Arizona State senior William Kruger reflects on journey to success in creative writing
William Kruger is in his final semester at Arizona State University, with great things ahead. After discovering his passion for history and creative writing, he is set to graduate from ASU and pursue a fully-funded MFA in creative writing, thanks to the community and mentorship he found at the university.
Kruger was born and raised in Arizona, but he had a few other reasons he chose to attend ASU.
“I wanted to be near my family, and ASU’s location options, as well as its merit scholarships that were available to me, made it much easier than going out of state.”
“I consider myself very lucky. I received the greatest education I could have ever received by getting my degree at ASU,” he added.
Originally, Kruger was going to be a computer science major. Ultimately, he realized it wasn’t what he wanted to do with his life, so he decided to study history instead. Then in his sophomore year, he took a creative writing class.
“I realized that I wanted to pursue my creative writing ambitions as well as study history. I then decided to do both majors and am on track to graduate with both at the end of this semester,” Kruger said. “I’m also on track to attend an MFA program for creative writing, thanks to the growth I’ve had here at ASU. My life would not be the same if I hadn’t made that decision.”
Kruger’s favorite study spot is the one and only Hayden Library.
“There are some nice workspaces on the fourth floor, and the study rooms are great for studying– and playing Dungeons and Dragons,” he said. “The Hayden Lawn is also a great place to meet up with friends.”
One thing Kruger wasn’t expecting to learn inside the classroom was the power of having a community behind you.
“I always thought of university as a solitary experience, especially if you’re more academically minded, but I found a wonderful place with the creative writing program here on campus,” Kruger said. “I met and made friends with great people and had wonderful mentors who put me on the path that I’m on now.”
One of the creative writing professors, Winslow Schmelling, taught Kruger the importance of community, especially in the writing world.
“Having a group of writers around you, with whom you feel comfortable getting feedback and sharing your work, is so important. She also taught me the importance of evolving my ideas and being genuine in my work.”
Kruger’s one piece of great advice for those still in school is to “make the most of your time here!”
He continues, “There is so much to do here and only a little time. If there’s a subject that’s interesting to you, then explore it thoroughly. I had no knowledge of things until my final year here at ASU that I wish I had known about sooner.”
“Don’t be afraid to do some digging and ask people questions,” he added.
After Kruger graduates, he will attend a fully funded master’s program in creative writing.
“These programs are extremely hard to get into because they only accept a handful of students out of the hundreds of applications sent in every year. I would never have gotten into one without the creative writing program at ASU,” he said.