Name: Abbey Williams
Year: Sophomore
Degree Sought: Journalism
Hometown: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Her Campus: Why did you decide to attend school at UW?
Abbey Williams: It’s funny to think about because honestly, I wanted to get out of Wyoming so bad in high school. I was ready to go anywhere as far away as possible the second I graduated. When I realized I was paying for school all on my own, I applied for UW and tried to be optimistic because it was what I could afford. I may not have been super excited at first but I cannot explain how much I wish I could go back to high school and tell myself that I’d have so much fun in Laramie. I came here because it was cheap and now I don’t know why I would want to go anywhere else. Laramie and the University of Wyoming are my home.
HC: Why did you choose your degree?
AW: I chose my degree because I love telling stories and I absolutely love journalism and its power. When I was in seventh grade, I was accidentally placed in a newspaper class instead of yearbook like I wanted, but I couldn’t change classes. I fell in love with journalism after a month of being in that class and realized that it was something I was good at. I was never sporty or super artsy but I could write. I found out how powerful of a platform journalists have throughout junior high and high school and knew that I could make a career out of telling stories. I fell in love with music more and more over the years as well and when I found out that music journalists were a thing, I freaked out. I’ve been pumped to be a journalist since I was like 14.
HC: What is your dream job?
AW: My dream job is to be a music or entertainment journalist. I want to be attending concerts every week, even every other day if I can. I love the power of music more than anything & the concert atmosphere. If I can share the stories of those who create music and those who use music to help them through their life experiences, I will have the best job in the world. I just want to be immersed in music all the time. If I can expand eventually and cover anything pop culture related, like movies and TV, I’d be happy with that too. I just want to travel and be around talented humans in the entertainment industry.
HC: What are some of your hobbies?
AW: Before my spinal fusion I was a dancer, and even though I can’t do as much now, I still love to dance to the best of my ability, it’s probably my favorite thing to do. I obviously love to write, I love reading as well. The best way to spend my freetime though is going to local shows and watch some of my talented friends in Laramie tear up the stage. It makes me so happy.
HC: What is your favorite class/professor at UW?
AW: My favorite professor is Kenny Thompson, in the Honors program. He was my Freshman Colloquium professor for both semesters of my first year at college and I give him a lot of credit for where I am right now in my journalism related endeavors. I was in his office so often freshman year it probably got to be annoying for him, but he helped me become a better writer over that time. He would work through all of my essays for his class and his advice really helped my journalistic writing too. He was a huge help for me and I don’t know if I would’ve become as confident in my articles and sharing them with others if he didn’t believe in me. He’s my biggest mentor here at UW for sure. Shout out to you, Kenny! You’re the bomb, but I’m pretty sure you already knew that.
HC: What advice would you give to freshmen?
AW: Do what makes you happy and say yes to every opportunity that you can (unless it’s like drugs or something, of course). Seriously, though. I learned that if I sit back and watch people have fun and take chances, it won’t help me at all. Go out & do what you love at least once a week, or whenever an opportunity comes your way and you can make it happen. Travel if you have the means, even if it’s just for a day. Spend time alone, if you want. Go get a latte from your favorite coffee shop even if it’s a little pricey, as long as it makes you smile. I was so shy at the beginning of freshman year that I missed out on a lot. Go, explore, make friends and follow your passions. I go to live shows every weekend because it’s what I love to do in my free-time. I don’t deprive myself because yes, school is important but everyone needs a minute to breathe. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks and just do your thing. You’ll be 1000X happier, promise. Your passions are worth your time and the only time you know you have is right now.
HC: Why did you join Her Campus?
AW: I wanted another platform to share my writing and I wanted to be involved on campus, all while trying to build my resume. I found Her Campus through a visit from Sara K. to my classroom. I was interested in it right away and just wanted to write about music and my concerts, but I didn’t have anywhere other than my personal blog where more people would read them. So, I was happy to find an organization that helps me, all while finding new friends and being surrounded by such powerful females and talented writers.
HC: What is your favorite article/event/memory from HC?
AW: My favorite HC article is the one about my trip to Chicago to see the 1975. It was a moment where I actually felt like I was reaching an audience and my writing wasn’t half bad because the national site shared it on Facebook and Twitter. I also just love every moment with HC as a whole because it’s so fun to be a part of it and our chapter is filled with so many women from different walks of life and it’s so cool to be around people that build you up and care about what you have to say.
HC: Why would you encourage someone else to write for HC?
AW: I would encourage anyone, even those who don’t really enjoy writing to join because it’s really empowering. I keep saying it but everyone in the organization is so powerful and it’s amazing to hear stories about what other people have experienced and the things they love. It’s a built-in family and it’s so much fun to just write whatever you want, whenever you want and share it with others. I’ve really found my confidence and creativity in this organization, so I recommend it to anyone and everyone that wants to be a part of something amazing.
HC: What are you most looking forward to moving forward in HC?
AW: I’m looking forward to where it takes me and where I end up because of it. I got a job with the national Her Campus site from being a part of the Wyoming chapter and I was blown away. I can’t wait to see where it takes me by the end of my undergrad. I have two years left, a lot can happen. I just want to keep writing, keep meeting new people and hopefully bringing new faces to HC. I want my words to make a difference or leave an impact on at least one person’s life. If I can help others find their voice along with all of this, I’ll be so happy.