When Emerson students Nick Durvasula and Joey Bombardiere returned home this past winter-break, the two decided it was time to get serious. After thinking about the next 5 years of their life, Nick and Joey made goals for themselves for the upcoming semester.

“One of the first goals was, we need to get jobs,” Joey said.

“Didn’t happen,” said Nick.

Nick, a 22 year old from Greenwich, Connecticut, and Joey, a 20 year old from Toms River, New Jersey, met and became friends through their involvement in the “Stand-Up in the Park” organization here at Emerson. Prior to his education in Boston this year, Nick was pursuing stand-up at a local comedy club. His mom was the one who told him about Emerson’s comedic arts program.

“I applied as a joke,” he said. “I did a rap video, explaining why they shouldn’t let me in. And this school let me in. And they've regretted it since then.”

Joey, on the other hand, informed us that he doesn’t remember applying to any school, but when he received a call from Emerson in late August of this past summer, he found himself getting ready to move to Boston.

“I was always the least funny person I [knew] until I joined a writing session at stand-up in the park,” he said.

One week, while sharing jokes with the organization, Nick found himself impressed with Joey’s famous “Brisk Iced Tea” skit, a skit Nick referred to as “brilliant.” During our interview, Joey said he couldn’t share the skit, however, as he is saving it for whenever the streaming service Tubi reaches out with a deal for him. It sounds promising, nonetheless. From then on, the two became an unexpected comedic duo.

It was at the Black Seed Cafe last semester when the two were eating burgers late at night, that Nick proposed the idea they pursue comedy together.

“I was looking at Joe, and he was looking at me, and we were just like ‘Let’s get famous, huh?’” Nick recalled.

To which Joey replied, “That’s not what I said. I said, ‘Do you ever think of yourself doing anything else?’ You don’t remember? You were staring me right in my eyes… Black Seed Cafe… a little bit of burger juice was dripping down your chin. We were getting yelled at to get out.”

After returning to campus this January, Nick and Joey got cracking on their second goal for the semester, that being to share their comedy through social media. @Lifesabitt, an Instagram sketch page run by and starring the two, came out with their first video this past February. Since then, Nick and Joey have written, shot, and edited five sketches consisting of “pure chaos,” as the two describe it. Audiences can watch these young comedians perform improv as themselves as well as additional characters they play, such as “Oppofield Andy,” “Knicks Guy,” and “Robe Dude.”

“I truly believe that every character is sort of a sliver of our true selves,” Joey said.

They spoke excitedly about their use of the nouveau shamanic when performing, a term coined by Joey’s inspiration, none other than Nicholas Cage. The two described it as “a pocket” an actor or comedian slips into in order to truly become the character they are portraying.

The name Lifesabitt came after a profound realization Nick and Joey had one night during a game of pong (something at which the two have never lost, as Nick mentioned). Joey had been writing sketches while on campus, and was watching in awe as the events he created started to play out as parts of his reality.

“Everything I had written, all of my sets, were being on full display right in front of me in reality. Everything that I was manifesting was happening,” Joey remarked.

It was then he made the comment that life is just a “bit.”

“Dude.” Nick said.

“Dude!” Joey replied, “That needs to be the name of this.”

There isn’t too much planning that goes into the production process, they said. Nick and Joey walk around the city prior to filming and talk out their ideas, a moment in which Nick finds they do their best work. They’ll come up with a set, and usually end up completely changing it countless times until they’re doing improv in front of the camera.

In terms of improv, Nick never found himself relying on it prior to working with Joey. In his old stand-up, Nick was memorizing jokes. Now, he says he writes around 85% of his material, leaving 15% of space for improv. That 15% is where he’s recently found the most success.

“In the moments where you’re like panicking… you have to say something funny, it’s like that survival instinct,” he said. “Trying to channel that pocket of discomfort and almost plan for it, is something that we can do.”

Nick and Joey wouldn’t categorize their comedy into any specific genre, they never intended to have a cohesive approach to this project. Joey recalled another student approaching him about Lifesabitt, claiming although they didn’t understand it, the videos were funny.

“You’re not supposed to understand it. That’s sort of what we’re trying to go for here,” he said.

A friend from Nick’s hometown reached out to him, stating that he and his buddies had been going through a rough patch. However, they were always looking forward to a new video from Nick and Joey, as it allowed them to step away from their problems and laugh for a minute.

