Major: Film Studies & English (Creative Writing)
Minor: Fiction Filmmaking
Faculty Shout-out by Professor Jeff Wray:
“Aaron is really a jack of all trades. Having had him as a student for the past two years, it has been exciting to see his filmmaking and writing take off in so many different creative directions. I admire that he is kind of fearless in his creative endeavors. Most of all, I learned that Aaron is sharing and collaborative at heart. He was always ready and willing to work with his fellow classmates, writers, and filmmakers on projects in and out of class. It was a pleasure to be his professor. Congrats!”
Faculty Shout-out by Professor Ellen McCallum:
“As a writer, and a thinker, and a colleague, Aaron Young exemplifies the best of our students. Over the course of four semesters, I witness how Aaron honed his writing into an insightful, witty, and fluent style that effectively transforms and transcends the student essay. Aaron has accomplished this through dedication, practice, and a sincere desire to grow in both his understanding and his skills. Moreover, Aaron models well how to work from the place of not-entirely-understanding, showing his peers how to grapple with—and successfully come to terms with—dense and challenging texts. Although from the outset he was undaunted by speaking up in Wells B122, in his avid participation Aaron is always conscious of leaving room for others to contribute, and is thoughtful in picking up on the points others make when he speaks again. Aaron’s collegiality extended outside the classroom, organizing writing sessions in the library with fellow students, sustaining discussions well beyond class confines, making it his goal not only to learn for himself but to build with others.”
How would you describe your time as an English or Film Studies major at MSU?
Deeply rewarding and enriching. I’ve gotten to grow so much in so many directions, and with so many different people. It might not seem super obvious to those on the outside, but there exists a thriving community of artists at Michigan State. These people are as deadly serious as they are welcoming. It’s been a wonderful thing to be a part of.
Which classes, instructors, or experiences particularly stand out for you and why? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?
I’ve worked with so many wonderful professors at State, and have taken several truly life-changing courses. My “Big Three” has to be Rick Blackwood, Ellen McCallum, and Shastri Akella. Blackwood was my first writing teacher in college—for the screen or otherwise—and he taught me to write with my heart. He also taught me to be fearless, though this is a skill I believe I’ll be honing for the rest of my life. Not long after, McCallum introduced me to close reading and analysis. She taught me how to be a more discerning reader, which has helped me to be a more insightful writer. Her classes were definitely the hardest I took during my time at State, but also some of the most rewarding (I ended up taking four.) With Akella I had my first fiction writing class, and my time with him helped me to realize that I couldn’t not devote my life to writing. Following his class, I picked up my additional major in English.
I’ve also had great experiences with Jeff Wray & Pete Johnston, Tim Conrad, and Dave Watson, but want to sincerely thank any and everyone who has taken the time and energy to teach me over these last four years.
What advice would you give future English or Film Studies majors, based on your experiences in the department?
Sit in the front and introduce yourself to your professors. Talk to your classmates. Read. Ask a question, any question. Don’t worry about being the most interesting, worry about being the most interested. Read. Drink water. Use your turn signals. And read.
What coursework-related projects were/are you working on this year, and what interests or excites you about them? (capstone courses, honors thesis, independent studies, etc.)
I’m used to working alone, but this year I’ve gotten to participate in a number of collaborations. I’ve had the privilege of being a writer on this year’s fiction filmmaking capstone, as well as a best boy, script supervisor, foley artist, behind-the-scenes documentary assistant, and wrap party bartender. I composed for Thomas Zarzycki’s short that screened at the Capital City Film Festival this April. I also wrote a script about the manosphere for Evrett Gechter. It’s been immensely satisfying to watch these projects go from shared ideas and frantic text messages to completed, polished efforts.
I’ve also been plugging away at two possible first novels. Just thinking about either of them makes my head spin, but I’m super excited to see how they develop. One is taking me into the speculative fiction realm, while the other into magical realism. But both are firmly set in Michigan, both are about sleeping with weird, vaguely violent men. And the horrors of going to the gas station. We’ll have to see which of the two wins out and becomes My First Novel.
More of a personal project, but I’ve also dedicated much of my last semester to reading “Infinite Jest.” I finished a couple weeks ago and now have a Great Concavity-sized hole in my heart. I’m taking book recommendations.
What are your hopes and aspirations, post-graduation?
One day I’d love to write for the page or for the screen. But beggars can’t be choosers (or so I’m told.) My only concrete plans at the moment are to write until something pans out.
I’m currently in the process of getting rejected by MFA programs all across the country. But one will have to take me eventually. Until then, I’ll be writing, and with other people.
