Name: Sara Santora
Age: 20
Hometown: Melbourne, FL
Major(s): Editing, Writing and Media & Religious Studies
Relationship Status: Single
Her Campus (HC): So Sara, what are some things you want our audience to know about you?
Sara Santora (SS): I’m an aspiring writer, more specifically a screenplay writer. I didn’t always want to do that though. From ages 8 to 18, I always wanted to be a musician. Even though that’s not the case anymore, music still plays a huge part in my life through constantly playing and listening to it. It’s something that always calms me down at the end of the day.
HC: Why is screenplay writing something you want to pursue?
SS: When I found out that some of the actors were also the writers, I was just hooked. I thought that it was so cool that these writers were also acting, as well as directing and producing this world that just brings happiness to so many people, and I knew that I immediately wanted to do that too. Then, of course, knowing that Mindy Kaling wrote The Office lead me to read her books, and she’s just doing it all. I love her so much, so I guess it’s a mixture of both The Office and Mindy Kaling’s career in general that have inspired me to become a screenplay writer.
HC: What instruments do you play?
SS: I mainly play the violin, the guitar and the ukulele. I recently learned how to play three chords on the mandolin; however, I’m not sure that counts.
HC: I know you are involved on campus—do you want to talk a bit about that?
SS: Well, I am a staff writer for the FSView, a recital hall technician and a social media intern for The Center of Health Advocacy and Wellness. I also help run some of the social media for the Tab here at Florida State.
HC: It sounds like you’re pretty involved with social media, what’s your favorite part about being a social media intern?
SS: I guess I like that it allows me to have a direct communication with such a large group of people on campus. That’s primarily because I’m responsible for pushing out events, which requires me to interact with both students as well as other accounts here on campus. It’s just helped me to connect with people that I would have otherwise never met.
HC: That sounds so amazing. I know you also do a lot of photography, do you get to incorporate that with being a social media intern?
SS: Sometimes, in the past, I actually was able to take photos for events to post on social media. I was able to take those photos, edit them and post on the social media accounts I’ve been working with. That’s something I’ve found a lot of joy in doing.
HC: Do you see photography playing a larger role in your future?
SS: No matter what I do, I think photography will play a role in my future. If I pursue journalism, that obviously goes hand-in-hand. If I go into personal blogging or writing for a magazine, it will be essential for that career. Even if I became successful in screenplay writing, I do see it being a part of my life regardless of it being serious or becoming just a hobby.
HC: Any advice for those who thinking about taking writing on as a major?
SS: I would say that if it’s something you want to do, definitely do it. However, don’t be lukewarm about it. You need to go into it at full force. Look for opportunities that allow you to write, like through Her Campus and the FSView and even then, constantly send out your own work to different publications. Another important thing to do is to write every day. This is something that can’t be taught in a classroom and is only learned through experience. The best thing about the world today is that writers are needed everywhere. In magazines, corporations, and agencies. I also believe that pursuing what you want is a realistic goal, no matter what people say. The writing program we have here is so amazing and prepares you very well if you find that this something you want to do.