“We want to remind people that life is a bit. You know, don’t take this stuff too seriously, have a good time with it,” Nick said.

After inquiring about their goals for the future in terms of comedic paths, Nick and Joey weren’t entirely sure, yet they had a general idea of where they were going to be.

“I already know the day I’m going to die, it’s going to be at the Chicago Olympics, 2028,” Joey told us. “All I know is that I'm going to have an entourage with me. Dedicated followers, and I’m going to leave a legacy.”

Nick, on the other hand, sees himself pursuing stand up, and maybe even creative writing. His ultimate goal, however, is to create a non-profit (or for-profit) organization that addresses the problems of mental health within the comedy community. He sees retired comedians going through training for comedic therapy, and helping patients at treatment centers process their emotions through laughter.

Additionally, Nick is determined to ensure Joey makes it past the 2028 Chicago Olympics.

In the meantime, however, Nick and Joey are enjoying their time at Emerson and working on Lifesabitt. They love making people laugh, and they’re pretty damn good at it, too. During the interview, we found ourselves laughing the entire time. Seriously. Check out their Instagram page if you want to support student comedians, or take a break from everyday stresses and just let yourself engage in effortless comedy. Remember, life is just a bit. Laugh at it!

A few years ago in California, you could have once found a shy and reserved pre-teen in boxy glasses, appearing a tad reticent to the public eye. Little would you know, however, that this quiet kid was jamming out on the drums and coming up with song lyrics back at home, converting all of her creative energy into art. That child was Johanna “Jo” Faith Malicdem, the now 19-year-old Journalism major and psychology minor who lives each day exploring the possibilities of her self-expression and unapologetically sharing her artistry with the world.

Jo was raised in the town of Pasadena, CA alongside her two younger siblings. Her family of five has a strong connection, and the support system she grew up with is unbreakable.

“With everything I’ve got going on, they’re always super excited to hear about [it],” Jo told me about her parents.

Her mother and father created an environment of music appreciation for Jo throughout her whole life, establishing an early-on connection to the world of art.

“My parents always thought I would be a musician,” she laughed. “I was singing ever since I could remember. My parents were very fond of karaoke, so I was always singing along with them.”

Accompanied with her voice, Jo can play the guitar, the ukulele, the drums, and she’s even got a year’s worth of piano practice in her. Out of all these instruments, Jo finds herself most attached to the drums, something her father taught her how to play.

“I thought it was cool to see a girl drummer. I had never seen a female drummer up until I hopped on the drum set and did my research,” she told me.

Jo would spend hours studying prominent female percussionists, finding herself inspired by the talent of Karen Carpenter, Clingy Blackman, and Sheila E, women she views as “legends.”

In the 7th grade, Jo’s choir teacher informed her about his daughter’s all-girls ‘80s cover band, and specifically, their need for a drummer. Next thing you know, Jo found herself within this group of talented girls, rocking out to the Go-Gos and the Bangles. Pretty impressive to be in an established group of bad-ass musicians collaborating together to make music at such a young age.

Growing up a reserved kid, music was Jo’s outlet for expressing herself. When the mechanics and skill required to master her instruments could at times lead to stress, Jo found song-writing to be her preferred method of a therapeutic practice.

“I remember writing songs in middle school, and them being super bad. But, you know, I was still expressing myself. It still felt good.”

The youthful creative often finds herself converting her pent-up thoughts into written words. During her interview, Jo mentioned that she turned to introspective writing during rough patches in her life, when even music and song-writing couldn’t distract her.

“Introspective writing comes naturally to me,” she said. “I haven’t been too great with articulating my emotions and how I feel, or what I’m thinking. But once I get everything down on paper, it’s like, ‘oh okay, I understand… what I’m feeling.’”

Jo writes about anything going on in her life, from lessons she’s learned to the experiences she is undergoing. Vulnerability when it comes to written forms of story-telling is something Jo isn’t afraid to relish, or even advocate.

She always had the desire to share the work she produced with the public. Jo told me that allowing others to read her writing is her own way of expressing herself. If she weren’t to do this, she’d fear nobody would know what’s going on in her head.

“Growing up it was really fascinating, because I think people recognized that I was good at creative things. But it would always take people by surprise, because I wouldn’t say anything otherwise in person.”

