When University of St. Thomas English major Mary Caro graduates in the fall of 2007, she leaves the University with a twinge of sadness.

“I feel I’m going to miss UST when I leave,” said Caro. “I enjoy the academic presence of the school. I don’t think I’m even conscious of it but a day never passes that I don’t learn something.”

The University will celebrate its fall graduates with a Mass at the Chapel of St. Basil, 6 p.m. and a reception at 7 p.m. Scanlan Room, Jerebeck Center, 4000 Mt. Vernon, Thursday, Dec. 13.

Caro began attending UST in the spring of 2006. She had transferred from the University of Dallas to be closer to her family as she cared for her young daughter.

“I moved down to the Houston area because I am a single mother and I wanted to be closer to my family,” said Caro. “I didn’t want to compromise anything with my education. I liked the Catholic aspect of education at UST as well as the liberal arts and philosophy requirements. I thought it’d be a smooth transition from the University of Dallas.”

She credits her family’s support in helping her to graduate. It allowed her the time to get involved in the Laurels, the school literary magazine. She is the assistant editor of the fall 2007 publication.

“When this upcoming edition comes out, it will be the highlight of my college career. I enjoyed seeing last year’s finished product as a contributor, but this year I have more of a role in creating the magazine and I will be even more proud of it,” said Caro.

Caro, who will have a minor in creative writing when she graduates, credits UST English Professor Janet Lowery and Assistant Professor Shannon Forbes as her inspiration to teach English and creative writing one day.

“Dr. Lowery is my creative writing teacher and she’s given me a lot of confidence about my own writing. I learned a lot from her. I’ve taken four classes with Dr. Forbes and I admire her passion and in-depth knowledge about modern English, which is my area of interest,” said Caro.

Caro plans to work on her Texas teacher’s certification after graduation and hopes to begin teaching by the beginning of the 2008-09 school year. While graduate school is on her radar, she wants to focus on work for a few years before returning back to school.

“I’d like to continue writing and maybe teach a creative writing class in a high school and apply what Dr. Lowery has taught me. There is a lot of advice to pass along and many great writers to read and encourage young people to do creative writing,” said Caro.