English and French major pens a creative writing collection on French-speaking immigrants in her home state

Audrey Pantaz ’25, an English and French & Francophone studies major at The College of Wooster completed an Independent Study steeped in the Franco-American history of Southern Maine. A Brunswick, Maine native herself, Pantaz’s creative writing project featured the genres of poetry, historical fiction, fiction, fairy tale, and creative nonfiction to convey the place of the French language in 20th century Maine.   

“I.S. has pushed me to write more and foster more connections in my community.” 

—Audrey Pantaz ’25

MY I.S. 

PANTAZ: My I.S. combines the French and English languages in a collection of poetry and six short stories detailing the lives of Franco-Americans in Maine from the early 1900s to present day. I researched the factors that contributed to the dispersion and decline of the French language and the violence that underscored the Franco-American existence in the 20th century. 

EXCITING ASPECTS 

PANTAZ: The most exciting aspect of my I.S. to me was the ability to use the French and English languages in an innovative and creative way. For example, one of my poems was a sonnet written in French, Canadian French, and English, which combined French sonnet traditions with English sonnet traditions to create a new hybrid sonnet which I used to recount the French colonization of Canada, and the progression of the French language. This project allowed me to build on my language education in ways that were entirely new. 

EMPOWERED IN MY FIELD 

PANTAZ: This process was empowering because I was able to discuss my research with academics in Maine as well as at the College. By the end of my project, my expertise in the French language in Maine made me feel confident in discussing my project with anyone who was interested. I was able to take a lot of ownership in my knowledge, which was very empowering. 

SUPPORTIVE SCOT COMMUNITY 

PANTAZ: My advisors Dr. Christopher Kang and Dr. Laura Burch were so enthusiastic about my work. They both treated me as the expert in my project, allowing me to take the lead and have creative liberty. Working at the Writing Center was also incredibly helpful throughout the process. Both Gillian and Tessa at the Writing Center guided me through my challenges, and the center provided a comfortable place to sit and get work done whenever I needed some extra support. 

MY TAKEAWAYS 

PANTAZ: The biggest lesson I took away from the I.S. process is that I am capable of creating meaningful work. After my ​​I.S. Symposium presentation, I was approached by several audience members who had grandparents who grew up in a Franco-American neighborhood in Southern Maine or who had some other connection to my writing. My purpose in creating this project was to explore the French language and create connection through my work. To come out the other end having completed both goals is so rewarding.  

CELEBRATION! 

PANTAZ: I was excited to be able to celebrate myself and many friends at our I.S. turn-ins in the weeks leading up to I.S. Monday. Through my work at the Writing Center, I was able to read so many of my classmates’ studies. Getting to watch everyone succeed in this milestone was so rewarding. 

WHAT’S NEXT 

PANTAZ: I am moving to Alexandria, Virginia, where I will begin a career in nonprofit work. I plan to continue writing creatively and am working to complete a novel for publication. I have also been awarded the Demaree Writing Residency by the English Department, which will allow me to dedicate a full week of my summer to continuing my writing career. 

Featured image: Audrey Pantaz ’25, an English and French and Francophone studies major, assembled a collection of short stories and poetry for her Independent Study. 

Posted in Independent Study on June 20, 2025.