Jackie Raftery

English Literature
Minor: Anthropology
She/Her
Purdue 2022

“Rereading the same book produces new insights because the reader is a different person. Indeed, a good book is very much like a mirror: The glass is the same year after year, but the reflection in it changes over time.”
— Christopher B. Nelson, President of St. John’s College, in The Wall Street Journal

Jackie at Purdue

As a Boilermaker, Jackie found that Purdue shaped her in countless ways. Through new courses, friendships, and experiences, she discovered new interests and opportunities.

In high school, Jackie had no idea what she wanted to study in college, so she chose a field she was passionate about. As a Professional Writing major, she enjoyed her courses and learning from her professors, including Professor Bradley Dilger.

As graduation approached, Jackie was still unsure what she wanted to do next. Rather than having everything figured out, she learned to take things one step at a time and discover opportunities along the way.

Jackie After Graduation

In 2022, Jackie moved to Japan to participate in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, where she taught English for two years. She served as an assistant English teacher, working alongside a classroom teacher to support students’ English-language learning.

Sponsored by the Japanese government, the JET Program offers participants the opportunity to teach, experience a new culture, and build connections abroad.

After returning to the United States, Jackie decided to pursue a career teaching English language arts. She enrolled in an online, one-year program at Ball State University to earn her teaching license.

Advice to Incoming Students

“You don’t have to figure it all out right now. Things will come to you as long as you keep moving forward. Life unfolds in the way that it does.”