Since our blog debuted in 2017, we have published 500+ posts. While some of you may have been with us from the start (thank you, loyal readers!), others may have joined us more recently.
So, we’re highlighting periodically some of the posts that have garnered a lot of views or that address topics of continuing interest in the current moment — posts that you may have missed or that you might want to revisit.
Today, as we get ready to welcome Mel Hammond (MA ’14) back to campus as our first visiting writer of the Fall 2025 semester, we look back to a post from Mel, first published in 2023.
In the post, Mel explains how the M.A. in English at K-State provided the experiences and skills needed for professional success:
In 2019, a dream opportunity landed in my lap: Content Development Editor at American Girl. I’d never played with the dolls or read a single AG book—but here was a children’s lit publisher right in my city. What a dream! Ahead of my interview, I checked out every AG book I could find at the library and figured out which historical girl was most like me (Kit, the writer) in case my interviewers asked (they didn’t). My experience at K-State absolutely helped me land the job. During the interview, I talked about my master’s project, the expertise I’d gained in my K-State courses, and the children’s lit class I taught. When I got the offer, I burst into tears.
I fell head-over-heels in love with my new role.
See the full post at “Alumni Spotlight: Mel Hammond” to learn more about how the M.A. in English has helped Mel navigate the twists and turns of professional life — and join us on Monday September 15 at 7pm on campus in Union Wildcat Chamber or on Zoom to hear Mel and sister Teghan Hammond share their co-authored young adult novel Lucy, Uncensored!
— Karin Westman, Department Head
K-State English 