Writing Her Own Story

At 21 years old, Courtney Burgess can already call herself a published author — something she’s dreamed of since she was young.

Courtney is a secondary education student focusing on English education at Marshall University and she recently published her first book, Love Brings Us Home, an accomplishment that marks the beginning of what she hopes will be a lifelong journey of writing and storytelling.

But becoming an author isn’t the only dream she’s working toward.

For Courtney, attending Marshall is also an opportunity to finish a story her parents started years before.

Both of her parents attended Marshall, and her father, Jamie Burgess, was a member of the Thundering Herd track and field team, where he still holds the high jump record. Neither parent completed their degree. Now, Courtney hopes to become the first in her family to graduate from college.

“My parents both went to Marshall, but neither of them was able to finish,” Courtney said. “I wanted to come here and to be the first in my family to graduate.”

The Eleanor, West Virginia, native is on track to graduate in December 2028 with plans to become a middle school English teacher.

Courtney has loved reading and writing for as long as she can remember. While becoming an author has always been a dream, she also wants to share that passion with the next generation.

“Middle school is a time when so much is changing in students’ lives,” she said. “Reading and writing can be a great way to escape reality, and it’s a good time for them to strengthen their creative side.”

She hopes to inspire her future students to discover the same joy in books and storytelling that she found growing up.

Teaching also offers her the opportunity to pursue both of her passions. She hopes to spend her summers writing while using the creative writing and literature courses she’s taking at Marshall to continue developing her craft.

And she’s already getting a head start.

Through her experiences at Marshall, Courtney has connected with faculty members who have encouraged her writing and helped her navigate the process of publishing her first book.

Two faculty members in particular, Sarah Trautwein and Paul Robertson, helped Courtney take the next steps toward becoming a published author. They recommended her to Voices of WV, which showcases West Virginia authors, and offered guidance as she worked through the unfamiliar process of writing and publishing a book.

“Anytime I had a question, they were there to help,” Courtney said.

Their encouragement and support helped her turn a lifelong dream into reality with the publication of Love Brings Us Home.

But while Courtney has found success as a writer, her college journey hasn’t always been easy.

As a first-generation college student, she’s had to navigate many of the challenges of higher education without the experience of family members who have already completed that journey.

“A lot of the time I feel lost, like I don’t know what I’m doing,” she said. “It’s been a learning process, but I am blessed to have the opportunity to be here.”

Fortunately, she’s found support at Marshall through those who are helping her along the way.

Marshall’s Student Support Services (SSS) program has advised Courtney on everything from navigating college life to finding opportunities to get involved on campus.

Among those who have made a difference is Caylin France, a student support specialist who works with first-generation college students. Caylin has helped Courtney with scheduling, answered questions and encouraged her to take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom.

“Caylin has been so kind and helpful,” Courtney said. “She’s always looking out for ways to help me get involved.”

With her first book published and her college degree still ahead of her, Courtney is proof that students don’t have to wait until graduation to start pursuing their dreams.

It’s a message she hopes other young people will take to heart.

And for anyone wondering how they can support a young author’s dream, Courtney has one more piece of advice.

“Buy my book!”

Courtney’s book, Love Brings Us Home is an independently published romance novel and is currently available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.