Celia Hoffman

Whether she’s tutoring peers in the Writing Center, editing the student literary journal or teaching a high school English class, Celia Hoffman has a knack for helping people find the right words.

“I really enjoy helping people become better writers,” says Hoffman, an English major with a concentration in journalism and professional writing. “I like being the person they can talk to about it.”

An Honors College student from Andover, Hoffman’s professional goals include both teaching and publishing — two paths that allow her to share her love of language.

Through the English Department, Hoffman landed an internship at Lowell High School during her junior year. Assisting teachers in honors-level English classes, she graded reading quizzes, helped students refine their college essays and eventually designed and led her own lesson on the Modern Language Association (MLA) format.

“It was definitely nerve-wracking to be in front of the class for the first time, but the internship taught me how to be confident as a young professional,” Hoffman says. “It’s important to put yourself out there and experience new things.”

The internship also confirmed her plan to continue at UMass Lowell for a graduate degree in education through the Bachelor’s to Master’s Program.

“Now, when I do my practicum, I know how I want to present myself as a teacher,” she says.

At the same time, Hoffman’s love for writing and publishing continues to grow. Thanks to a $2,500 Moloney Student Scholar award, she’s interning with UMass Lowell’s Office of Marketing and Communications, where she reports and writes stories about students and faculty for publication.  

“I jumped on this opportunity because I am so excited to learn more about editing and publishing and what this career has to offer,” says Hoffman, who was recommended for the internship by English Professor and Department Chair Jonathan Silverman.

As managing editor of The Offering, the university’s student literary journal, and president of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English Honor Society, Hoffman helps peers share their creative work and explore professional opportunities.

“I’m doing a lot of things that are putting me to the test,” she says, “but it’s going to be great for my future.”  

UMass Lowell came highly recommended by her mom, exercise physiology alumna Karen (Verhaegen) Hoffman ’94. 

Celia’s glad she followed her mom’s advice.

“When I found the English Department, I knew this is where I’m supposed to be,” she says. “I’ve been given so many opportunities and met so many friends. And the school in general — it’s such a diverse, supportive community that’s helped me grow in so many ways.”