I am Surina Techarukpong, and this is how I work...

Location: Denver, CO

Current Gig: Outgoing senior at the University of Denver

One word that best describes how you work: Intermittent

Current mobile device: iPhone 11

Current computer: 2016 MacBook Pro

What apps, software, or tools can’t you live without? Microsoft Word, Grammarly, Google Docs. I would much rather do work through Microsoft Word, but due to convenience and being in college, Google Docs triumphs at times.

What’s your workspace setup like? Depends on where I am! Typically, it’s my laptop surrounded by all my notebooks and readings, even the ones I am not working on. I have a much harder time reading on my computer, so I try to print out my readings when I can.

What’s your best time-saving shortcut or life hack? Whenever I have to wake up early, I always pre-pack and lay out all of my clothes and belongings

What’s your favorite to-do list manager? I have a paper planner that I put everything in. I also am a big advocate of sticky notes as little reminders. If it is something really urgent I will put a reminder in my phone as well.

When doing research, are there any tools that you find to be indispensable? Google Scholar has been a lifesaver. One of the best days of my life was when I found out

What do you write with? Pencil and paper.

What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? Parallel parking. I learned when I went to college but have an uncanny ability to get it done on the first try.

What do you listen to while you work? I have a playlist of mellow music that I play as background music. If I’m doing Spanish work, I only listen to music in Spanish.

What are you currently reading? All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It has been taking me forever to get through it, but I am finally getting really into it.

Do you use an e-reader or do you prefer paper books? Paper over an e-reader every day.

What’s your sleep routine like? I go to bed early and I wake up early. Bedtime is usually around 10PM and my internal alarm clock goes off between 6:30-7AM.

Fill in the blank: I’d love to see _________ answer these same questions. Michelle Obama.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.

Is there anything else you want to add about your writing life? I love writing, but sometimes the hardest part is just sitting down and doing it.