Name: Jamie Bridenstine
Major: Communication w/ a Minor in Military Science
Class Standing: Junior
Role in HC: Social Media Chair
Why did you join HC?
I joined HC because I was a closet writer. I wrote short stories and took a lot of journalism classes thanks to my major, and wanted to continue my writing somehow. I worked with last year’s CC, Kaitlyn Suppes and she talked me into it. When I found out HC had a Social Media Chair opening, I grew more excited because that’s what I want to do when I grow up.
What do you love about HC?
I love working with all of the great people in HC. I found a group of people who have the same passion for writing as I do, and I love expressing myself through social media posts.
What’s one thing about you that surprises people?
Whenever I meet someone, I typically don’t tell them I’m in Army ROTC or the Army National Guard. They eventually find out, then say something like, “Wow, you’re in the military? I would have never guessed!” It’s something that I pride myself in, because it’s a lot of hard work on top of college, HC and my job.
Who, or what, is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration would have to be my dog, Timber. She’s basically my kid, and my entire life revolves around her. If I don’t do good in school or suck at my job, I won’t have money to take care of here or buy her new toys. Every time she looks up at me with her beautiful brown eyes, I feel so lucky to have adopted her.
What are your favorite things to do in your free-time?
In the rare free time that I have, I love to go running with Timber. She is always full of energy and needs to let it out or she gets crazy.
When you go to a coffee shop, what drink do you order?
I always order a Chai Tea Latte. I love tasting all of the different spices. I recently went to City Brew Coffee in Cheyenne, a new coffee shop on Dell Range, and ordered the Glacier Chai. Let’s just say I went back twice the same day and ordered it again.
What quote inspires you and why?
“Audentes Fortuna Iuvat.” It means “Fortune for the Bold” in Latin. This quote has stuck with me through the hard times since high school. I always remember it when I’m in a rough patch or need some inspiration, and it is the inspiration for my next tattoo.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
I would tell myself to do better in college. That’s the generic response, but I did absolutely horrible my first year in college. I would also tell myself to spend more time with my close friends that I pushed away, because looking back I miss them a whole awful lot.
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
I want to be good at video games. Oh my GOSH I want to be good at video games. My hand-to-hand coordination sucks.
What does success mean to you?
Success actually means failure to me. Yeah, that sounds kind of weird. But how can you become successful without learning from your mistakes?
Where is your happy place?
My happy place would have to be out on a hike with Timber. I love being in nature and away from the city.
If you could invite 3 people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be, and why?
First off, Amelia Earhart. Girl, where you at? It would be cool to talk with her about being a woman pioneer in a male dominated field at the time. And I want to know what happened to her plane.
Second, I would invite General Patton. He was an amazing leader who also passed away too soon, and I would like to speak to the man who had such an incredible influence on the military.
And finally, I would invite Zac Efron. Number one celebrity crush.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Wyoming Army National Guard, and a job in Public Relations… somewhere. Hopefully I’m stable enough to have my own house, and I’ll have a million dogs.
Finally, why should anyone reading this join HC?
HC is my favorite creative outlet. When I need a break from studying, I write. The Social Media position isn’t just another task on my checklist. I enjoy reaching out to other chapters and seeing what they’re doing. HC is a family of passionate writers who are pretty much all over the country, and if you want to feel like you’re a part of a larger organization, then HC is for you.
Any other thoughts?
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