This weeks writer of the week is none other than my dorm neighbor Kimberly Kowalski. Kim is an absolutely amazing and caring person. Kim is a freshman at Misericordia and is an English Secondary Education major. Her hometown is Scranton, PA where she enjoys reading and writing. Kim is President of the Harry Potter club, is a peer tutor, a member of the Misericordia Players and library club, and is on the review board for Instress. I was lucky enough to sit and talk to Kim about herself as well as her future.

Charlotte: Why did you start writing for the Odyssey?

Kimberly: My roommate began writing for the Odyssey and she got me involved with it. I wanted to write about experiences in my life that could help connect me with others. Odyssey is a great platform that allows individuals to write about occurrences in their life that others can then respond to. It’s ability as a website to bring people together is amazing.

C.D.: What is the best article you have written? Why?

K.K.: An Open Letter to the People who Bullied me, it got a lot of shares, but more importantly it helped others open up about their experiences. It allowed for a sense of community to be formed around the article connecting the readers and I in a personal way. People from my Facebook messaged me and commented on the article with their experiences. The article allowed not only for me to be open about my experiences, but helped others to do the same.

C.D.: Who’s your inspiration whether it be for career or just in general?

K.K.: In general, my mother has always been my biggest inspiration. She has always been there for me to see as a role model, and I have always looked up to her. In terms of career, I would say that all of my English teachers have been my inspiration. They have always pushed me to do my best work and they have brought me out of my comfort zone. They have led to me to where I am now and influenced my future.

C.D.: Favorite Class? Why?

K.K.: World religions because we explore different topics within different religions. It allows for connections to be formed not only within the class but with other literature I have read. It helps to show how a lot of the world is interrelated and influences each other in ways we might not be aware of.

C.D.: Favorite thing about Misericordia? Why?

K.K.: The close-knit community that is obvious on campus. You see other people who open the doors, who smile at you, and it allows you to get to know people. Due to our campus being smaller it gives a sense of warmth in that you know people are kind. Not only are the other students what makes campus a community, but the professors as well. They really want to help you succeed and are willing to take time to help you get there.

C.D.: Favorite food at Misericordia?

K.K.: Grilled cheese and curly fries.

C.D.: You Choose: favorite book and author or favorite movie and actor/actress.

K.K.: My favorite book would have to be Memories of Geisha, and my favorite author would be Rick Riordan.

C.D.: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

K.K.: Rome and England, because it would be a really incredible experience and I to see all the old architecture. I really love history so getting to explore that in both places would be incredible.

C.D.: If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?

K.K.: Enough money to buy all the books in the world that I want, free tuition, and a mug with a never ending supply of tea.

C.D.: Plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in ten years?

K.K.: Hopefully, teaching English in a high school setting. I hope by that point to be settled down with a husband and a family living close to my hometown.

C.D.: Any advice for other writers out there?

K.K.: Don’t be afraid to write about what you want especially if it’s what your passionate about. When you write about your passions it will attract more readers because your heart is laid for others to see. Also, don’t worry too much about writer’s block. After a while it goes away, it just takes some time.

C.D.: Advice for younger people just starting college?

K.K.: Take school seriously, but not too seriously. Have fun and take a lot of pictures so that you can look back at all your memories. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your professors are there to help you, take advantage of that.

C.D.: Fun fact about you?

K.K.: I can say phrases in Polish.

C.D.: Lastly, if you could have one superpower what would it be and why?

K.K.: To be able to have multiple copies of myself so I could do everything I wanted all at once.

It was great being able to talk to Kim. I was able to learn what matters to her and what advice she has for others. Kim is a fantastic writer so click here