Meet the Editors: Grace Moon

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Her Campus NYU? We’re launching a Profile series featuring a group of special campus celebrites: our very own Her Campus NYU editors! These are the grammar queens with the brilliant ideas, social media prowress and killer editing skills. From brainstorming pitches, editing articles, leading staff meetings and hosting on-campus events, these women do it all! Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for more articles dedicated to our Spring 2016 Her Campus’ Editorial Staff.

The Deets

• Name: Grace Moon
• School/Year: Steinhardt 2019
• Major: Media, Culture, Communication
• Hometown: Dallas, TX

How did you get involved with Her Campus NYU?

GM: I first heard about Her Campus NYU during the summer before my freshman year through a Facebook post by one of the Campus Correspondents, Madison. Her Campus seemed like a refreshing way to refine and polish my writing skills as well as a fun way to network with other college women in the city. So without any hesitation, I went ahead and sent in my resume!

What’s your favorite part about being involved with Her Campus NYU or being an editor in general?

GM: I recently began serving as Editor for Blogs and Profiles, and it’s been great. I especially enjoy editing and writing up profiles of NYU students/grads because I get to listen to them in person and help shape their fascinating stories. In a way, it’s helped me become a more creative storyteller. I also enjoy reading other staff writers’ pieces while editing and am often inspired by the colorful variety of voices within HC NYU.

Are you part of any other organizations at NYU? Which ones (and why do you like them)?

GM: Aside from Her Campus, I’m also the Public Relations Director for an organization called Freedoms For North Korea, where we host a multitude of events to raise awareness and educate NYU students on the North Korean crisis. Every Wednesday evening, you can also find me playing my flute in the NYU Community Orchestra. Not only is this a tremendous stress reliever, but I’ve been able to connect with people who share my appreciation for music. To add, I’m grateful that I’ve been able to actively enhance my photography skills by serving as a Staff Photographer of the school newspaper, Washington Square News.

During my leisure time, I write and publish posts on LinkedIn for NYU’s Chapter for LinkedIn Student Voices. I’m also an active member in NYU Comm Club, NYU Democrats, and Women in Communication. These organizations host neat events where students can creatively network and learn from professionals in their field. The complementary food is also a perk!

Outside of school, are there any other interests or hobbies you have?

GM: Starting fall of my sophomore year, I’ll serve as the Community Management Intern at a startup mobile app called Palate. Essentially, this app is designed to help users easily locate the best dishes and drinks at eateries in the city. Food, food photography, and writing restaurant reviews have always been personal interests of mine, so I’m beyond excited to take on this opportunity. Aside from working with Palate, some of my other hobbies include jazz/rhythm and blues singing, binge reading The Onion, creative writing, politics, and playing indoor volleyball.

Examples of my food photography

How to balance all of your extracurriculars and your academics? You seem to be involved in so much!

GM: In high school, I was known as that crazy girl who was hectically darting from corner to corner with papers flying everywhere. (Well, come to think of it, to an extent, I still am here at NYU). I definitely need to make an effort to leave more personal space for myself, but I’ve learned that forgetting the numbers really boosts productivity. I used to allocate half an hour or two hours to accomplish a certain task. However, focusing on results rather than relying on a stopwatch has helped me work to my maximum.

I balance school work, internships, hobbies, and ‘me time’ mostly by using a super cool project management tool called Trello that organizes your ideas, things you are currently doing, what needs review, and what has been accomplished. Aside from making an active effort to visually organize my to-do list, I’ve learned to stick to the mantra: work hard now, play hard later.

What are your academic and career plans for the rest of college?

GM: Eek! As only a first year student, I’m still figuring out what I want to pursue post-college. I’ve become really interested in the North Korean crisis lately (in particular, women’s rights in North Korea.) As of now, I hope to work for an organization called LINK, or Liberty In North Korea, in their Communication Department. I hope to help rewrite and rebrand the stories of the North Korean people, shedding light on the realities of their lives. While this is subject to change, I know that, for certain, I am interested in working with the media, politics, and human rights.

With Liberty In North Korea CEO, Hannah Song

What’s one inspiring book you read lately?

GM: Malala Yousafzai, an 18-year-old girl who was shot by the Taliban but remains one of the most vocal fighters for women’s education, is one of my greatest influences. I admire her audacity and eloquence. Recently, I finished reading her book “I Am Malala” which highlights the untapped power of women through the story of her own experiences and triumphs. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel a part of something greater as it will inspire solidarity for a cause in the reader.

And some fun facts…..

• One thing no one knows about you: I’ve broken a light bulb by singing (or should I say shrieking) “Think Of Me” from Phantom of the Opera.
• Current song on replay: I Really Don’t Care- Bilal
• Favorite buy at Sephora: I was super pleased with Sephora’s Outrageous Curl – Dramatic Volume And Curve Mascara. Works super well and doesn’t clot. No, I’m not on Sephora’s payroll.
• Favorite spot on NYU’s campus: La Maison Francaise
• Ultimate celebrity crush: It’s definitely a tie between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Johnny Depp.