Name: Grace Moon ‘19
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Major: Media, Culture, Communication (MCC)
Minor(s): Korean, Social Work
Name: Catalina Gonella ‘18
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina & Coconut Creek, FL
Major: Media, Culture, Communication (MCC) and Journalism
HC NYU: When did you start writing for Her Campus?
GM: I started out as a staff writer my freshman year in college. Her Campus was one of the first organizations I joined as a college student, and I enjoyed writing for them so much that I continued as a Senior Editor my sophomore year, and now I’m happily serving as one of the Campus Correspondent with Catalina.
CG: I started out as a staff writer during the spring semester of my sophomore year. I wanted to get involved on campus and had tried out a few different clubs and publications but never really stuck with any of them until Her Campus. I got continuously more involved, bouncing around different positions on the E-board and finally ending up as a campus correspondent.
HC NYU: What do you enjoy writing about most?
GM: Through writing for Her Campus, I’ve discovered that I have a passion for interviewing people. I love hearing about their individually unique stories, and shaping them into a powerful narrative that anyone on the web can read. I’ve discovered so much hidden talent on campus by searching for people to profile, from interns for Twitter, national Pokemon champions, published authors, to the most followed man on WANELO. It’s been incredible.
CG: In the past most of the stories I’ve written for Her Campus were about light fun topics–food, makeup, NYC–pieces that are just fun to write and fun to read. This semester I want to switch things up a little and cover how the NYU community is reacting to the political climate.
HC NYU: What organizations are you involved in both on and off campus?
GM: Aside from my work at Her Campus, I serve as the Head Public Relations Director for an organization called Freedoms for North Korea, where we garner awareness about the North Korean human rights crisis, as well as organize fundraisers that support local North Korean organizations in the city. I’m also a part of the gospel choir here at NYU, which I joined recently and absolutely love. And when I can, I go to meetings for NYU Democrats. Outside of school, I’m an intern at CAAAV which stands for Committees Against Asian American Violence, where I work closely with NYCHA, New York City Housing Authority.
CG: Right now I’m interning with NBC News’ diversity vertical, primarily NBC News Latino but also NBC Blk, Asian American and OUT.
HC NYU: What are some goals for your chapter this semester?
GM: Her Campus has a stereotypical image of being ‘preppy’- which yes, to an extent is true. We love writing about fashion trends, beauty products, Instagram worthy brunch spots, and more. While there isn’t a problem with that, I do want to try and expand our horizons, especially with the current political situation, and write about relevant protests on campus, collaborate with other student led organizations and create a platform for students to take action. I just don’t want our chapter to be limited to only writing about fashion, beauty, food, lifestyle, but also be open to writing about politics, opinion-ed pieces.
CG: I have two main goals this semester. The first is like Grace mentioned, to really expand the scope of our content. I want us to feel comfortable writing about more serious topics, especially in relation to the NYU community. The second is to have our staff bond and have HC NYU become a community for women at NYU.
HC NYU: And some short answers!
Favorite Artist
GM: Forever and always, Stevie Wonder.
CG: Can’t pick one!
You look up to:
GM: Malala Yousafzai and currently Senator Elizabeth Warren
CG: My sister. She’s my person.
Presidential Crush
GM: President Obama is super charming, but so was JFK. The two are tied.
CG: Absolutely President Obama. Him and his whole family really. So much class.
Favorite Day of the Week
GM: Friday, when I have no classes and can spend time in cafes all day.
CG: Saturday is just such a carefree day. Friday I work, and Sunday is homework day, so Saturday is really my only weekendy day!
Our lovely spring team (PC: Grace)
Follow HC NYU Campus Correspondents on social media:
Grace Moon
Facebook: Grace Moon
Instagram: @gracefulleesing
Twitter: @gracenyu
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/grace-moon-1
Catalina Gonella
Facebook: Catalina Gonella
Instagram: @catalinagone
Twitter: @catgonell