Campus News
Dilliplane Helps Haertsch with Research for Novel
(Continued from Bulletin home page)
“I was honored when Gretchen asked me to be a part of this project,” says Dilliplane. “History has always been a hobby of mine but, more importantly, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me as an English major. I also hope to publish my own young adult novel one day, and this has given me a better look at the time, effort, and research that goes into putting together a credible and interesting book.”
Both Dilliplane and Haertsch received a grant from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE), which made the experience possible.
“This was terrific for Dana to help with the costs of her education. She was paid for her work as any professional researcher would be, but she also learned something about research and novel writing,” says Haertsch. “The real plus for me was having someone help me with some of the research I needed to have a truly authentic setting and plot.”
“Gretchen was a wonderful mentor to work with. She is very enthusiastic about her work and was always encouraging and praise-oriented toward my research,” Dilliplane says.
The two completed hands-on research at the Central Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library, the Newtown Historical Society and the Historic Society of Pennsylvania in Center City. They read newspapers on microfilm, spoke with elder members of the historical society and reviewed original documents.
“There is something to say about history and how intriguing and relevant it is nearly 100 years later,” says Dilliplane. “There is a lot to learn from those who came before you and those around you, even when you are in a position that you do not expect to learn.”
The summer research also prepared Dilliplane for her future career as a teacher. “Seeing Gretchen's novel develop and change over time due to the research was really spectacular for me to watch as both a student and a future teacher,” she says. “I now see what storylines attract students of that age and how it can also be informational and instrumental in a school setting.”