This week I had the pleasure of interviewing another HWS Odyssey writer, Alex Cirra. Alex is a member of the William Smith Class of 2017, double majoring in Public Policy and Environmental Studies with a minor in Writing Colleagues Program. I asked her some questions about herself and her college experiences; here's what she had to say.

Since you're new to the Odyssey staff, what are some things you want to write about in the future? What part of this opportunity are you most excited about?

AC: "As a Writing Colleagues minor and the Editor-in-Chief of my high school’s Literary Magazine, writing has always been challenging but fun for me. I love writing about science news, and I think sharing news and current stories from around the world is an exciting way to be creative by presenting the information in a new way. As I’m starting to write regularly for the Odyssey, I find myself writing about my own life- my internship experience, visiting the 9/11 Memorial, and advice for other HWS students. In the future, I’m planning to center my articles on public policy and environmental studies news (to go along with my majors) and have more educational posts that would (hopefully) interest more than just my friends and my mom."

What career do you intend on pursuing?

AC: "I plan to go either into legal research right out of college, or straight to law school. Either way, I see myself in the city working in law and making a positive impact in whatever job I have. I’ve already interned for two law firms that have strengthened my writing, speaking, and research skills, and I’m set on working for a NY research ThinkTank (*fingers crossed*). All my experiences have encouraged me to further my future career in the field of law in New York City. I believe my organizational, research, and writing skills are well suited for a career in the law industry and I cannot wait to begin working in this field. I have HWS to thank for helping me find my passion in environmental law polices and conducting research regarding energy and environmental policy movements."

What has been your favorite memory about HWS so far? What is something you haven't done here that you want to make sure you do before you graduate?

AC: "I have so many priceless memories at HWS- I once fell into Seneca Lake as I was mid-trying to make a polar plunge video with my friends. Thankfully, I’ve destroyed all the video evidence of that. My favorite memories [are] either being accepted into the Writing Colleagues Program during the fall of my first-year (I’m currently in my second placement, the Sustainable Living and Learning FSEM with Professor Kinne), or getting my first NYC internship this summer for a Criminal Defense law firm (Koehler & Isaacs, LLP) in the Financial District. I think just finding my own leadership roles at HWS and outside in the job field has been my proudest moments. I'm currently taking five classes this semester- which I never thought I'd be able to do. But, I really wanted to take an Advanced Style Seminar with one of my favorite professors on campus, Professor Werner, (in the Writing and Rhetoric Department) "

What has been your biggest regret about your college career so far? What was your biggest success?

AC: "I came into college not used to writing 25 page research papers, so I when I did averagely on my first big paper in Professor Rimmerman’s Democracy and Public Policy 101 class, I was considering changing my name and moving to a different country, never to return. However, the more I wrote and read for this class and my other classes I figured out ways to form a strong thesis and topic sentences to carry out an argument. I got an A on my final paper in that class and one day I might frame that paper. My biggest regret is not seeing all the potential I had from the beginning; my lesson is that you shouldn’t let one negative experience or mistake destroy the perception you have of yourself. My biggest success, by far, is working at HWS’s Career Services Office. I work there everyday from 3-5pm, and I love working with the amazing staff. Erin Brockway recommended me for a Career Assistant position when I was a first-year, and just being welcomed into a fast-paced and motivated office like CSO means a lot to me."

If your best friend was to describe you to a total stranger, what would they say about you?

AC: "I just asked my roommate this question. She said, 'You’re one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. You’re so welcoming and friendly to everyone you meet. Your flaws? You love Ed Sheeran and Mindy Kaling too much. You’re too hyper at night when I’m trying to sleep. You read a lot, which is cute and nerdy at the same time. You’re also insanely hard working, and motivated for your future career and that’s inspiring. Your energy can light up the room. I guess I kind of like you as a friend.'"

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? What do you do for fun? Do you have any unique hobbies or interests?

AC: "Well, obviously writing for the Odyssey has become a new hobby! I like to hang out at the Finger Lakes Gifts & Lounge with my friends. I can play a solid two songs on the piano, and with six years of piano lessons that’s pretty embarrassing actually. I’m on the William Smith Congress, I work at the Circulation Desk at the library, I’m a Career Assistant at the Career Services Office, and I’m a research assistant for Robin Lewis in the Environmental Studies department. Between my jobs and my five classes this semester, the best thing to do in my free time is just hang out with my closest friends on campus."

Alex also shared her social media with me for her readers to follow:

Instagram: alexcirra

Twitter: ANC9295

Snapchat: ANC9295

I am so grateful for Alex's great responses. I enjoyed learning about her, and I hope all of our readers do too!