If you had to explain yourself to someone new in 20 words or less, what would you say?
All I need in life is my dog, coffee, good friends, my family, good food, music and a journal.
Why did you start writing for Odyssey?
I stumbled across an article last fall written by someone at Odyssey and I decided to give it a chance. I dug through the website one night to find the application and the rest is history!
It’s one thing to sign up for an opportunity like this, but it’s another thing to stay committed and give it your all. What has kept you writing for the team?
I love to see the reactions and feedback that I get from readers. When I feel like my writing resonates with someone or even helps them feel less alone, I feel like all of the time I put into this team is worth it. Also, with my EIC role, I feel that providing writers with a platform for their voices is extremely rewarding as well.
What would you tell someone who is interested in writing for Odyssey? Any words of wisdom you have? Any warnings?
I'd tell them that it is a fun opportunity to test the waters in the world of writing. It's definitely a commitment and something that should not be taken lightly, but it's fun and rewarding.
What's your favorite article that you've had published?
I don't think I could only chose one... I'd have to say my top three would be To The Addict In My Life, Dear Depression and To The One Who Loves Him Next. They were the most difficult three to write but they are the ones that I am the proudest of.
Would you ever let someone in your life design a tattoo for you, and would you get the tattoo done without knowing what it was? If so, who and why? If not, why?
I think this would be something fun and interesting. I'd definitely let my boyfriend design one for me and I would trust him enough to get it done. Actually, in all honesty, I'd probably let most people in my life do this. I think that majority of the people I trust and care about would have enough respect for me to not give me a tattoo that I would absolutely hate.
Which TV show or movie cast do you wish you could be a part of?
My initial reaction would be "Grey's Anatomy," "Harry Potter" or "Orange Is The New Black." But I don't feel like dealing with death and tragedy the way that Grey's and HP do, or jail like OITNB.
So I'll be basic and say "Friends." I feel like my friend group closely resembles the cast and I just think it would be super fun to be part of such an amazing circle of friends.
If you could live in any time period, when would you choose? Why?
I'd pick the 80's. Maybe it's my mom's musical influence or her never ending stories of the concerts and outfits that have me so intrigued. It just seemed like such a fun time to be young.
Which fashion trend of the past or present makes you cringe the most? Which one do you wish stayed around or became more popular?
I never want to relive the time of Aeropostale, Hollister and Abercrombie graphic t-shirts. That time period was the late 2010's and I was in middle school... Let's just say I cringe when I walk past those stores and I have flashbacks to shutter shades and side bangs...
I honestly wish that the 90's "skater girl" look or the typical outfit a female hip hop dancer would wear. Picture baggy cargo pants (or sweatpants), skater shoes and crop tops. I was a whole decade behind the trends and I will forever envy the girls in movies such as "Bring It On" or "Step Up" who got to rock this trend.
Would your five-year-old self be happy with your current career choice? Or did you have a different idea of what you wanted to do when you were younger?
I don't think that five-year-old me would be disappointed, but she wouldn't be thrilled.
At that point in my life, I was going to be a veterinarian and no one could have told me otherwise. But life happens and paths don't stay the same, so here I am as a Psychology major wanting to switch to a Communications Journalism major, and completely leaving out any animals. But at the end of the day, I'm pursuing a degree in something that makes me happy and perhaps one day I will tie in animals to my career as well.
What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
I'm thrilled to move into my apartment with my three roommates and I'm excited to see what my second year of college brings me. I look forward to seeing where exactly I am in a year and what opportunities I have taken or decided to decline.