Name: Selene San Felice
Year: Sophomore
Age: 19
Hometown: Millersville, MD
Major: Journalism
Instagram and Twitter usernames: @seleniepanini
What activities are you involved in on and off campus?
On campus I am the assistant Arts and Entertainment editor for The Minaret, I am also going to be the new Sex and Love columnist as of next semester. I am the Editor-in-Chief of the honor’s research publication, Respondez!, and I am a lifeguard at our pool as well. I also write for an online humor publication called Things of Stuff (thingsofstuff.com)
Most interesting article you have written for the Minaret?
Most recently I interviewed Franki Markstone, one of the amazing ladies that helped found the local burlesque scene. For the same issue I also got to write about my experience being set up on a blind date and covered EDC Orlando; all of which you can find in the current Minaret magazine that is out on stands.
What do you do to relax and unwind?
When I get a spare night to go out, I love spending quality time with friends, but when I really need to relax I spend quality alone time with Netflix. Naps are also a great way to relax.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasures are cookies and carbs. Do not leave a pot of pasta on the stove unguarded around me. I can also demolish a tray of place-and-bake cookies before they have time to cool.
Are you single or nah?
Definitely single.
Your ideal guy/girl?
My ideal guy is straightforward. He doesn’t lie or play games and is open minded. He also cooks for me when I’m stressed.
Your ideal date?
The best dates I’ve been on have always been surprises. I LOVE surprises, and a little spontaneity is definitely important in the dating world.
Who is your celebrity crush and why?
I have an unhealthy obsession with Donald Glover (Childish Gambino). It’s not so much of a crush, but everything he does is so incredible to me. He’s an actor, a comedian, a writer, a rapper, and is not afraid to share his feelings with the world. He doesn’t let anyone stop him from feeling the way he does or doing what he loves.
Favorite memory at UT thus far?
Recently my best friend from home came to visit for Halloween. Even though our plans fell apart we had the best weekend ever and I was so excited to show her all that Tampa has to offer. I’m so lucky to have great friends here and at home.
What is one thing you want to accomplish at UT before you graduate?
It’s always been a goal of mine to learn Turkish. I’m half Turkish and to be able to talk with my family and really experience my culture is vital to me. I’m hoping to study abroad in Istanbul next spring and take Turkish classes, while still studying different aspects of media and journalism
What is your ideal job for the future?
I definitely want to be a writer, but I’d also love to be an editor, and maybe one day an editor-in-chief of a magazine. My focus right now is culture and entertainment, and there are so many fantastic publications that I’d love to be a part of.
What quote do you live by?
“How Can Mirrors Be Real If Our Eyes Aren’t Real”- Jaden Smith.
Selene captured a beautiful image of the Blue Mosque when she was in Istanbul this past summer.