What would you tell someone who is interested in writing for Odyssey? Any words of wisdom you have? Any warnings?
Since this is, in fact, my first article, I have no words of wisdom or warnings for new writers, but if someone came to me saying they were interested in writing as a career, I would tell them to get their work out there for practice and experience, and this is definitely a good outlet to do so.
If you had to explain yourself to someone new in 20 words or less, what would you say?
I'm a Taurus, a musician, and a cancer survivor. I love elephants, the color maroon, coffee, NYC, and musicals.
Why did you start writing for Odyssey?
My very talented cousin who is the Editor-in-Chief of the Phoenixville Odyssey asked me if I wanted to try my hand at writing and I decided that after school's end, during the summer, I would try it out.
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 signed up for Odyssey at the end of May hoping to write throughout the closing of my junior year in high school. As the end of the year became super busy I had to put a few things on hold, including this. Even though I didn't have time and I found the website confusing at first, I didn't want to give up. I want to have my voice heard and I want to inform and entertain the readers that may find my articles.
What’s your favorite article that you’ve had published?
I guess I would have to say this one!
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?
If someone knew me well enough, I would let that person design a tattoo for me. This person would have to be my mom. I would have to say that she knows me better than I do and knows everything I like without second guessing. Even if she created the ultimate tattoo for me I would have to see the tattoo first. I would need to make sure that it is exactly what I want and that it envelops everything that I believe or love.
Which TV show or movie cast do you wish you could be a part of?
Oh no! There are so many options! If I got to go back in time, I would choose to be part of the cast of The Sound of Music. Julie Andrews is my absolute idol and I love Christopher Plummer. If I were to choose a more present cast though, it would be the famous sitcom Friends or the Fox series, Glee.
If you could live in any time period, when would you choose? Why?
If I could live in any time period it would be the 50's. If the racial and gender segregation did not exist I would go back for the music, the movies, the cars, the outfits and the timeless romances that took place in diners, drive-in movies or the beach. The 50's did not contain phones or electronic technology to take over every day life.
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 would have to say every time I look at my mom's or her friend's pictures of their high school and college years, I always throw up in my mouth a bit when I see the 80's hair sprayed blobs on all of the girls heads. I would also have to say I did not like the sequins and flowery outfits of teens in the 2000's that could mainly be represented in the earlier episodes of the Nickelodeon television show, Zoey 101.These outfits were found in stores like Justice and Limited 2.
If I could choose a fashion style from the past that could still be popular today, I really like scrunchies. I think they are fun and they are big enough to hold all of the hair on my head and not break!
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?
My five-year-old self wanted to be a famous actress that performed in musicals on Broadway. When I am home alone or in the shower singing and acting out show tunes on top of my lungs, I see my five-year-old self in me. I am still involved in theater by being on the tech crew and wanting to pursue a career in stage management and/or directing (I still haven't decided), but my five-year-old self did not have the word fear in her vocabulary. I will admit that I am a good singer and love the performing arts more than anyone I know, but I can't get myself through an audition or show without succumbing to my nerves or choking under the pressure. If I were magically given the chance to star as a lead role in a musical without being judged by people who do not know me, I know I would not just be able to do it, but I would kill it, and I know my five-year-old self would be proud of me. But, I believe my five-year-old self would be proud of who I am now given the bumps and obstacles I had to get over along the way.
What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
Even though it is not the most enjoyable experience, I am looking forward to applying for colleges and seeing which college is the best fit for me. I know my college years are going to be some of my favorite and I am looking forward to independence, responsibility and finding out who I truly am and what I truly want to do as a career.
