UM Grad Student pursues his Passion

Above, UM grad student and professor Tom Bennitt, discusses literary stratagies implemented in poetry.

According to the United States Labor Department, "every 2 out of 5 Americans, switch careers every 5 years."

Factors such as the shift in the economy and industrial lay-offs along with jobs being relocated overseas, has forced many Americans to look for jobs elsewhere.

UM grad student and Professor Thomas Bennitt wasn't affected by any of the above mention factors, but chose to give up his Law career, to pursue love. His love of writing...that is.

Bennitt,37, was born and raised near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After college Bennitt really didn't know what he wanted to do with his life. " I had strong reading, writing, and analytical skills, so I felt that law school would suit those strengths. I spent 7 years working as a lawyer because my law degree gave me certain skills that are valued in the private sector, and I had to earn a living somehow.", Bennitt said.

After those 7 years, Bennitt made the ultimate decision to go back to school. "I decided to come back to school because I wanted to pursue a career in teaching and writing fiction, and even though I could have continued to practice law and write in my spare time, it would have been very difficult to be good at either one.", said Bennitt.

Here at the University of Mississippi, the Master of Fine Arts programs ranks in the top 30 in the nation for fiction writing and Bennitt expressed that is one reason why he chose to come here. "Ole Miss is one of the most flourishing literary towns, and it supports artists and the arts, which I love.,"said Bennitt.

Regarding advice for aspiring journalists and writers, "I would have to say, is to write what you want to write about, because it's a hard life that requires commitment and endurance. You need to have passion for it, and be proud enough of your work that you want to make it the best you can make it. The same goes for journalism. You need to be your own best editor and biggest critic. Others will give you great advice along the way, but once you get good enough, you'll learn to trust your instincts about what works and what doesn't.", said Bennitt.

When asked where he might be in five years Bennitt said, "I hope to graduate in May with my Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing, with a concentration in English Literature. I don't know where I will end up next, but I hope to keep teaching and writing for a long time."