Writing has always been my refuge and my way of exploring the world. Ever since I was diagnosed with Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction and severe flat foot in both feet, I have faced many challenges. I could not participate in athletic activities, and there were times when I needed a wheelchair. During these moments, writing became my lifeline. It allowed me to cope and view my circumstances from a fresh perspective. It gave me a voice when I felt voiceless. As I prepare to enter Winthrop University as a journalism major, writing remains central to my life. I am excited about majoring in Mass Communication for Journalism with a minor in Graphic Design Arts. This combination will enable me to tell stories in diverse and engaging ways. I love the idea of reaching people through words and visuals, making complex topics accessible and interesting. In college, I plan to continue writing by getting involved in the campus newspaper and joining writing clubs. These platforms will allow me to hone my skills and learn from others. I am eager to explore different styles of writing, from news articles to creative pieces. I also want to use my graphic design skills to create compelling layouts and visuals that enhance storytelling. Writing is not just a passion; it is a way for me to connect with others and share experiences. I believe that stories have the power to bring about change and understanding. Through my writing, I hope to shine a light on important issues and give a voice to those who are often unheard. While my journey has had its challenges, it has also shaped who I am today. Writing has taught me resilience and creativity. It has shown me that even when circumstances are tough, there is always a way to express oneself and make a difference. I had full reconstruction left foot surgery in May of this year and will have a right reconstruction surgery in 2026. I wrote everyday about my journey and hope someone will be able to read it to help them on whatever journey they are in their life. As I step into this new chapter at Winthrop University, I am excited to continue my journey as a writer. I am committed to using my talents to contribute to the college community and beyond. Writing has been a constant in my life, and I am determined to keep it that way, using it as a tool for growth, expression, and change.

When I was little, I remember turning on Disney Channel every morning before school to watch Girl Meets World. It was always my favorite growing up and I felt I could always relate to Maya. As I grew up and didn't watch Disney Channel anymore, I found myself still listening to the music Sabrina was putting out. As years passed, Sabrina continued to put out music and I was always ready for the new releases. I remember listening to because i liked a boy and having a moment knowing she was one of my favorite artists. Since Emails I Can’t Send came out, the album has always been on repeat. Although I can’t lie after hearing Espresso and Please Please Please, I knew Short n’ Sweet would easily be my favorite album Sabrina has put out. With Short n’ Sweet being released not even a week ago, I’m still blown away. The whole album is a no skip album and I'm so in love with it. Juno and Bed Chem are easily my top tracks and I'm sure this will be my album of the year on wrapped. Sabrina is lifting so many spirits with her catchy tunes and inspiring so many girls and women to own it and it’s so amazing how far she’s come and that she loves her fans so much.

Ever since I was little, reading has been an escape from reality. My love for reading started out with Harry Potter and Twilight then blossomed from there. I recently had a major surgery in late May, where I couldn't walk for months, and I don’t know what I would have done without the escape of books. For a while, my source of happiness came from ordering books online because I couldn't leave the house. Around late 2022 I stumbled upon Book Tok and picked up Daisy Jones and The Six. I read it in one sitting and my jaw was on the floor. I felt transported into the book and canceled out everything around me. When I finished and had time to process it all, I immediately read it again and it was just as amazing. As a lover of all thing's music especially the 70s, this book ticked all my boxes. When the show was announced I was ecstatic. Taylor Jenkins Reid put out a fabulous book and a fabulous show. I listen to the soundtrack almost every day and I have the vinyl. Posters of the characters we know, and love are plastered all over my walls and my kindle is decorated from head to toe in stickers. From there, my book collection grew from genre to genre. I started out with romance, then ventured into romantasy, then fell in love with mysteries. Another favorite of mine is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. When I first saw everyone talking about it, I knew I had to read it. I loved everything about it, and I couldn't put it down. Pip and Ravi are my favorite book couple and it’s truly a heavy hitter for me. My favorite moment in a book has to be when I was reading Colleen Hoover’s Regretting You and I saw a Greta Van Fleet reference. Greta Van Fleet is my all-time favorite band, and I couldn’t stop talking about the mention of Jake Kiszka in that book for months. It’s taken me many years to grow my bookshelf to what it is. From my romance and fantasy section, mystery and thrillers section, and of course my classics section. I’ve always been the type of person to be on the edge of their seat when teachers announced which classic we’d be reading in English class. I read every single day, and I don’t know what I’d do without books and that Book Tok recommendation.

When Taylor announced 1989 Taylor’s Version, I was so excited. I grew up with Taylor’s music and 1989 was always my childhood favorite. I have vivid memories of my mom, and I am blasting 1989 with the windows down singing at the top of our lungs. I can remember buying the CD and just playing it over and over until my voice hurt. When Taylor’s Version came out, it was as if I was getting to experience those memories all over again. My favorite song has always been “You Are in Love.” My favorite lyric will always be “You two are dancing in a snow globe, 'round and 'round.” The album is the perfect mix between slow ballads to make you cry and pop songs that make you want to get on your feet. Personally, this is one of my all-time favorite albums and when she made it her own, I was so over the moon. Taylor has shown so many young girls to be kind and true to themselves, which really translates in this album. She makes so many people feel connected to her and her music, and you can see it in this album. Every day, I look up to Taylor as a role model. She’s always been a celebrity who is so down to earth and connected to her fans. She gives back to the community, and not to mention how many times she’s uplifted women and young girls. Whether it’s through her music, speeches, merch, or music videos. I love being a Taylor fangirl and that all started for me during the 1989 era. I love buying my first signed Taylor item then crying when I opened it, I love watching glitchy live streams to find out which surprise songs were next to go, I loved having a Eras Tour movie watch party with my friends, I love the thrill of waiting for a new album once she’s announced it, I love buying CD’s and vinyl then playing them and immediately hanging the posters on my wall, but most of all, I love the way I can connect to my friends through Taylor’s music. Whether we’re crying to “champagne problems” or screaming our lungs out to “All Too Well 1o minute version” or dancing to “...Ready for it?” I always know that being a Taylor fan has influenced me and shaped me into who I am today.

I found out about Chappell around November of 2023. The first song I’d heard was “Casual” and I immediately felt so connected to it. It had been on repeat for weeks when I decided to give her other music a try. I remember playing The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess from start to finish and I was at a loss for words. It didn't take long for me to become a superfan. I watched interviews, bought all her records, and always anticipated what outfit she would wear next. She is the perfect role model for young girls who feel left out of the so-called “standard” crowd. Seeing someone like me who dresses differently than what you'd normally see and does fun makeup made me feel so seen. I’d always felt somewhat insecure about my crazy outfits or funky neon eyeshadow but since becoming a Chappell fan I've embraced it more than ever. Seeing that Chappell had been making music for years before she blew up is so inspiring. She’s truly changing history and people’s lives each day she shares her art. A song I find so inspiring to me is “Kaleidoscope”. The way she describes her troubles in such beautiful ways is so inspiring to me. I’ll continue to play her music each day and watch her take this city by a storm.