Apr 29, 2016 By Cody Yankulic 3 min read

Bleckley’s story starts just four years ago when she arrived on campus as a freshman english major with a focus in secondary education, a choice that she wasn’t sure of. Similar to other freshman, Bleckley had her schedule picked for her, a nuisance to other grades, but something that freshmen cannot control was a blessing in disguise for Bleckley. Down the list of classes on the white copy paper sat: ENG 155: Introduction to Creative Writing.

The class, taught by Professor Richard Pierce, was a life changer for Bleckley, who switched her major to creative writing after taking the course. Pierce, whom Bleckley credits as being an influence in deciding to switch her courses, told her that she had a lot of talent, some of the best that he has ever seen.

“It was pretty clear from that first class that she is a very talented writer, especially with poetry,” said Pierce. “Her final project was very good. She’s such a standout writer, so I wrote her a little note and told her that she’s one of the best writers that I have seen period.”

Bleckley’s decision to change her major was just the beginning of what would become a very successful academic career at Waynesburg University. Over her four years, Bleckley has become the vice president of Sigma Tau Delta, the english department’s honorary society, and executive editor of Muse & Stone, which is a magazine published by the Department of English. This position, said Pierce, was very demanding and a lot of work.

“I put a lot of things on her and she does it very quickly and very professionally,” says Pierce. “Plenty of times I would email her at [10 p.m.] and she would take care of something that night or by the next morning, pretty early next day.”

She was also winner of the Garvin Award, which is presented to a junior in the Department of English who has “attained the greatest distinction in the English department.”

All of Bleckley’s accomplishments have given her more confidence and self-esteem.

“I’ve become more confident in my abilities and accomplishments throughout the four years here, which is in part due to the professors who are good, kind teachers,” said Bleckley.

Bleckley’s confidence and change in character was noted by Pierce, who also said she had a great attitude towards any criticism she faced.

“I think she’s very honest, communicates very clearly and generally seems like a joyous person,” says Pierce. “Sometimes you will have a student who is very intelligent but doesn’t work as hard or maybe is intelligent and works hard and has a negative attitude. She has all of that, good talent, a good attitude and good personal skills.”

The personal skills Pierce speaks of were partially influenced by the university’s motto of faith, learning and service. The school’s emphasis on service, says Bleckley, influenced her enough to pick up a minor in counseling.

“It has uncovered within myself a desire to serve others, sort of, as my career,” says Bleckley. “Because the school is so service minded, it sort of solidified in me both my faith and interest in serving others which is part of the reason I am pursuing counseling as a master’s and profession.”