Shannon Kelly, English with writing emphasis major, Irish studies minor, 3.97 GPA

Kelly is from Lincoln, Nebraska. She is the president of Chamber Singers, a member of the Aquinas Scholar Honors Program, founder and president of Theater Club, Tommie Ambassador and tour guide, DJ for KUST Campus Radio, magazine editor for St. Thomas University Relations and a peer consultant at the Writing Center. Kelly has also presented literary research at graduate school conferences and has had creative pieces published in several journals.

Her greatest achievement was coming to St. Thomas without knowing anyone or ever having seen campus. Kelly said she is proud and thankful to feel like part of the St. Thomas and Twin Cities community and for the friendships she has made and the opportunities she has had at St. Thomas.

Kelly is passionate about creative writing, including poetry, short stories, music and film. She is currently working on writing a novel. Her favorite memory at St. Thomas was singing at the KUST Sampler release party last spring. Kelly felt supported by friends, other musicians and the audience as she sang about her best friend’s battle with cancer.

During the summer of 2014, Kelly spent a month in a remote village on the west coast of Ireland called Carraroe while learning the Irish Gaelic language. She lived in a homestay with native speakers and attended immersion classes with students from all over the world, most of whom she still speaks to regularly.

After graduation, Kelly will start working toward her master’s in creative writing. She hopes to teach English at the college level and abroad during her career. Her dream is to open a coffee shop where minority and low income youth can do homework, practice English and cultivate creativity and skill in the arts.

Claire Noack can be reached at noac8702@stthomas.edu.