And so the young writer let the public read her “public diary,” as she referred to her personal writings. The summer before her junior year of high-school, Jo created an Instagram account called The PieFace Column, where she would upload the work she had written to a few hundred readers.

“For a while, I was just posting… my own little pieces. Whether they were think-pieces… or poems, or introspective pieces,” she told me. “PieFace started off super nonchalantly, it was so casual.”

Cut to two years later, and Jo found herself at Emerson, an environment where she was surrounded by dozens of writers like herself who embraced the same sense of openness in their work.

“When I got to Emerson, I realized there were so many people who… didn’t necessarily have platforms to contribute to. We were freshman, it was… competitive here… like ‘where do we start?’” Jo recalled.

Like-minded peers began reaching out to Jo to contribute to The PieFace Column. She was thrilled to have new writers joining this “nonchalant” platform, and also surprised at the amount of interest she received.

“I do remember being so weirded out at the fact that people actually wanted to take part in it,” she said with a smile, “I felt so so lucky, because everyone that has reached out so far has been really amazing to work with. They really add to the value of the team and everything that we’re putting out.”

Today, PieFace has a total of 23 members, including visual artists, editors, a social media team, and more. The Instagram account has amassed a popular following within the Emerson community, coming a long way from the online-diary Jo created on a whim.

Since arriving in Boston, Jo told me she’s seen herself progressively make her way out of her reserved shell.

“I think since coming to Emerson… I’m surrounding myself with such great, inspiring people. That has definitely helped in the process of finding my voice.”

And that’s exactly what Jo is doing. The writer has been vocalizing her thoughts in addition to personal write-ups. When she’s not managing her own column, Jo dedicates her time to yet another project she created right here on campus, The Cherry Poppers, a WECB radio show dedicated to conversations about the lessons learned from past flings, failed relationships, bad experiences, and everything in between.

Not only has she triumphed against childhood inhibitions regarding self-expression, but in the process of doing so, Jo has found herself a leader amongst various creatives that either write for her platform or join her radio-show. When I asked Jo to speak about her leadership roles, Jo laughed and shook her head.

“I don’t see myself as a leader. Not in a self-deprecatory kind of way, but everything I’ve led has been super collaborative… With PieFace, all of the contributors… are what’s keeping the platform running. I’m kind of just managing everything.”

That’s the kind of person Jo is. She is a team-player who recognizes the value in art and in fellow artists. Her creativity is limitless, and her talents are varied. Throw Jo in with a mix of entrepreneurs, and the work you’ll receive is promised to reflect that of determination and passion for her craft.

“I like to think that I’m very determined. I like getting things done,” she humbly stated.

Interviewing with Jo showed me the progression of a talented creator on the journey of broadcasting her art in various, compelling formats destined to attract admiration. After years of comfort within the walls of writing, Jo has taken the first steps into unrestricted and inventive forms of expression.

Make sure to pay mind to this Hidden Gem. She’s already accomplished so much within her first two years on campus, and she’s destined to amount to so much more.

Wherever you choose to go to school, moving away from your childhood home isn’t easy. After practically two decades spent in one comfortable environment, we pack up our entire lives and leave. For some, they moved to another state. For others, they simply moved a town over. For Emerson sophomore Putthida “Namo” Chalermpao, she moved halfway across the globe.

The 20-year-old VMA major is an international student from Bangkok, Thailand. When she got on the plane last year to travel 13,000+ kilometers to Boston, it was her first time coming to the U.S.

“I’ve never been to the States before, I only came here for college,” she told me during our interview.

Namo always knew she wanted to study here. In fact, she solely applied to American schools, a decision influenced partly by her desire to pursue film, but mainly because of her late grandfather.

“I… wanted to study in the states since I was a little kid. A part of that was influenced by my grandfather, he studied here for his masters degree. As a kid I really looked up to my grandfather, he passed away pretty early on in my life.”

I was stunned. She recounted such a dramatic transition in her life to me so nonchalantly, proving her adaptability and readiness to grow. For Namo, one of the most difficult aspects of her move was adjusting to the change in climate, something she had to quickly grow accustomed to.

“Back home the weather is scorching hot and you really don’t want to spend time outside,” Namo told me about Bangkok.

Freshman year, Namo could be seen in up to three layers in 60 degree weather. This February however, the sophomore walked about Boston’s brittle winter in a short-sleeved top and one outer-layer.

