Name: Celina Vega
Age: 21
Year: 3rd (Junior)
Major: English
HC: Being a transfer student, how has your experience at UIC been thus far?
CV: As a transfer student it was difficult transitioning from going to school in the suburbs to downtown Chicago. I had a difficult time adjusting because of having to commute by train, being in a school with thousands of students, and the professors here have different expectations. However I’ve enjoyed the new setting, and I’m majoring in what I love which makes the new experience even better.
HC: What is your favorite thing to do outside of UIC?
CV: My favorite thing to do outside of school is write poetry.
HC: What influenced poetry to be a part of your life? Do you have any writings?
CV: I’ve been writing for ten years. It started out when I was 11 years old. I used to write in a journal but I didn’t like rereading some things that happened in my life. So instead of writing in a journal I created the negative into something positive, which is poetry. I’ve been writing about dreams, love, motivation, overcoming depression and anxiety, and loving yourself. I even published my first poetry book (Paradox) in March 2014.
HC: How was it publishing your first poetry book?
CV: I didn’t try getting it published through a company because I wanted to self publish. Self publishing is a big risk to some people who don’t know how to properly market their book. I was comfortable with self publishing because I blog and networked with other bloggers who together have 1 million followers/subscribers. I was getting great sales but after around six months I stopped marketing it. I give 100% of my sales to organizations.
HC: Has your work been published anywhere else besides your book?
CV: I’m a volunteer writer for a nonprofit organization that tries reaching the message of helping to pay it forward in their communities and speak about the importance of education to students. I love poetry because it’s my passion, but my mission isn’t to make a profit. My mission is to help others, that’s why I donate my profits to organizations and why I’m an active volunteer.
HC: Who or what motivated you to write poetry and publish your book?
CV: What motivated me to publish my poetry was that it’s been ten years since I’ve been writing and I thought it was time I shared my art to the world. I wanted to let people know that someone can relate to them through my poetry.
HC: Do you have any new works in progress?
CV: I have a new book in progress that has poetry, art, photography, quotes, and letters by me. It’s still in the works and I’m hoping to publish it by the summer.
HC: If there is something that you can recommend to other people on campus about accomplishing their dreams what would it be?
CV: For anyone trying to accomplish their dreams I’d say that fear is the only failure. Not trying is what will hold you back, because if not you than who will do what you set your mind to. Work hard. Whatever path you take in life will affect your destination. If you ever feel lost don’t be scared. In life you’re meant to take chances and risks. And if you trip upon any stones along the way get up and keep going because the journey is what will heal all wounds.
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Celina’s book Paradox is for sale on Amazon! Be sure to check it out!
If you would like to view some of her new work or follow her work here is the link to her tumblr and to her poetry book Paradox!