Introduction

Above all, I want my portfolio to accurately reflect the range of my work at Elon, and I believe creativity is integral to my unique fingerprint as a writer. The multimedia projects I have completed give flair to my portfolio and show that my skill set is not limited to linear, text-heavy documents. The Professional Writing and Rhetoric program places emphasis on students' "disciplinary identity" which translates as our unique marketability as future professionals. One such example of my hard skills is seen in my redesign of one of Elon's 2013-2014 Admissions Fact Book graphs. The ability to analyze the effectiveness of data and information visualizations along with the knowledge of current softwares needed to redesign them makes for a versatile and marketable rhetor. My creative writing and visual projects distinguish me from my competitors for PWR-related jobs.

I seldom produce creative writing for academic or professional purposes, but when I am called to experiment with creativity I am reminded of my potential. Were I less busy I would occupy myself in creative writing for recreational uses more often. My study abroad blog, "Miranda is in Florence," is an excellent example of a time when I was motivated to be diligent about extracurricular writing. When I am allowed to truly open up my authorial voice I find that writing comes forth more naturally. In creative writing, I find my most authentic, instinctive writing style. It is helpful for me to be cogniscent of all aspects of myself as a professional writer when deliberating between modes of writing. I would enjoy the opportunity to incorporate creative writing into future professional endeavors.

As a note of interest for the reader, the majority of these pieces is tied to my study abroad experience in the 2014 Spring Semester. As I have said, the blog pieces were written in Florence, and the "'Squeezal' Food Review" was written after my return but based off an experience I had while abroad. The three months I spent in Florence, Italy are a benchmark for creative thought within my professional writing portfolio. This time period occurs after I had truly come into my own as PWR major, coupled with my motivation to document my experience artistically. With ample inspiration and a thorough grasp of rhetoric, I arrived at a place in my career that spurred a more unique and personalized approach to all forms of writing, both creative and technical. I couple my hard skills (see "Elon Fact Book Redesign") with my soft skills (see "'Squeezal' Food Review" and "Miranda is in Florence") together as a holistic approach to professional writing.