discovering your identity. There's lots to prepare for when the college transition approaches, and the way homeschooling translates just might surprise you.

Have questions about entering college as a homeschooler? Email us at ADRquestions@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

Veterans have some important decisions to make regarding their next steps after military service. Whether it's entering the workforce in a new field, returning to a university, or attending college for the first time, there's lots to navigate during this pivotal transition.

We're here to help.

This week, Dr. Ross and cohost Ashley Worley sit down with two veteran students to unpack the experience of going back to "the civilian world" after serving. Benjamin Broyles, who served six years in the Air Force, and Cody Vasquez, an English major who served four years in the Marine Corps, offer their perspectives on the topic. Besides sharing the resources available to veterans, Benjamin and Cody dive deep into their personal history, passion for learning, and life lessons from the military being applied to higher education. Whether you're an 18-year-old college freshman or a seasoned returning vet, their advice rings true.

Have questions about military life and college? Email us at ADRquestions@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!