From my chat with Namo, I got a strong sense of her palpable personality. She is the kind of girl who sees an opportunity, grabs it, and runs with it. Namo is no stranger to taking risks and trying new things, quite obviously. Her resume, after having spent just a year and half at Emerson, is already quite extensive.

“I really like to be challenged, so I really like to try new things,” she said.

The second-year VMA major is heavily involved in a series of campus productions, performing various roles such as technical executive producer, associate producer, key grip, gaffer, and serving as a member of the art team for six different projects. Namo keeps busy, in other words.

Although unsure as to what exactly she wants to pursue within the film industry, the sophomore has been taking the time to experiment with various areas of interest.

Namo has an extraordinary sense of imagination, something that proves convenient whenever she decides to write screenplays. She isn’t afraid to let her creativity run wild and embraces whatever idea comes her way.

“I really like to daydream… When you have nothing to do and your mind just… flows, you really go somewhere that you usually don’t go,” Namo said.

However, as she told me, her creative process is nonetheless a lengthy process.

“I enjoy speculative fiction. It’s… imagining yourself in your character’s shoes. I really like to write about complicated stuff that takes a lot of research. It takes a long time before I can get a script out.”

Adding on to her list of daily duties, Namo is a current employee at the Equipment Distribution Center (EDC), where she discovered her talent with “tech stuff,” as she put it. When she isn’t toying around with writing scripts, Namo has dived into the realms of film-tech, with possible aspirations of becoming a gaffer.

“Lighting is techy, but there’s a creative side. You have to design lighting for a plot to fit the visual of… the story.”

When she isn’t working on set or at the EDC, Namo also holds several leadership positions at Emerson. She is the Vice President of the organization “Frames Per Second,” and the Treasurer for both “Asian Students in Alliance,” and “Anime@Emerson.”

“I always wanted to… be a part of something. I can’t really just sit and chill, I feel like I’m being left out of something, or I feel like I should do more,” Namo explained.

I was curious to learn more about Namo’s stance on leadership, given her impressive experience with conducting organizations here on campus. Has leading others always come easily to the 20-year-old? She humbly shook her head.

“I don’t see myself as someone who IS a leader, I see myself as someone who wants to be a leader,” She told me. “I want to try and take the lead. It’s definitely risk-taking, because when you become a leader, you have to be responsible for yourself, but you also have to be responsible for others. You have to be really good at organizing yourself, delegating jobs… and communicating.”

Namo’s endeavors in her positions thus far have been opportunities to learn leadership skills, she told me. Clearly, her capabilities didn’t go unnoticed, as the school informed her this past summer that she received the position as the International Student Peer Mentor for first-year international students.

“I work with international students on campus, online, abroad, and…[at] partnered institutions. My priority is... To make them feel comfortable in adjusting to this new normal. It’s definitely hard,” she said.

In discussing this role, Namo expressed her concern for the undeniable decrease in the amount of international students on campus. The blatant rise in xenophobia that has plagued our country over the past year has added a new level of severity to Namo’s mentor position.

“There’s a lot of political play here, and obviously the pandemic. Asians and other international students have always been pushed to the side and not really seen. Now that there’s less international students here, we feel even less support. We’re alone here. We need all the support we can get, at the end of the day, we are... humans too, and we’re struggling like most of you are.”

The Emerson community is incredibly lucky to have a student like Namo on campus. She is versatile and open-minded, a woman who is humble with her success and passionate about what the future has to hold. Namo isn’t just a student who is talented and ambitious. She is also a student who holds compassion for others and works strenuously everyday to make life on campus better for everyone.

“Us humans, we’re… living our life. There’s not really an end goal, life is more about figuring things out, meeting a goal and seeing other pathways. Life is about figuring yourself out and finding new things,” Namo spoke with a smile.

5 years from now, this Hidden Gem sees herself living in California, content in whatever job she holds, and of course, flying back and forth from the U.S. to Thailand.

20 minutes outside of the city, there sits a small studio in an Everett, Massachusetts high school. Within this workplace sat a 16-year-old artist messing around with a control booth after school, finding fascination with the world of film each moment she spent in the studio.

That student is the now 18-year-old freshman VMA major, Sara Bourjjai, an ambitious and inspired young woman destined to share her artistry with the world.

Sara grew up in the Boston area her entire life. She’s no stranger to the fast-paced nature the city has to offer, in fact, she thrives off the sense of achievability and persistence that comes from living here.

