USU’s English Department would like to spotlight creative writing student Kyler Tolman. Kyler is involved in many facets of the USU literary community. He’s currently working as Sink Hollow’s nonfiction editor, has helped run the creative writing contest, and worked as an intern for Helicon West, a Logan-based reading series.

On what makes the USU English community so personally special, Kyler said, “Perhaps the greatest draw for me to become an English major was the creative community we have both at USU and in Cache Valley. I'm involved in Sink Hollow and Helicon West, and I'm also a Writing Fellow, and my experiences in each of these extracurricular areas have certainly enriched my university experience. I've built several meaningful relationships with other English students, English department professors, and community members that have supported me and helped me find opportunities for growth.”

“When Kyler’s name was brought forward in a USU creative writing meeting to be our intern for Helicon West, I had the pleasure of seeing the rest of the CW committee react and enthusiastically endorse Kyler. It’s rare that a student makes an impression on almost all of the teaching faculty in Creative Writing, but he had,” reflects Senior Lecturer Russ Beck, who has worked extensively with Kyler.

For students interested in exploring the English Department’s varied opportunities, Kyler says, “My greatest piece of advice for prospective or incoming English students is to get involved: we have so many clubs and organizations to join that offer applicable career exposure and opportunities for community building. Whether it be the Sink Hollow Literary Magazine or the Bull Pen Creative Writing Club or PoBev or any other program in our department, find what you're passionate about, and you'll find like-minded people that want to work, learn, and grow with you. It's cliché, but you'll get out of it what you put into it, so definitely find ways to get involved in what you love.”