My whole life I was told that I’m extra.
Whether about my fashion, my hair, or genuinely me as a person I have always been extra. That big light in me was something I held close to my heart and used to propel myself forward when coming to UW-Whitewater.
When I started here I didn’t know where my college life was going to take me. Being extra makes you want to express yourself in every way possible, and for me that came with a lot of hobbies and interests. I started my first two years not knowing what to study and ended up landing myself in a double major of Creative Writing and Professional Writing & Publishing. These two majors inspired me to begin my first novel and create different works of written art for the future to see.
I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but with an extra job like writing you get told it’s not something you should aspire to do. So I had a rocky relationship with it. In the end, it made me realize that I can spice it up, make it work for me, make it extra, and create something new.
I began connecting my creativity with other passions like photography to create something special with my work, and was able to finally land at the Royal Purple. I joined as a photographer my senior year in college, but I’ve always believed it’s never late to pursue your passion no matter how long it takes. If you believe it’s meant for you, grab it and be extra with it. So, I continued and was able to show and grow my efforts in photography, taking beautiful images I will remember, and hope everyone can remember as well, as I go into graduation. I have had special moments with UW-Whitewater and the Royal Purple. I will miss my friends, and the Multimedia Department, and all the love they showed me.
Never be too scared to be who you are, or be pressured to think you don’t have time to find that person either. I end my college years going into the world having the confidence to be who I am and to take action toward my dreams and career; hoping everyone can be extra in their own right.
