"Alicia"

Meet Alicia!

Who I Am:
My name is Alicia (uh-lee-see-uh), and I am a goofy, 22-year-old, creative writer with big dreams of changing the world with written words. I had the pleasure of growing up in beautiful Northern California, in a town called Vacaville. While I consider Vacaville my hometown, I moved to Anthem, AZ when I was 15. I went to school for film, and I graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. I then moved to Allen, TX at the beginning of August, only to come to Florida a few weeks later to begin my fall internship with TWLOHA. I have learned that the true meaning of home lies wherever my family is, and in sleeping with my Australian Shepherd at the foot of my bed.
Stuff I Like:
I love video games, silly cartoons, and collecting seasons of television shows on DVD. My favorites are Supernatural, Game of Thrones, Catfish, Modern Family, Community, Adventure Time, and so many more. Lately, Marina and the Diamonds and Lana Del Rey repeat incessantly on my Spotify. I have had the pleasure of seeing Taking Back Sunday three times in concert (and it will be four by the time the term ends). My favorite movies are Silver Linings Playbook, Fight Club, Donnie Darko, and 500 Days of Summer. Books I forever keep in my heart (although I don’t read as often as I like) include The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick, Lying: A Metaphorical Memoir by Lauren Slater, and The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.
Ever since I discovered creative writing in second grade, I have been in love with telling stories, creating characters, writing scripts—anything to be able to put my imagination down on paper. Despite having consistent writer’s block, I work through it and even managed to complete a novel last November for National Novel Writing Month. I feel I am meant to tell my story through writing. It is my ultimate goal to write a realistic novel or television series that helps erase the stigma of mental illness while encouraging the idea of the importance of community and getting help.
Since my arrival in Florida, I love spending my time laughing with my fellow interns and staff, taking spontaneous day trips, and squealing with excitement over every single lizard I see—and there are a great deal of lizards! I enjoy giggling with my roommate, Andrea, when we can’t sleep, having conversations with Jessica M. over the perils of being a writer, ooh-ing over wombats with Jess C., and recording everything Brandi says for future reference. I also adore going to work and being able to work alongside the amazing TWLOHA staff.
Why I’m Here:
I am a success story in my continuing struggle with an anxiety disorder. With support from my loved ones, counseling, and medication, the last few years have taught me that I can overcome obstacles I never thought I could. While my anxiety is a part of me, it is not who I am.
I want to encourage others to live out their own success stories as well. As a Resident Assistant for three years, I grew immensely by receiving and offering loving, supportive community. (Shout out to McConnell Staff 2010-2013!) During my time at NAU, I helped my good friend, Alexis, establish a TWLOHA UChapter in 2010. I served as Vice President for two years before filling a co-president role, and eventually took over completely as President when Alexis graduated. I send my love to TWLOHA NAU, and I am so proud of everyone there who has worked together to make it what it is today.
It is my dream that one day we can live in a world without the stigma attached to mental illness. Where our dreams surpass our fears. Where we can look each other in the eyes, be who we are, and love without bounds. I want to help make this a reality, and that is why I am here.