Jackie Raftery

English Literature
Minor: Antrhopology
She, Her
Purdue '22

"Rereading the same book produces new insights becaue 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 it 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 experessed that she was impacted and shaped in every way. Taking different courses, meeting different people, and being exposed to so many new experiences, is thwat transformed her years at Purdue. 

During her time in high school she had no idea what she wanted to study in college, but she picked what she was most passionate about. As a professional writing major she enjoyed all her courses and learning from all her professors, like professor Bradley Dilger. 

As she was reaching her final years at Purdue, Jackie was unsrure on what she would do after graduation, but she simply fiugred things out as she went on. 

Jackie After Graduation

In 2022, Jackie left to Japan as part of the JET (Japan Exchange Teaching) Program. There she taught English for two years. She was an assistant English teacher and was paired with and English teacher (although, in the program it is also possible to be paired with multiple people). 

The program is offered by the Jpanese government and the requirements are not strict, as long as you have the passion to teach and gain cultural experience, you can land the opportunity.

Once back, Jackie decided that she watned to teach English Language Arts. Currently she is enrolled in a one-year program online with Ball State to obtain her teachin licensure. By the fall of 2026, she will officially be a licensed teacher. 

Advice to Incoming Students

"You don't have to figure it all out right now- things will come to you as long as you are going. Life unfolds in the way that it does."