Posted October 26, 2021 in Alumni Profile
Lawrence School, Class of 2015
High Point University, Class of 2019
The New School, Current Graduate Student
Since finishing High School, what have you been up to?
I earned my undergraduate degree in English from High Point University. Since then, I've moved to New York City to attend graduate school at The New School, which is a really cool liberal arts college in Greenwich Village. I’m currently in my second year of a creative writing program working toward an MFA. Along with that, I work for Serendipity Literary Agency as an assistant to the CEO. This means I never know what my day will encompass. It’s very fun! I am also dipping my toe into the role of being an agent; currently, I represent an author of young adult, adult, and picture books.
Tell us about life in New York City.
I moved here in July, so I haven't technically been a resident for long; however, it feels like I've been here for years. I used to think I wanted to be someone who lives in the middle of nowhere—and I would still love to live around nature one day—but there's something about New York City that is just so appealing. I live on the upper east side, right by the river. It's really quiet and so pretty! And there are dogs everywhere.
I also enjoy that every neighborhood is a little bit different. My friends and I just discovered Roosevelt Island—it’s a small island in the middle of the East River and there's one place where you can stand and see the entire city all around you. I love it!
How did Lawrence prepare you for college?
Lawrence’s Office of College Planning really helped me find the schools that would be best for my learning style—those that offered small class sizes, disability services/accommodations, etc. I think some readers would be surprised to hear this, but many people forget that asking for help is actually a skill a person has to learn. When I went to High Point, I was already well-prepared to know how to ask my professors for help and find what accommodations I needed for success.
In addition, Lawrence taught me how to be organized. The assignment notebooks and technology tools translated over in many different ways in college and even now in my work life.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Lawrence?
Some of my very best memories came from being on the Lawrence School stage. Seussical, the musical, sticks out specifically. This was the first musical I had ever been in, and the experience sort of woke the theatre beast inside me. I remember staying up until 3 a.m., rehearsing and practicing songs. I got to the point where I knew everyone else's lines as well!
During one performance, all the Whos (myself included) were hiding behind a bush; Suddenly part of the set fell over, taking the bush with it. The Whos were no longer hiding—the audience could clearly see us all. It was hilarious.
I was involved in other productions at Lawrence as well, and those experiences gave me so much confidence. Prior to that, I didn’t know how to read music and I didn’t sing much either, so it was a great opportunity to learn and grow. I know I am much more extroverted than I would have been had I not had these experiences in high school.
What made you want to pursue creative writing?
I have always wanted to write books, but I thought it would be more of a hobby or something I’d do on the side. I began college studying to be an event planner, but I didn’t really enjoy the classes. I was also working part-time as a caterer and I found that even when I was working an event, my mind would wander back to my writing! I took this as a sign.
Now I write young adult fiction, mostly sci-fi and dystopian fantasy. I have one book fully finished, and I have two others that are close. I have another that still has a long way to go, and it will be my thesis project.
How do you spend your free time?
I love to bake! If I’m feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, or if my ADHD brain comes out — I bake! I find activities that have very clear steps help me to relax and focus. Recently, I’ve been trying to tackle dumplings; we’re having a dumpling cook-off, so I’ve been practicing. Playing my ukulele and singing also gets my mind off things.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’ve found everyone in NYC is very driven; so, I’m sort of surrounded by ambition, and that is a very good motivator. In the coming years, I’d love to have a book published and maybe work as a full-time agent or editor. However, I’ve also seen how my life plan has changed over the years and taken me to unexpected, but wonderful, new places. So, I’m also very open to wherever the road takes me next.
What advice would you offer a new Lawrence student?
I’d tell them to be sure they build relationships with their teachers. Students in larger schools don’t have this opportunity, but things are different at small schools like Lawrence. I haven’t seen my old teachers in a long time, but those connections are so strong. I know the minute I walk through the doors, it will seem like old times. I miss them all! My other advice is don’t be afraid to fail. Having the confidence to try something new, fail, and then try again has taught me so much.