Anna Grace Parks plans to study professional writing, pursue publishing and become part of EIU’s welcoming campus community in Fall 2027
CHARLESTON, IL (10/28/2026) For Anna Grace Parks, finding the right college meant finding a place where her love of writing could become the foundation for a future career — and where she could feel at home along the way. The Troy, Illinois, native and Maryville Christian High School senior plans to join Eastern Illinois University in Fall 2027, where she intends to study professional writing through the Department of English.
With aspirations of becoming an editor or publisher before eventually pursuing writing full time, Anna sees EIU as a place where she can develop her skills, explore her interests and prepare for a career in the written word. Although her interest in EIU began with research into its creative writing offerings, a campus visit over the summer ultimately made Eastern her number one choice.
“Their creative writing program appeared to be very successful,” Anna said. “After touring over the summer, [EIU] became my top choice.”
What distinguished EIU from the other universities she visited was the personal attention she experienced throughout the process. From her campus tour guide to the people she met through the University’s Honors College, Anna said she encountered an environment where people seemed genuinely invested in helping her make the right college decision.
“Compared with the other schools I visited, [EIU’s] professors, students and other visitors were the most personable and seemed to truly care about my decision,” she said. “The whole environment was so welcoming that I could picture myself attending for the next four years and EIU’s campus feeling like home.”
Her experience with the Pine Honors College made an equally strong impression. After meeting with staff and experiencing the welcoming atmosphere in the building, Anna said remaining involved with the Honors College will be a priority throughout her college career. That combination of academic opportunity and personal connection helped turn a promising program into a clear choice for her next chapter.
Currently, Anna is completing her studies at Maryville Christian High School. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2027 and also has completed dual-credit coursework through Missouri Baptist University and Bryan College during the past two years, giving her an early start on college-level academics.
Her academic interests reflect a longstanding enthusiasm for language and storytelling. An avid reader, Anna enjoys exploring a wide range of books and writing short stories and essays. At EIU, she hopes to complement her professional writing studies with a minor in Spanish. Her long-term ambition is to write full time, but she also recognizes the value of gaining professional experience in the publishing industry while working as an editor in the interim.
Outside the classroom, Anna has developed a record of leadership, employment and service that she hopes to continue building in college. She works part time as a manager at City Scoops Creamery, an ice cream parlor in Troy, while serving as secretary of her high school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and participating on the school’s student council Leadership Team. She also volunteers with the Hospitality Team at her church and remains active in its youth group.
When she is not working, studying or volunteering, Anna enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Those experiences have given her several avenues to connect with others, and she looks forward to finding similar opportunities at Eastern. As she prepares for the transition to college, she is especially excited about meeting new people, joining student organizations and becoming more familiar with EIU’s athletic teams. Also a big sports fan, Anna looks forward to following the Panthers while exploring campus and taking advantage of the opportunities available to students beyond their academic programs.
“The campus is gorgeous, and I cannot wait to take walks in the fall and get involved in clubs,” Anna said.
For Anna, those anticipated experiences are part of what makes the next four years so exciting. She will arrive at EIU with a developing academic direction, an interest in exploring new opportunities and a desire to contribute to a campus community that made a strong impression before she even enrolled.
As she looks toward Fall 2027, Anna hopes to build on the interests and commitments that have shaped her high school experience while preparing for a future in writing and publishing. For students considering Eastern Illinois University, Anna’s experience illustrates how finding the right academic program can go hand in hand with finding a campus community that feels welcoming, personal and supportive.
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EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s Public Information Office at (217) 581-7400.