“When you go into Boston you are ready to do anything that you set your mind to. Regardless of where I end up, I hope I always have that sense of community, and sense of belonging to my city,” Sara told me during our interview.

The Massachusetts local laughed as she talked about her family life, telling me about the high spirits and entertainment within her “mixed” family, as she put it.

“I have a huge family… one day you’ll have all the Italian family in the house, and the next you’ll have all the Arab family in the house,” she explained, “[There are] a lot of holidays, a lot of gatherings that are chaotic.”

It wasn’t hard to feel the palpable way Sara cherishes this big family of hers. As we chatted, she mentioned the sense of comfort and safety she feels with those closest to her.

“Growing up, I was always around this big family life, being with the people who make [me] feel most comfortable, make you want to be who you are. We’re always there for each other.”

Aside from the familial love Sara holds in her heart, an undeniable part of her passion is found within art, and various forms of it, too. Prior to her time at Emerson, Sara had been enrolled in both photography and painting classes. The adroit teen even played a role in her high school’s theater program, helping out behind the scenes with the stage crew. Out of all these artistic endeavors, Sara feels the strongest proclivity for painting.

“When did I start painting?... As soon as I picked up a paintbrush,” she said. “Art, to me, is a way to voice what’s inside of you. It’s the best way to figure out what matters most to you, and how you want it to be seen. My purpose for painting is to dig deeper and see the best parts of yourself and bring them out.”

In the background of her Zoom screen sat an impressive oil painting with a vast array of vibrant clouds behind a blue canvas. When I asked Sara how she gathers ideas for her paintings, she told me she finds inspiration from scenic landscapes, often with intertwined aspects of fantasy.

“Art is an escape. It’s very personal, you can take it at your own pace. I try to be calm, content, in the moment when I’m doing work, and just roll with it honestly,” she said about her process.

It was one of Sara’s paintings that compelled her to attend Emerson, in fact. Sara had visited the school with her parents back in October of 2018. Inevitably, she strolled through the Massachusetts Transit Building leading to the 2B alley, where the “Printed Image Exhibit” was being showcased for the year. Sara had admitted a painting she made of a goat to the showcase, and had never heard back. You can imagine her surprise as her eyes drifted towards a familiar canvas hanging in the center of the exhibit.

“Imagine me on Boylston Street, standing at the visitors center, realizing that my exhibit is right next door, and then being like ‘Huh! This is an interesting point that the universe probably gave me.’”

Sara did not take that sign lightly, and found herself enrolled at Emerson two years later, studying film. She has come a long way since the days spent in her high school’s control room. Her interest in film stemmed from an early appreciation for behind-the-scenes work, however, her artistic background was a key segway into her prospective career. She talked to me about the connection between her canvas work and the passion she holds for film.

“Not only is film an art, it is a tool,” she said. “As much as I love traditional art and have this deep respect for anything on canvas, I feel like film is taking that next step [in enhancing] your stories.”

Sara’s main interest is in directing. She is quite perceptive, and thus knows exactly how to visually convey her ideas to an audience.

“[Directors] are at the center of the film. They’re able to see every single step, and they’re able to visualize each piece. That was what was most appealing about it,” she explained.

The freshman has yet to even spend two full semesters in Boston, and she has already made impressive headway in a project she created, titled Miss Ingenious, a docu-series about women in the arts, set to be released this March. Sara told me that this topic is one of her biggest inspirations.

The aspiring director is not blind to the lack of female representation in the industry of directing, especially for women of color.

“There aren't many women like me in directing, yet,” She said. “I wanted to be the female director that I didn’t see in the industry. I’m an Arab, Muslim girl. I wanted to see that happen.”

The normalization of diversity is something Sara wishes to see for the future of Hollywood, a practice she is willing to kickstart herself.

“I might be someone who is praised for making a diverse crew or casting. But that’s really something that should just be normal. We can’t have things like the ‘token diversity hire’ anymore,” Sara said. “I would love to see more female directors, more Arab directors… we are so much more than what Hollywood makes us seem.”

Interviewing Sara, I saw a glimpse into the early workings of a young woman set for greatness. The 18-year-old has a mind rich with creativity, a gift that compliments her ambitious nature and limitless aspirations. Her career started off in a small high school studio, and yet I can already see it leading towards bright lights and red carpets.

