Note from Cara: As I prepare to take over as Campus Correspondent once our lovely Allison Banko graduates this spring, I’ve decided to hand over the privilege of finding inspirational Gator girls each week to the one and only Rachel Crosby.
Here is a quick Q&A I had with the newest member of our HC-UFL family:
Name: Rachel Crosby
Age: 19
Year: sophomore
Major: Journalism
1. What made you want to come to UF?
UF has been my dream school for as long as I can remember. I was raised in Las Vegas, but I was born in Miami. Knowing I was from Florida but not really remembering living here was a big thing for me. I was curious to come back to a place I once knew and make it my own. I’ve figured a lot of things out about myself in the last year and a half and fell in love with a community of fans. I wouldn’t change a thing.
2. What has been your best/worst experience in college thus far?
My best experience was initially coming here. People came with high school friends and siblings, but I didn’t know anyone at this school. I spent a lot of time alone that first semester figuring myself out and branching out. I’ve grown so much since I first moved into my dorm room, and I’ve created so many lasting friendships. I’m so independent and confident now. I love it.
3. Why do you want to pursue a career in journalism?
I want to tell stories. I love photography because you can capture moments, but stories allow you to really delve and give a background no image ever could. When the two are paired, you can really give people a lasting impression.
4. How else are you involved at UF?
I’m a reporting and photography stringer for the Independent Florida Alligator, which allows me to gather clips for my portfolio on my own time. I’m also on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council here at UF, which gives me the chance to communicate directly to the dean about what’s going on in the college and get individual feedback. I also work two part-time jobs. Between all that and school, the rest of my time is devoted to improving my skills and having a little fun.
5. Why do you want to be a campus celebrity writer for Her Campus?
I know a lot about what’s going on within my own field, but I know so little about the rest of campus. Being a celebrity writer allows me to stay up-to-date and in-tune with the rest of UF as well as shine light on programs and organizations others may not know about.
6. If there was one piece of advice you could give college-aged females what would it be?
Believe in yourself, and never stop working. There’s been multiple times in the last few years that I’ve questioned who I am and what I want to do in this life, but I’ve never stopped trying. Start small and branch out. You really can do whatever you want, but you need to embrace who you are and keep working at it – even after you fail.
7. Where do you see yourself after graduation?
At a magazine. I always thought I’d like to work at a paper. I think I romanticized covering breaking news and cops stories. Feature writing is more my thing. It still gives me the satisfaction of being in print and seeing my byline, but most importantly, it gives me more time and more opportunities to branch out and learn new things.
Five facts about Rachel:
1. Photography is my other passion, but I didn’t get into it until college. I never thought I’d love it as much as I do.
2.
I’ve only ever lived in big cities, but I don’t consider myself a stereotypical city girl.
3.
I’ve never had a boyfriend – even in high school! College has been fun — I’ve dated here and there — but I’ve yet to commit myself to anyone. When I meet him, I’ll know.
4.
I love to travel. At some point I hope to study abroad. Hopefully in Europe, but I’m open to going anywhere.
5.
Hard work aside, I’m more sarcastic than I’m serious. Laughter is important.