by Matt Nicolay ’14
There are a number of talented creative writers here on campus – a fact that Mr. Gallagher, English teacher and moderator of Vista magazine, contends is not very well known.
“Creative writing is something that’s not as promoted, and I don’t think that that’s much of a secret.”
He goes on to say how he believes it’s possible for teachers to use a creative approach for writing in English classes, but he laments that the best opportunity for actual creative writing is available far too late in students’ high school careers.
“The only class we really offer’s Creative Writing, and that’s second semester senior year.”
However, Mr. Gallagher doesn’t believe that there is a lack of creativity among students on campus. He mentions four significant writers here on campus: Alastair Pearson ’14, Ben Lew ’14, Brian Capron ’15, and Tim Domzalski ’14. However, he points out that there might be a lack of confidence among students.
“Sometimes I think guys do write creatively, but often times I think guys are a little skeptical about putting out their poems or their short stories. I’ve had guys come up to me and tell me, ‘Mr. Gallagher, I’ve got this poem I want to put in,’ and then they don’t submit it, because they’re nervous.”
He does not believe that this is a lost cause, however. He goes on, “That’s just kind of breaking down a cultural mentality that it’s ‘not cool’ to be a creative writer.”
Mr. Gallagher points out that in the past the English department has done creative writing contests in the spring. He also mentions how he’s trying to get two Vista magazines out this year, in an attempt to change the cultural mentality to see creative writing as a part of what Ignatius students do on campus.
“I think that just showing creative writing is an important part of an Ignatian education will help.”
He points out that it will have to be a slow, gradual adjustment to the cultural mindset, but it can certainly happen. Part of the solution will be students gaining confidence in their abilities and talents in writing, but Mr. Gallagher knows that going against the cultural mentality can be difficult, especially when a student is putting out a personal work.
“As every artist knows, when you put your work out there, you’re leaving a piece of yourself.”