At the end of our interview, Sara expressed the vision she has of herself just five years from now.

“I hope I’m in a position to keep going up. I hope that I’m someone who is ready to take on the next step. I hope I am exactly the woman that I want other girls to see, that other girls can look up to.”

Think back to your freshman year at college. The inevitable fears of uncertainty and unfamiliarity were overbearing, and at times, uncontrollable. For some, the anxiety can freeze you in time, making you unable to adjust in this new environment. For others, however, a change in location simply means a new opportunity to make yourself known and showcase your undiscovered talents. After having sat down with freshman Caroline Reese, there is no doubt in my mind that she is one of these individuals.

Prior to her time at Emerson, Caroline lived a small-town life with her loving and supportive family. She comes from a rural background in Wantage, New Jersey, quite the distinction from her newfound life in Boston.

“I miss the people in my town… everyone knows everybody. I miss that sense of intimacy. Here, I don’t have that,” she said during our interview.

An upbringing in a small town did not mean small experiences, however. The 18-year-old walked through the doors of the Little Building with an already astounding resume. One thing I gathered from speaking with Caroline, is that this girl has been surrounded by the arts all her life. I sat in awe and listened as she listed her extensive background in performing, having done everything from dancing, acting, singing, and now, creating.

“[I’ve done] theater since I could walk. If I hadn’t, I don’t think I would have an appreciation for what goes on in front of the camera and for what goes on behind. They go hand in hand,” she told me.

The VMA major’s passion for filmmaking stemmed from her participation in her school’s required technology course. After viewing her first media project, her teacher Mr. Fenlon urged the student to enroll in the Honors course the following year.

“He was like ‘I’ve always known you were on the stage and everything, but now here you are taking theater, and [with] a background in writing, and film, and you’re doing it all, this is everything you love all together,’” she recalled with a smile on her face, “I never really thought about it that way… I trusted him… I ended up loving it, it became the culmination of… everything, through film.”

Like every good director, Caroline makes it a priority to consider the needs of her audience. When approaching a new project, the freshman sits down and thinks about a message the world needs to hear.

“My most common source of inspiration is things that nobody wants to talk about,” Caroline told me, “Finding what it is that’s really vulnerable and really hard to talk about, and doing it. It’s scary, but people need to hear it. You never know who you’re going to reach. I want to be there for people… Just because a film hasn’t been made about it yet, doesn’t mean they’re alone.”

Embracing vulnerability and living unapologetically are key values for Caroline, and yet she admitted to me that maintaining this mentality can prove challenging. Like everyone, Caroline sometimes finds herself doubting her capabilities or questioning her passions. At times, it can feel as though the world is towering over her, inviting intimidation and panic.

“I’m 4’9!” Caroline told me during our interview, “When everyone was growing and I wasn’t, in like fifth grade... I started going to a doctor for it. I had the chance to get hormone implants to keep me growing.”

At the end of the day however, Caroline doesn’t allow insecurities to factor into her self-image.

“ I said no. That’s not who I am... I stayed 4’9. It kind of became a trade-mark in a weird sense. I embraced that. That was something… that made me, me… [and] I like wearing heels, so it works.”

I was amazed at Caroline’s palpable tenacity, and just had to ask what fuels her perseverance. At such a pivotal time in her life, amid global chaos, how does she do it? Well, she has the support of an old friend.

“The girl I was when I was 2 or 3, super curly hair, super short, so larger than life… that’s my biggest inspiration,” Caroline spoke with the biggest smile. “That girl, I owe everything to... She would have just been who she was, dancing, making up songs out in the rain, and that’s who I hope to always be at heart.”

At the end of our interview, having just learned so much about Caroline’s passion for her work and unquestionable determination, I had Caroline sit for a moment and think about her future. Where did she want to see herself some day?

“That end goal... getting out on a red carpet, walking into that award show… hearing that nomination, and maybe one day getting up on that stage and thanking every single person who has gotten me right here. I see that so clearly.”

And so do I. Caroline’s ambitions and dreams are infectious. She has the ability to make everyone in a room envision what she sees. The combination of her go-getter nature and devotion to her craft paves the way for a future of success. When you’re walking down the streets of Boylston, look out for the short, curly haired brunette. One day, you just might be able to brag that you got to walk alongside Hollywood’s finest, Caroline Reese.

