My close friend and writer on the Notre Dame College Odyssey, Emily Fernandez, played the leading role in the Notre Dame College production of President Mom. In the play, she played the president who also dealt with being a mother of two "tweenagers" at the same time. Here is an interview with the star of the show! (Apologies for the sideways picture).

1. You went from being an understudy in The Great Gatsby to the lead in President Mom. How did your accomplishments lead you to your success?

Emily: "I just keep telling myself that good things come to those who wait. If you're passionate about theater and keep up a positive attitude and refrain from ego, good things will happen. Patience is a virtue and you also have to work hard for what you want. It took me as long as I've been doing theater to finally earn the leading role, and it's been totally worth it."

2. Working with a group of diverse actors/actresses can be stressful. How do you and your cast mates stay positive through the experience?

Emily: "Just like with any other job, it's best to come into theater with a clear head and to leave your problems at home. But when someone seems to really be having a difficult time, we'll do everything we can to help them out to stay focused. What I always loved about theater is the fact that we all come from completely different backgrounds but all come together to accomplish the same goal and show the world what we are made of. It's always awesome seeing the ones who you think aren't even 'theater kids' stealing the state - it's very rewarding. We all realize that we are like a family and always have each other's backs no matter what."

3. When you act, what genre do you prefer most?

Emily: "I love both comedies and dramas, but I;m definitely more of a comedy girl. I always enjoy making people laugh, and it's great acting like some of my favorite comedy actors. That's usually where I get my inspiration from, especially from Robin Williams and Jim Carrey. Then again, I've played plenty of dramatic characters in drama plays, such as The Tell Tale Heart who is a literal psychopath created by Edgar Allan Poe. But in a comedy, I've been a schizophrenic blind date, a psychic waitress, and not the president of the United States. Both genres are extremely rewarding in their own way."

4. With the past election, why do you deserve to be the president of the United States?

Emily: "I deserve to be the president of the United States because I believe in making America laugh again in President Mom. We all need a little laughter, especially with all this crazy hatred going on in the world today."

5. You are busy with classes, choir, acting, writing, and two jobs. How do you balance all your hard work?

Emily: "I definitely try to balance everything out. First, I start by writing out everything that I need to do. It always helps me to get things done and feel more organized. Then I remember that all this hard work will pay off and I view it as an amazing opportunity to grow. We all have to have busy schedules at some points in our life, so no better time than to prepare today for what's to come."

6. Who do you admire most in your personal life who helps motivate you everyday?

Emily: "My mom definitely helps motivate me everyday. I look at someone like her and realize that I can accomplish anything. She raised three kids on her own, went back to work right after my father passed away, and continues to sacrifice for me and my brothers. I pray to God everyday and thank him for such an incredible mother. If she can do it, then so can I. That's one of my mottos."

7. As a communication major, would you ever want to run for political office?

Emily: "No, I don't think I have what it takes! I'm not a big fan in speaking my opinions to others. I prefer to keep them to myself as much as possible."

8. Lastly, what is your dream for the future and why?

Emily: "My dream for the future is to work for Disney Animation. Ever since I was little, I was always fascinated by the world of Disney. I want to live out their mission to make others smile daily. I want others to have memories that will last them a lifetime, and I want to be able to tell stories through animated creations. I'm a huge storyteller and want to share happiness with the world."