This quarter, I’ve had to write three papers for two classes. A writer at heart, I was disappointed to find that these papers had strict guidelines and restrictions. This came as no surprise, though, as most of my papers throughout college have left no room for unconventional writing methods or imaginative pieces.
This is the one qualm I have with college writing ““ it leaves little time for creativity. While prompts and research papers may allow students to explore topics they find exciting, the writing style itself is often consistently formal and regimented to a distinct format.
With a busy college schedule and many papers to write, there is a lack of emphasis on creative writing, exploring personal, fantastical topics or writing simply for the enjoyment of the process itself.
At UCLA, the creative writing concentration within the English major is small. There are about two workshops offered each quarter in either fiction or poetry, with a maximum of 15 students accepted into each class, according to Janel Munguia, an undergraduate counselor for the English department.
For the creative writing focus, students are required to apply to three classes, competing against many applicants, with various writing samples.
If accepted into each class, the student is thus admitted into the focus. The process is very competitive, Munguia said.
While the creative writing focus is not disclosed on a student’s diploma, this focus provides a different path to achieve the English degree. It is also one of the only outlets students have to write imaginatively.
The small scope of this program does not provide enough opportunities for UCLA students to write creatively.
Students should find the time to write on their own, and professors should incorporate creative writing into their curriculum. UCLA, furthermore, should provide more classes for students who wish to explore their artistic outlet in an environment where it can be reviewed by professors in a classroom setting ““ even if they are not pursuing the focus or an English degree.
The approach in providing access to creative writing shouldn’t be one based on exclusivity.
Most students find that they have no time for casual writing because their schedule is filled with writing papers, studying for midterms and other extracurricular activities.
Creative writing gives students a better venue for expression, versus having to give the expected answer on a paper assigned by a professor, according to Nicole Santos, a third-year sociology student.
Not only is writing creatively important, but it is also important that one writes everyday. Creative writing can serve as an outlet for many students, relieving them of the stress of everyday college life. Whether students are writing short stories, diary entries or poems, writing innovatively without the pressure of a deadline allows students to focus on how they want to write, while also allowing them freedom in choosing what they want to write about.
Creative writing also gives students something regimented writing never can ““ a way to figure out who they are. Putting thoughts on paper helps students discover a little bit more about themselves and express their thoughts in a new and invigorating way.
College is often seen as a venue for self-discovery. It is antithetical to the university’s mission to not require more creative outlets for students to write and be reviewed by elite professors. After all, the admissions process requires personal statements that are inherently open-ended to ensure well-rounded students are accepted at UCLA.
The insight and creativity inspired by personal statements should not be lost after the application process; students should continue to write in this way throughout their college career.