My freshman year at Emerson College, a newfound friend invited me to join her table in the dining hall. Amongst the company sat a tall, smiling boy with clear glasses and Doc Martens. Before I got the chance to introduce myself to this stylish stranger, he turned towards me and spoke bluntly: “Moose aren’t real.”

I knew right then and there I was sitting with one of the strongest personalities I’d ever meet.

Will Percarpio, a 19 year old Writing, Literature and Publishing major from Warwick, NY, is one of those people you feel like you’ve known your entire life, even if you’ve just met. Standing at 6’3, sporting the most trendy garments, Will is a face in this sea of college kids that you won’t forget. He’s forward as all hell, and will never be afraid to tell you exactly what he’s thinking. Especially when it comes to fashion.

“I was exploring fashion a little before college, but I was afraid to fully dive in. When I got to Emerson I was just like ‘Oh. I can finally do it.’ And I did. I’ve always known how to put pieces together; what is trending, what I could make into a trend,” he spoke confidently during our interview.

Fashion is far from the extent to which Will showcases the creativity within his mind. Will is a poet, and having read a few of his pieces, may I just say an amazing poet.

“I love writing poetry. I feel like it connects people; when you read a poem there’s some stanza, line, theme, metaphor, that relates to you in some capacity. With poetry, no matter what, you’re going to find some kind of connection to it.”

His most recent work is a poem titled In the Cobblestone Courtyard, a piece regarding a secret love.

“I am delusional; I’m writing a poem about forbidden love and I’ve never been in love in my life.”

He holds passionate views regarding the feeling of love in general. It’s the one thing he hopes his audiences will take away from his poetry.

“I started an anthology about love. I haven’t titled it yet, but I want readers to take away the idea of love. Not everyone’s alone, and sometimes love will come through. I want everyone to feel welcomed in who they are, I feel like that’s really empowering.”

Expressing authenticity and showcasing his genuine personality is one of Will’s greatest attributes; however, it wasn’t something that came easily. Prior to his time at Emerson, Will received his education from an all-boys Catholic institution… not the most ideal environment to practice an unrestricted display of character.

“I knew who I was deep inside; it was always scary to say. You know who you are, but you don’t know how people are going to perceive you. In high school I wasn’t always perceived the best… because, it’s Catholic high school… and I’m me.”

“Prior to Emerson, my life was definitely not the same. College changes you; the experience changes you. I feel like I’ve been changed. I like myself way better now. I’ve progressed and matured into a better person. When I went to college it was like learning how to utilize my independence, learning how to be myself with all the freedom and liberties I’ve been given.”

For Fall of 2020, Will made the tough decision to stay home and take the semester off, prioritizing his focus on bettering himself. When he was sent back home this past March, Will found himself overcome with the troublesome emotions that life in quarantine brought.

“It was really kind of dark for me. I was writing a lot, but about how sad and lonely I was. I wasn’t allowed to see people. I didn’t know how to reach out to anyone; it felt like my life stopped. There was no way to rebalance myself. It was a time of growth… to learn how to like myself more. I went to online therapy. It was really helpful.”

Will is not the kind of guy to sit back and allow these feelings to take over his life. He spent time focusing on his writing while working as an employee at a local elementary school. He started exercising more frequently, and recently made the switch to become vegan. As Will put it: “Love yourself. Love the environment.”

In regards to regret, he holds mixed emotions.

“It’s a mixed bag for me, I’m taking this time to focus on myself, who I am. I’ve been focusing on how to be happy, and I don’t think I would have done that at Emerson. I think I would have distracted myself with extracurriculars and school, but now I’m forcing myself to find my own happiness and to make it myself. I miss my friends. I miss the freedom it gave me; I miss being able to walk down to Trader Joe’s for no fucking reason. I miss just going to Cambridge because I want to go to a used book store. I miss the thrift stores. I miss the connection to a life outside of my home.”

Will is the embodiment of unapologetic individualism. He refuses to lie to himself and takes the time and care to ensure he’s living his life in accordance with his dreams and passions. I look to his philosophy of living as inspiration, and invite us all to do the same. At the end of our interview, I asked Will what he wanted audiences to retain. He put it simply yet perfectly, encompassing everything he believes in and wishes for the world:

“Do not accept anything else but love from yourself and those around you. Demand your place in this world, let yourself be known. You are something, and you will be something.”