Honors Program Profile Veronica Crum

Jumping In: The Journey through Honors

A Profile of Veronica Crum, Second-Year Honors Student

When Veronica Crum first arrived at Saint Francis University, she wasn’t initially part of the Honors Program. It wasn’t until her spring semester that one of her professors, Dr. Wolf,  encouraged her to join. “She told me I was a really strong writer and asked if I had heard about the program,” Veronica recalled. “I really hadn’t, but once I learned more about the thesis project  and all the tools available to help me succeed, I realized it was an incredible opportunity.”

Now a sophomore communications major, Veronica has found that the thesis process has been her favorite part of the program. She’s currently working on a novel, a fantasy story that intertwines themes of psychology, generational trauma, neurodiversity, and mental health. “I love writing and I love fantasy,” she explained. “So I thought, why not combine them?” The novel follows a protagonist with a daunting prophecy, grappling with self-discovery while navigating a world shaped by the past traumas of those around her. For Veronica, the project is deeply personal, as she incorporates her own experiences as a neurodivergent writer. “It’s a way to tell a compelling story while raising awareness,” she said.       

Beyond her thesis, Veronica has built an impressive resume both academically and with her extracurriculars. She has maintained a spot on the President’s List for the past two semesters,  balancing her rigorous coursework with an active role in campus life. She’s a member of the marching band, plays on the university’s Esports team, and manages the social media accounts for The Troubadour, Saint Francis University’s student newspaper. “I write articles and create posts for the Instagram page,” she explained. “It ties into what I want to do after college— becoming a social media manager for a brand.”       

Veronica’s involvement in the Honors Program has also helped refine her research and analytical skills. Through her directed readings course, she explored the portrayal of autism in literature, reading five books from different genres and time periods. “We covered works from the 1960s to 2020 and discussed how representations of autism have changed over time,” she said. “It was really fascinating.” The experience not only deepened her understanding of the subject but also gave her valuable insight into her own writing. “I realized that my novel already  had themes of generational trauma, and reading about it in my directed readings class made me  want to incorporate it even more intentionally.”       

Looking ahead, Veronica hopes to publish her novel and continue developing her skills in writing and media. But she also wants to reassure prospective Honors students that the program isn’t as overwhelming as it may seem. “At first, I was worried it would be hours and hours of extra work every week,” she admitted. “But it’s really not. You get to pursue your passions, and that makes it enjoyable. I would have loved to know that before I joined.” For anyone considering the Honors Program, Veronica’s advice is simple: “Take advantage of the opportunity. The program gives you the space to create something meaningful, and the support  system to help you make it happen.”