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Sure—writing is important to me. Writing is very important to me. If it weren't, I never would have enrolled in the Minor in Writing and this page would not exist.
But I'd like to think that my writing is not the only thing that defines me, so before I get to showing you the pieces I've been working on all semester, I'm going to take a few minutes to introduce myself. I hope you like listicles!
Here are 5 things worth knowing about me:
MORE THAN JUST A WRITER
1
I'm a Michigander, Born and Raised
...but that doesn't necessarily mean I want to live here for my entire life. Now don't get me wrong—I love Michigan. I'm so grateful to have grown up in wonderful Bloomfield Hills. Some of my fondest memories are from summer vacations spent swimming in Lake Huron at Port Austin. Going down to Eastern Market in Detroit on Saturday mornings is always a blast. And I agree with everyone that says Ann Arbor is one of the greatest college town in America. In so many ways, this place will always be my home.
But there's more to the life than just home. 21 years in the mitten have prepared me to go forth into the world—to see for myself all it has to offer and to try to figure out where I fit in it. I very well may end up back in Michigan, and I would be okay with that so long as I get to experience life somewhere else before returning home.
2
I'm a History Nerd—a Real One
It's become so trendy to call yourself a history nerd nowadays, hasn't it? Watch a couple documentaries on the Korean War and BOOM—you're an expert. A true history buff.
But I'm the real deal. Okay, not exactly—it's not like I have a PhD or anything, so I probably shouldn't call myself an expert. But I am studying history here at Michigan, which counts for something. I love learning about the past. I love seeing the connections between events, the way that societies and people have changed over time. Sifting through dusty archives, trying to make sense of what individuals did and the way that they looked at the world—that's something I enjoy doing. In particular, I'm interested in American social and cultural history, and in January, I will say goodbye to my semblance of a social life and embark on the process of writing an honors thesis. Oh boy.
I tried out a lot of sports growing up. I also happened to be bad at a lot of sports growing up. And as if by process of elimination, having exhausted all the other options available, I joined the cross country team in sixth grade.
It turned out I liked running. Not only that, but I was kind of good at running. And so began my love for the sport, a love that carried me through thousands of miles and years of training, that helped nurture some of my closest friendships in high school and that warms my soul upon recollection. I still run, albeit mostly by myself. I love running itself now as much as I ever did, and I relish in accomplishments like finishing my first half-marathon in October 2015, but I often miss having a team to work with and to draw strength from. Running cross country shaped who I am, giving me the discipline to be a better athlete and person.
My Sport is Your Sport's Punishment
I'm not ashamed to admit that I know the title of every chapter of every Harry Potter book. I'm similarly unashamed to admit that the picture to the left was taken on what was arguably the greatest day of my life. J.K. Rowling guided me through my formative years—she captured my imagination and taught me the value of friendship, intellect, and love. My time at Hogwarts taught me well and forever inspires me.
While Rowling might be the creative mind that has most affected me, others have been significant to me as well. From Amy Sherman-Palladino, creator of Gilmore Girls, to Jeff Probst, host of Survivor, to Zora Neale Hurston, author of Their Eyes Were Watching God, I owe much of my ideas and writing to the inventiveness and wisdom of others. If not for the work of these people, my life would be much less exciting and my passions much less vibrant.
I Love J.K. Rowling, Among Others
Now, I don't delude myself into believing that statement will mean much of anything to most of you. I have a rather niche interest in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality theory, of which the ISFJ is one of sixteen core personality types. If you did in fact know what an ISFJ was or have heard of MBTI, then you too seem to have this rather strange interest. We should chat!
ISFJs are stereotypically caring, family-focused, and loyal. And though I hate stereotypes, I have to admit that all of those descriptors fit me pretty well. My time in college—living away from home—has helped me realize how important my family is to me and how much I value the time I get to spend with my parents, my sister, and my dog. Ultimately, what I do is for them, and I hope they realize how crucial their love and support has been to my growth as a student, a writer, and a person. This ePortfolio is dedicated to them.
