By PATRICIA PIXLER, Student Reporter
Rachel Reardon is a senior at NWOSU, majoring in English and minoring in History. Reardon, 21, comes from Woodward, Oklahoma, but has lived in Texas, New York, and California. She considers the Dallas-Fort Worth area her second home.
Reardon has been an active member of the Delta Zeta sorority since her freshman year. In addition, she’s been a member of the Writer’s Roundtable, Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, and the Anime and Manga club.
The Delta Zeta sorority in particular has been memorable to Reardon. “I joined Delta Zeta because I felt as though I needed additional social interaction and practice as a decent communicator and public servant. I have made some great friends through my time in sorority, as well.”
When asked what brought her to NWOSU, Reardon says, “My father’s job often brings him to Alva, and so he suggested that I attend this school, having heard nothing but good things about its English program. Some of my friends had attended this school as well.”
Reardon has enjoyed how diverse and personable Northwestern has been during her time here. “I appreciate how easy it is to network here; everyone knows who you are and genuinely wants you to succeed.”
One of Reardon’s greatest fears when leaving high school had been that she would never find the stability she was looking for. “I have moved several times throughout my life, and have had to adjust to different lifestyles and ways of thinking. While this had made me stronger, I would like to reach a point where I’m comfortable and independent. I would like to find a place where I’m happy and can truly make a life for myself.”
After graduation, Reardon intends to get her M.A. in American Studies from Northwestern. She is also open to attending other programs after getting her M.A., including MFA programs in Creative Writing.
What Reardon truly loves to do is write. “My ultimate goal is to have my own work published. I would love to write novels of any and all genres and perhaps publish some poetry books as well. I believe that if I can get my foot in the door with a publishing house, it will only add to my experience and make my goal that much more attainable.”
Though Reardon points out that she knows the publishing industry is difficult. “I have many hobbies and would comfortably fit into several different career fields. I am also not opposed to starting smaller jobs outside of my interest and working my way up, knowing that people rarely find their dream jobs straight out of college.”
Another passion Reardon holds involves Disney. “I’m a bit of a child at heart. I love my Disney movies and I’ve always admired Walt Disney for his imagination and determination to make his dreams a reality.”
Though she wants to be an author, Reardon would have no qualms about joining the Disney team as a screenwriter given her great appreciation for film. “I take a lot of influence from myths and fairytales when I’m writing, which is why things like Disney and mythology are so important to me. Anime is more of a hobby, but Japan has a wealth of talented writers. The writing in some of those shows is so creative, it blows my mind.”
It is a quote by Walt Disney that Reardon offers to sum up her life’s philosophy. “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
Sources
Rachel Reardon, rrreardon71@rangers.nwosu.edu