Writing Badly (With Meaning): A Student Spotlight on Marcus Pennell
For Marcus Pennell, studying English has never been just about books; it’s about people, ideas, and the ways language shapes how we understand the world. A lifelong reader and writer, Marcus found himself drawn naturally to English early on. “I have always been a really big reader and writer, and English classes in high school were by far my favorite,” he said. What truly sealed his decision, however, was his fascination with rhetoric. “In a really dorky way rhetoric has always interested me, especially within writing, like answering ‘how do we use our writing skills to make people think?’”
That curiosity continues to guide Marcus’s experience in the English program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where courses and faculty have helped him explore writing as both an intellectual and creative practice. One professor, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping his academic path. “Dr. Kennedy was probably the first English professor I took a class with and I stuck to her like a parasite honestly,” Marcus shared. He credits her courses, especially feminist rhetoric and queer film, with expanding how he thinks about texts, media, and power. “I just think she’s a genius to be frank!”
Marcus also points to a visiting artist as a turning point in how he approaches creativity. When author and artist Kelcey Ervick visited campus last spring, her perspective had a lasting impact. “To summarize poorly, she was like even bad drawings are good drawings as long as you can convey meaning through them,” Marcus explained. Since then, that philosophy has shaped his daily practice: “I have been writing and drawing badly (with meaning) in tandem every day.” For Marcus, embracing imperfection has opened new creative possibilities and allowed him to experiment freely across forms.
That same openness drew Marcus to working in the Writing Center, where he now serves as an office assistant. “I’ve always been a big reader and writer, and I wanted an on-campus job, honestly,” he said. Beyond practicality, Marcus was hoping for connection. “I was hoping to make friends with similar interests in reading and writing as well, and it has become such an important learning environment for me.”
As an office assistant, Marcus has discovered unexpected ways to apply his skills. “I really like being an office assistant because I get to use my English-y skills in a new way, like through communicating with clients or designing advertisements.” The role has helped him see how writing functions outside the classroom. “It’s a job that I think I can definitely carry a lot of the skills I’ve improved on to a ‘professional’ career.”
Community is at the heart of Marcus’s Writing Center experience. “I love all my co-workers and gossiping with them! HAHA.” Sitting at the front desk gives him a unique perspective on the collaborative environment. One of his favorite traditions is the monthly staff reading. “I have never felt so safe sharing my writing with others, and I love hearing my genius peers’ work! It’s so inspiring!”
When asked what advice he would give students looking to get more involved in the English department, Marcus emphasized the importance of connection, even when it feels uncomfortable. “Honestly, I would say talk to your classmates,” he said. “It can be super awkward and feel weird to talk to strangers, but you get so much more out of class, and arguably college in general, when you talk to the kids going through the same stuff as you.” He added with self-aware humor, “(me giving advice I don’t take HAHAHA).”
Looking toward the future, Marcus is considering graduate school. “I would like to be a grad student and a TA!” he shared, though he’s still figuring out where and what he might study. In the meantime, he works as a barista at a local coffee shop and nonprofit, “of course I do LOL,” a job he enjoys and one that gives him, “time to doodle when there are no customers.”
Outside of academics and work, Marcus stays creatively busy. He sings with the River City Mixed Chorus, enjoys crafting through sewing, crocheting, and collaging, and spends quality time with his cat. “I have a cat named Harriet who I baby, and we watch Sex and the City together.” His reading tastes lean visual as well. Marcus loves graphic novels, especially graphic memoirs like Fun Home by Alison Bechdel and Marbles by Ellen Forney, an interest he traces back to childhood. “I think because I latched on to Diary of a Wimpy Kid super hard growing up.”
Reflecting on his time in UNO’s English program, Marcus points to the way literature and community have expanded his understanding of others. “I think I learned a lot about people during my time in college, both through the literature I read as a part of my English degree, and through being a student on campus and interacting with others,” he said. “It’s easy to get caught up in your own little bubble, but reading and talking to other kids break you out of it in a really beautiful way.”
For Marcus, English is more than a major, it’s a way of engaging with the world, embracing curiosity, and finding meaning, even in imperfect drafts.
