My name is Lauren Campbell, and this is my second semester teaching at CSULB. I've had lots of orientations and time to spend on campus, but we may be learning about some new things together! This semester I'm also teaching at Irvine Valley College and Santiago Canyon College.
I'm originally from Baltimore, Maryland. One of the things I miss most about my city is the Maryland blue crabs! With a rich and sweet taste, they were a staple in our diet, and they can only be found in the Chesapeake Bay on the east coast of the U.S. Maryland is a lot like California in that they have a very diverse landscape--everything from beaches and farmland to cities and mountains (no deserts, though). I loved spending time at the beach or on the eastern shore waterfront, camping in the mountains of Deep Creek (kinda like Big Bear!), attending Orioles baseball games, and going to the many literary events and festivals.
Now, I'm a proud resident of Long Beach. I love being close to the beach, the weather is ideal, and there's always something to do in this city. It's also a great spot for foodies like me, so I am always checking out a new restaurant (and I'm happy to give or receive recommendations).
I earned my Bachelor's degree in English literature from Washington College, a tiny liberal arts school on Maryland's eastern shore. I worked for a while as an editor, then went back to school to earn my MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts from the University of Baltimore. After that, I taught at the Community College of Baltimore County for 8 years and worked at various local writing centers. More recently, I earned my Master's degree in Rhetoric and Composition from Cal State Long Beach, where I also worked at the writing center and taught a freshman writing course.
Outside of my work in education, I also identify as a professional writer. My essays and poems have appeared in a variety of publications over the years, and I'm always at work on a new creative project.
I love writing, but I recognize that not everyone does! I might not be able to get you to love writing, but my goal is to help you have a better relationship with it. In this course, I hope to offer you some skills, strategies, and insights that will make writing feel easier and help you to communicate in a way that feels effective and authentic for you.