How three writers helped launch a new department tradition.
by Fabiola M. Martinez Del Valle
This spring, the English Department launched the first‑ever Major Writers internship, created by Associate Chair and Professor Joshua Calhoun to give undergraduates the opportunity to write for the department, express themselves, and experience the full writing, editing, and publishing process. The inaugural cohort — Ella Tomes, Reilly White, and Evan Randle — brought curiosity, creativity, and a genuine interest in telling the stories that shape our community.
From the moment applications opened, it was clear that students were eager for this kind of experience. As Academic Advising Manager Erin Polnaszek Boyd reflected, “When we first reviewed applications, it was clear we had tapped into something meaningful. Students brought such thoughtful, creative story ideas — and they absolutely delivered on them.” Their enthusiasm set the tone for a semester filled with strong pitches, thoughtful interviews, and articles that highlighted the people and programs that make the English Department such a vibrant place to learn and work.
As the semester unfolded, the interns moved from pitching ideas to conducting interviews, drafting articles, and shaping their pieces through multiple rounds of revision. Throughout that process, Josh Calhoun watched their confidence and skill deepen. He shared how meaningful it was to watch the interns develop their voices and confidence over the semester. He noted that their work captured the energy and generosity of the English community, and that their stories reflected the same sense of connection that inspired the internship in the first place. Their progress, he said, was a reminder of how powerful student storytelling can be when given room to flourish.
That growth was echoed by Director of Communications and internship manager and editor Fabiola M. Martinez Del Valle, who worked closely with the interns throughout the writing and revision process. “Seeing their ideas come to life was one of the best parts of the semester,” she shared. “Each student grew in confidence, skill, and voice, and it was a privilege to support them through that process.” The partnership between graduate‑student editors and undergraduate writers became one of the defining strengths of the program.
As the semester unfolded, the interns not only produced strong pieces but also reflected deeply on what the experience meant to them. Their articles took them into classrooms, offices, and conversations across the department, and each writer found their own way of connecting with the community they were documenting. Their reflections capture the heart of what the internship set out to do.
Evan Randle wrote, “Writing with the English Department was a great way for me to learn about our wonderful community at Madison. Not only was I able to polish my writing skills, I was able to speak with professors, students, and others who help our department thrive.”
Reilly White shared, “I was most proud of the parts of my articles that spotlighted the hard work, research, ideas, and initiatives of those across the English department. It’s deeply important to celebrate the people who shape the UW English experience, and I’m glad this position allowed me to do that.”
And from Ella Tomes, whose enthusiasm shaped each of her pieces: “I had so much fun writing for the department this semester. I’m grateful for the support, the guidance, and the chance to grow as a writer while contributing to a community I care about.”
As the first semester of the Major Writers internship comes to a close, the department celebrates not only the stories published but the writers behind them. The program’s success reflects the creativity and commitment of its inaugural cohort, as well as the support that made it possible. As Department Chair and Professor Christa J. Olson noted, “Our ‘Major Writers’ program is a great example of how English Department alumni and friends make a difference for today’s English majors. Donors’ generosity allows us to offer current students professional writing experience and build their portfolios for the future. It’s a beautiful case of paying it forward.”
With a strong foundation set by Ella, Reilly, and Evan, the Major Writers internship is poised to continue uplifting student voices and strengthening the storytelling that connects our department.
