The Many Paths of an English Degree: Kayla Wilford ‘21 on Advising, Teaching, Theater Production, and Freelance Editing

Kayla Wilford graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2021 with a degree in English. Since then, she has been exploring the many avenues available to her as a recent graduate, including working in education, theater, freelance editing, and college advising. While Kayla was proud to graduate, she explained that it was also “bittersweet…because College Station became [her] home away from home very quickly.” Leaving the familiarity of campus, her college friends, and A&M’s supportive professors was a difficult but necessary step. She appreciated Dr. Elizabeth Robinson in particular, as she “loved learning from her and being able to ask for help with post school questions I had or just advice in general.” Armed with knowledge and access to helpful resources, Kayla went forward into the world feeling completely prepared for whatever would come next.

After graduation, Kayla first began working as a substitute teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. She discovered what it was like to be on the other side of the classroom as a teacher in her own high school. Substitute teaching during a teacher shortage was stressful, and Kayla found herself pulled in many different directions as the school attempted to cover all of the openings with not enough substitutes. While she does not foresee a career in education in her future, her experiences as a substitute teacher deepened her gratitude and appreciation for all educators. She urges students to “please give your educators so much praise and love! They have gone through so much, so please give them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or tell them you appreciate them and all they are doing. It’s rough right now in education.” While she is not pursuing a career in teaching, Kayla will take gratitude for educators, experience working with students, and time management skills with her into her future career.

While discovering what the right profession for her is, Kayla explored theater and freelance editing. She has been passionate about theater from a young age and frequently attended plays and musicals with her grandparents as a child. In high school, she participated in school theater productions. Now, she continues to express her passion for theater by writing plays and TV scripts “in hopes that one day [she] will see [her] play on Broadway or a TV show.” While pursuing a job, she has maintained and intends to continue to maintain her passion for theater.

Freelance editing was not part of Kayla’s plan. She posted on Facebook that she was available to help friends and family with writing, but she did not expect the high number of responses that she received. Due to high demand, she ultimately decided to begin charging for her writing and editing services. Kayla’s experience with freelance work made her more aware of the need for capable writers. She encourages graduating students to research companies that interest them on LinkedIn because “most jobs need an English major because they need someone to write for them.” Whatever field students may be interested in, all fields benefit from strong writing and communication skills. Kayla also recommends HireAggies to new graduates and to never turn down an opportunity to network.

Kayla currently works as a college advisor for high school students. “I went into college advising because I wanted to help students and be there to encourage them,” she explained. “If one student knows I support them and I am in their corner, I have done my job.” Kayla enjoys her work, and she hopes future graduates also find careers that bring them a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. She encourages students when applying for jobs to “think about [themselves] and how [they] will feel in that environment…. It makes a difference if you are at a place you actually enjoy working.”

One thing to learn from Kayla’s story is to not be afraid to explore different options. While substitute teaching, she learned that teaching high school was not the right career for her; however, she discovered a different way to work with students through college advising. English majors work in education and law and business and film and so many other fields. Students should work to be aware of their options so you never limit themselves.