Peter Harrison ’12 never expected he would pursue news writing or declare a major in English.  His First-Year Program (FYP) experience changed his mind and has played a major role in shaping his St. Lawrence adventure. The FYP, “Reading Contemporary Media” with Professor of English Kerry Grant and Professor of Government Fred Exoo, introduced Pete to journalism, a side of English he hadn’t previously considered. 

When he came to St. Lawrence from Cambridge, Mass., Pete was planning on studying economics and history. “I really enjoyed my FYP. I learned a lot and formed lasting friendships,” he says. 

He decided to take other English classes such as journalism, which he found challenging but also highly beneficial.  He has written articles for the campus newspaper, The Hill News, and for a blog about the Boston Celtics. Though the blog was short-lived, it gained recognition within the Celtics fan community and was occasionally quoted by larger blogs.

Pete has taken on writing internships during his summer breaks.  In 2010, he was responsible for writing about Boston neighborhoods from a local’s perspective and interned with a legal newspaper in 2011 that allowed him the opportunity to proofread and write news briefs in a professional setting.

After St. Lawrence, Pete plans to pursue a career in publishing. “I am fascinated by how words become print,” he says. Having experienced writing, he’s interested in exploring the publishing and editing dimensions of the field. 

In addition to his FYP, Pete credits his experience as an English major as the defining thread of his St. Lawrence experience. “Each year, I’ve had at least one class that really changed the way I thought,” he says. “These classes helped me look at my studies and the world in a whole new way.”

--Annalise Grueter ’12