Name: Sarah Vazquez
Year: Junior
Major/Minor: English with a double minor in Journalism and Public and Professional Writing
Hometown: Ditmas Park, Brooklyn/Belleville, NJ
Favorite Quote: “Someone has to succeed – why shouldn’t it be me?” – Janet McTeer
Favorite Celebrity: George Harrison, Stephen Colbert, Carey Mulligan, Dave Grohl, Marina Diamandis, Gaga, Jimmy Fallon, Ellen Degeneres, Justin Timberlake and Nathan Fillion
Favorite Movie: Singin’ In the Rain!
Favorite Food: Hot Dogs LOL
Current Obsession(s): Master of None and House of Cards #FrankUnderwood2016
HCM: What is your favorite thing about Montclair State University?
SV: My favorite thing about Montclair State University is the people – students and professors. I feel that in my three years here I have really developed as a person, specifically because of who I’ve been surrounded by. I’m lucky to say I’ve had some amazing professors here that really helped not only hone my writing skills, but realize my skill in the first place. I did not start college off as an English major and I felt completely lost. Luckily, I had a professor recommend I check out at least the English minor because she liked my writing so much and it was through that I discovered the Journalism and Public and Professional writing programs alongside the major. I’ll admit, I went into the program a little unsure of myself but I quickly found myself loving my classes and finding my groove. I’m also lucky to have met some amazing life-long friends through the program and especially though Her Campus. I’m constantly surrounded by creative, positive, like-minded people and it’s the best environment I could ask for.
HCM: What are you involved in on campus?
SV: As of right now, my only position on campus is here at Her Campus Montclair as Editor-in-Chief!
HCM: How did you become the Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus Montclair?
SV: Well, I joined Her Campus Montclair as a contributing writer in the Fall of 2014. I can’t exactly remember how I found out about Her Campus Montclair, but I believe I saw it though MSU’s Instagram and when I saw what Her Campus Montclair’s platform was, I knew I had to be a part of it! I was really involved my first year and worked hard to make sure I wrote good articles and submitted ideas to show how passionate I was about writing for the site. Last May, our founder and previous Editor-in-Chief, Camila De Souza, graduated and before she left offered me the position. Now, I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would have been made Editor after my first year; I was completely shocked and very humbled. As nervous as I was, I knew this was an opportunity I could not pass up on so I took over for her this fall!
HCM: What do you love about being a part of Her Campus Montclair?
SV: I love the community of writers we have developed here as well as that fact that we have an amazing platform where we can provide real girls in college the opportunity to have their voices and opinions heard. I’ve met so many amazing people through the magazine and have had so many great experiences because of it. I’ve also found myself really grow not only as as a writer but as a leader. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a lot of hard work and late nights, but there’s nothing that makes me happier then seeing our writers blast their pieces on their social medias, so full of pride for what they have written, for seeing their words published and for being a part of the team in general. I love my HCM family!
HCM: What inspires you?
SV: I’m inspired by many things from music and art to literature and people. But the one thing that inspires me the most is hard work. I’m a first generation American on my father’s side so I have grown up witnessing first-hand the definition of a hard worker; it’s something that has been instilled in me since I was little through watching my parents. Both of my parents have been instrumental in developing a sense of purpose in me to work hard and achieve all I can. I’m also inspired by collaboration. I’m a naturally introverted person but I feel I hit my creative peak when I work in a team and can bounce ideas off of other people I vibe with. When I’m surrounded by people who are driven, creative, imaginative and passionate about what they love and what they do, it’s hard not to be inspired. Luckily, I find myself in that position constantly as of late.
HCM: What would be your dream job?
SV: I’ve always known that I wanted to do something with my life that helped people, it just took me a while to understand that I could do that despite my fear of blood. I realized that I could do that through my words and my writing. After I realized that, I began to look into writing and journalism and at first I was a bit discouraged. Anyone pursuing journalism or English in college (especially English) knows how much major shaming comes with going down this path. I’ve even found myself a bit discouraged by a professor or two who attempted to drill into my head the idea that my kindness and sensitivity would be my downfall in the journalistic field as they defined a good journalist as tough, blunt, factual and to the point. I’ll admit, I’m still developing my thicker skin so after I spent a couple nights debating what I was going to do with the rest of my life, I realized that they were wrong. Who are they to say that you have to be brutal to be a successful journalist? You can be factual, neutral and still keep your soul. There is such a thing as positive journalism. That being said, I’d love to write for a publication or lifestyle magazine with a positive angle on things such as A Plus, The Knot, The Bump, The Nest, XO Vain, XO Jane or Refinery29. Out of all of them, I’d probably have to say The Knot is my dream job. I’ve always been obsessed with weddings so to work for a company whose purpose is to help people plan one of the best, most memorable days of their lives would really be a dream come true. And if Vanity Fair, Seventeen or Rolling Stone came calling, I wouldn’t say no either!
HCM: What’s one of the most important things you’ve learned?
SV: One of the most important things I’ve come to learn and realize is that I am literally capable of anything. If you would’ve told me three years ago I’d be co-running a magazine, an English major with a double minor and pursuing a career in writing/publishing, I would’ve called you nuts because I never would’ve though I’d be able to do something like this. My confidence level has definitely risen since I’ve started college, thanks in part to my amazing support system. I can honestly say (without a cynical tone) that the skies the limit. People have said to me all my life, “You’re going to be fine, I’m not worried about you” and “I can’t wait to see what greatness you achieve” and it always freaked me out; I could never understand why people had so much confidence in my future success. But now, I can finally say I’m beginning to see why they’ve been saying that. I don’t mean that in a haughty way what-so-ever, I’ve just really learned to believe in myself.
HCM: What is your ultimate life goal?
SV: You know, this question makes me think of a conversation I once had with one of my teachers in high school. He asked me, “How do you define success?” and much to his surprise I answered the same way I’m going to answer you now: happiness. For many people, their goals include having lots of money, a flashy car, a big home and a myriad of other superficial, material things. That’s how they define success. For me, my goal is to get as close as I can to complete happiness. Now, I’m not saying that I wouldn’t like a high paying job or a nice car – I’d be lying if I said that. But that is not what I am chasing down the line. I want to have a job that I am passionate about. I want to become a mother. I want to build a home with someone. I want security. I don’t want to be completely content or complacent; a little challenge is necessary for creativity to thrive. I just want to be happy with everything I do and I can honestly say I feel like I’m on my way there.