“My major goal is to write fiction,” Melissa Lizotte said as to why she chose to attend UMPI as an English major with a concentration in writing. “I wanted to see what I could do as a writer,” she reflected. Currently a senior, she chose to go to UMPI because of the affordability and convenience of a school so close to her home in Presque Isle.
While attending UMPI Lizotte has been deeply involved in both the University Times and Upcountry. She joined the University Times to learn more about journalism and while being a member of the club she was brought out of her comfort zone and was able to learn many new skills. “If I could learn to write for a newspaper I would have that as an option for a career,” Lizotte said. As for Upcountry, Melissa has thoroughly enjoyed being a co-editor. “I’ve gotten to be co-editor for two years. It taught me what it’s like to edit a literary journal,” Lizotte said. She also expressed thanks for having such a wonderful opportunity. It really taught her the ins and outs of a literary journal and being able to read people’s submissions helped her learn about her own writing and how she could grow as a writer.
Lizotte refers to Professional Communication and Journalism (PCJ) and Film as her “unofficial minors.” Since she began taking film classes with professor Richard Zuras, who is also the advisor of Upcountry, films and T.V shows have become a favorite hobby. She enjoys directors’ styles and the way films relate to and inform her writing. She especially enjoys HBO shows, specifically “Six Feet Under,” since taking so many film classes she has also developed her appreciation for dark humor. “Melissa has done superb work in my film and creative writing classes, and has taken her co-editorship of Upcountry very seriously. She is poised for success in whatever she does due to her immense talents, her positive attitude, and most importantly her shining work ethic. Melissa has been a model student,” Zuras said. Lizotte has especially enjoyed Zuras’ workshop classes saying that they’re very influential and helpful with learning what she can improve in her writing.
Dr. Jacquelyn Lowman, PCJ professor and advisor of the U Times said “it’s been such a treat and a pleasure working with Melissa over the past three years. I’ve had her in numerous classes and she’s been a mainstay for the U Times.” Lizotte has been writing for the U Times since the spring of her sophomore year which was her first encounter with journalistic writing. “Taking PCJ classes, along with creative writing, has given me some of the best experiences during my time at UMPI,” said Lizotte. “Journalism has a completely different structure than creative writing. With news stories especially, there’s more focus on giving readers the essential information that they need to know about an event or person.” Lizotte has also been a freelance writer for Northeast Publishing since April 2015 focusing mainly on a column called County Faces. County Faces profiles people of Aroostook County and Lizotte is thankful for the opportunity. “I never thought I would get this much professional writing experience as an undergraduate, so I’m thankful that Northeast Publishing has given me the chance to experience what the journalism field is like,” she said.
Lizotte has been applying for communication and media relations jobs in the area, though her passion will always be fiction. “Magazine freelancing is something that I could see myself continuing as I advance in my career,” Lizotte added about her future plans. No matter what she hopes to always have time for her fiction writing, whether it be part of her job, or something she fills her personal time with. She described herself as stubborn, saying “I don’t like to give up that easy.” She also uses the word passionate in regard to herself, and as soon as you get to know her it’s clear that this passion flows into everything she does. She’s enjoyed UMPI’s small size, describing how she’s gotten to watch fellow classmates grow as students and as people throughout her years here, “I hope they have a similar view,” she said.
“Melissa writes like an angel , but she is much more than that. She is quiet but don’t let that fool you: she has great strength of character, passion and is a born advocate.” Said Dr. Lowman. There’s no doubt that Lizotte’s willpower and positive attitude will take her far in her life after UMPI. As Lizotte prepares to graduate she uses her experiences from her years at UMPI to leave advice for other students, “take advantage of different opportunities in your major… get involved in what’s related to what you want to do.” Lizotte said “English majors especially, don’t get discouraged, there are many misconceptions… Go for it! If that really is your passion you’ll make it work…put all your effort into trying to be a better writer.” After a successful career at UMPI Lizotte prepares to open a new chapter of her promising life in the world of English. Dr. Lowman has this to say, “UMPI will be poorer without Melissa. But it’s time for her to go share her light with others.”
IDK, it seems like a weird sentence
