A break from the normal weekly celebrity update, but equally famous, meet Madeline Harrington, co-editor for Her Campus MHC!
Name: Madeline Harrington
Class year: 2012
Hometown: Newtown, PA
Major: English
Minor: Art History
Why did you to attend choose Mount Holyoke?
I hate to admit it, but a big reason why I came to Moho was because they gave me scholarship money. When I first applied, Moho was definitely not my first choice. But now I couldn’t be happier that my first choice turned me down (your loss, USC!). I applied here because Moho is beautiful and prestigious, I came here because I got a scholarship, and I stayed here because of the wonderful staff and students, and the feeling of knowing I am exactly where I should be.
How are you involved on campus?
I’m not as involved as I could be or should be, anymore. Last year I served as a Social Chair for 2012, as well as an editor for the MH News. I found myself feeling unhappy, overwhelmed and stressed all the time when my work for classes, my job, and my on-campus involvement all became combined. Now, I’m a writer for the MH News and thinking about joining Art Board, and I’m enjoying having some free time!
What is your favorite part about being a co-editor for Her Campus MHC?
I love giving writers a chance to write the articles they want. I know how hard it is to begin creating a writer’s portfolio, so helping other MHC students get started is great! I also really enjoy being able to add my own touch to a collection of work like this. I feel like I can influence each week’s end product in a way that I couldn’t as just a section editor for a larger site or publication.
What are a few exciting things planned for this years articles?
We have a few running series going which I think will be fun and interesting, but in addition to that, I’d really like to push the envelope a bit and step outside the typical Her Campus comfort zone; after all, Mount Holyoke is not like every other college and we should show that. I plan to publish articles more targeted toward our same-sex campus, the unique relationships students form here (platonic, romantic, and sexual), and really create a site more tailored to MHC’s unique campus personality.
Where are we most likely to find you on a Saturday night?
I love our campus, but I embrace an opportunity to get away from South Hadley when I can! On a Saturday night you can probably find me somewhere with a dance floor – whether that place is a bar, a party, or a concert depends on the weekend and my mood! Mainly, Saturday night is a chance to break free of my normal responsibilities and just have a great time with my friends, no matter where we are.
How do you procrastinate best?
I’m a Facebook fiend. I also have an addiction to Tumblr. Besides procrastinating online, I’ll put everything aside to go to the gym. I rationalize it by saying that I’m making health and fitness a priority, but I think scheduling your gym trips around Keeping Up With the Kardashians officially makes it procrastination. I also like to clean my room to avoid actually being productive. I tell myself it’s because I can’t focus in a messy space, but it’s definitely just me avoiding my homework!
Who are your role models?
My parents are huge role models for me. My mom has always pushed me to work my hardest and has been there to support and help me with everything. We’ve always been close and I’ve always aspired to be as poised and smart as she is. My dad on the other hand, is creative, hilarious, and the life of any party. In addition to my parents, I admire J.K. Rowling for her ability to tell a story, and Tina Fey for her ability to laugh at herself. Other than that, anyone who lives healthfully, surrounds themselves with good people, and works hard is someone I would like to be like.