Illustration by Cameron Lee
Year: Class of 2020
Major/College: Creative Writing (Nonfiction & Poetry), Columbia College
Where are you from?
All over—I’m a military brat! But also South Florida since my extended and now immediate family is there.
What do you love about Quarto?
As a writer, I always love seeing what other people are doing in their work. Quarto not only allows me to see what other Barnumbia students are creating but it also allows me to help publish and share these works with the larger community, which is so rewarding. Also the people are amazing :)
What inspires you to do the work we do?
The idea that we as a literary magazine can help positively contribute to our community by showcasing diverse and innovative works that evoke people in some manner and make them think.
Do you have any pets?
I have a Maltese back in Florida named Mia! She’s my favorite family member (sorry Mom and Dad) and I miss her tremendously. I try to fill the void, though, by walking dogs for Wag.
Where can we find you in your free time (a lazy Monday afternoon, a cozy Sunday morning)?
Watching tiny-home videos, trying new coffee shops and brunch places, walking through the Whitney or the Brooklyn Museum, applying to jobs.
What else are you involved in/what are your other interests?
Besides reading and writing (duh lol), I love getting to experience NYC—everything from concerts, museums, plays, musicals, food, bookstores, thrift shops, to parks. I stalk the skint for free and cheap events, and I save all the places I go and want to go to my Google Maps so if I’m ever unsure of what I want to do I have plenty of options. I also like just wandering around the city , especially after taking the creative writing seminar Walking. It really showed me the joy of just being present in, paying attention to, and moving through a space.
Favorite author/artist/work?
Ugh, so many. In terms of art, I’m a little obsessed with Georgia O’Keefe’s works and JR’s The Chronicles of New York City (at the Brooklyn Museum) right now, as well as Japanese Shinto and Buddhist temples since I recently got to visit Japan for the first time. I also read a bunch of Carmen Machado’s short stories recently for a seminar and can’t stop thinking about them.
What else should we know about you?
I’m likely the biggest Disney fan at this school, so if you start talking about Disney with me (especially Walt Disney World), be warned that I may not stop.