As I have mentioned in previous documents on this website, one of my goals when I write is to share my personality. I believe that personality and identity affect an author's writing tremendously, whether it be the choice of topic that they take up or the writing style they employ.
I hope that the works included in this portfolio have given you a good sense of who I am. I hope that after reading my pieces, you have an idea of some of my personal characteristics. However, if I have failed in my attempt (or if you have honestly just skimmed aimlessly through this website), here is some background information about the person behind the pen:
Academic Background: Classical Languages (Latin concentration), Interdisciplinary Writing minor
Hometown: Washington D.C.
Favorite Food: peanut butter-straight from the jar, no bread required
Most Valued Virtue: gratitude
Favorite Experience at Wake: early morning track workouts at Kentner Stadium that start in the dark and end with a picturesque sunrise over Wait Chapel
Hobbies: Many of the things I love happen to be things that I am awful at: crossword puzzles (I rarely complete more than a 1/4 of it), trivia nights with friends (we normally finish dead last), and sand volleyball (my IM team has gotten mercy-ruled every game).
Things that I actually am good at include: taste-testing every Cookout milkshake flavor, playing soccer (though on second thought, you may want to ask my club soccer teammates to confirm), and bodysurfing (no confirmation needed on this though; I regularly beat my dad and brother).
One thing I absolutely cannot live without: Humor. And peanut butter.
Random Fun Fact: I am a little scared of pets. Okay, actually a little more than scared; "terrified" would probably be a better term. A dog bit my mom when I was very young and left scars that still remain today. Since then, I seem to have programmed myself to be suspicious of any 4-legged animal.
So all those petting zoo therapy sessions that are intended to be stress reducing? Yup, my friends love seeing how those all end up being stress inducing for me.
Feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns about my work or about my food preferences: karengusmer@gmail.com