SXU English Alumna Has Successful Career at Screen Rant
Saint Xavier University (SXU) alumna Shealynn Scott '24 is thriving in a senior author career at Screen Rant, where she studies film and TV series and uses the skills she gained at SXU in her analyses.
Though she initially planned to study psychology, she has the opportunity to join a meeting for prospective English majors and met SXU professor Angelo Bonadonna, Ph.D., whose inspiring words influenced her to change her major.
"It was such a privilege to study the liberal arts during my undergrad years, and I truly believe the humanities are invaluable pillars of education, regardless of what sector you work in. For English specifically, I've always believed storytelling to be such a beautiful, distinctly human act. By dissecting classic novels, you can access gateways to the past. By reading works by marginalized voices, you can understand --to an extent-- a life you would never lead yourself. Of course, there are practical skills like analysis, pattern recognition, communication, and forming evidence-based arguments, but what you learn from the liberal arts can genuinely be applied in every aspect of your life," said Scott.
Scott uses the skills she gained as an English major every day in her career.
"I study film and TV series the same way I used to pick apart novels, poems, and screenplays. Although anyone can read a text in any form, it's easy to miss the subtextual, symbolic, or thematic elements, especially if you haven't trained yourself to notice them. Whether it's Mary Shelley's or Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, each narrative is a puzzle that the reader, viewer or listener must piece together if they wish to see the full picture," said Scott.
Scott finds it a blessing to be able to write for a living, and her favorite part of her work at Screen Rant is finding hidden gems in her coverage.
"Every show, movie, video game, or novel ever made was once someone's dream, and I'm honored to spotlight their projects and engage meaningfully in the messages they worked tirelessly to convey. That said, I've always been a creative writer at heart. In my free time, I'm constantly penning poems, short stories, and countless outlines for book ideas. At the same time, journalism has quickly become my second love, and it's all thanks to SXU," said Scott.
Scott was drawn to Saint Xavier because of her two older sisters, who both attended SXU, and she is thrilled to be part of a Saint Xavier legacy family.
"After doing my own research, I felt even more drawn to the University because of the institution's core values. I always strive to move through the world with compassion, integrity, and respect for everyone and hoped SXU's diverse environment would help foster those values even further," said Scott.
While at SXU, Scott was vice president of the Drama Club and had the opportunity to write and direct a few plays, where she met some of her best friends. She was also a writing consultant and learning assistant for the Center for Learning and Student Support.
"Arguably, my most life-changing role on campus was my work with The Xavierite. I joined the school paper on a bit of a whim, but I soon became enamored with student journalism. For the few years I worked at The Xavierite, I was embraced by the Features section and as one of the lead copyeditors. Without Peter Kreten and my fellow Xavierite reporters, I would never have dreamed of being a professional journalist, let alone at a major outlet like Screen Rant," said Scott.
Scott appreciates much from her time at SXU, from the beautiful campus and delicious SXU Diner food to the people she met.
"Dr. Joanna Nemeh took a chance on me when I was a sophomore and turned the Center for Learning and Student Support into my safe space. Countless professors invested in me and my writing journey, from Dr. Aisha Karim to Dr. Brad Mello to Dr. Christine Fojtik (and, of course, the incredible aforementioned Dr. Bonadonna). These wonderful, brilliant souls made me both the writer and the woman I am today. They'll be in my heart for the rest of my life, and everything I accomplish professionally is a direct result of them recognizing my potential," said Scott.
Scott's memories from her time at SXU are incredibly meaningful.
"Then there are the vignettes I've taken with me— the bright lights of McGuire Hall as I deliver a monologue I wrote to a crowd of strangers; the geese chasing me across the quad as I run to The Xavierite’s office in the rain; eating burnt grilled cheeses in my friend's dorm as we ponder the meaning of life. Throughout the good, the bad, and the sleep-deprived, I wouldn't trade my experience at SXU for anything," said Scott.
As she looks to the future, Scott plans to keep writing for as long as people want to read and believes that the future is limitless.
"The dream is to keep writing for as long as people want to read. Whether it's publishing a novella, interviewing my favorite actress, or blogging about my newest failed recipe, I don't see myself ever losing my passion for the written word in all its spectacular forms. Yet, as a freelancer, the future is limitless. I'd love to start working as a freelance editor and help others hone their writing. As a young adult, all I needed was for someone to believe in me, and I'd like to pay that forward to the next generation of voices that deserve to be heard."