Where are you from?
I was initially born in Oregon, but my family moved to Bucharest, Romania, when I was merely six months old and have lived there my whole life up until coming to study at Oregon State University. During the summer, we would come to visit relatives in Oregon which led me to touring OSU in high school.
What drew you to studying creative writing, mathematics, and business?
While it might seem like a jumble of unrelated subjects, I’m fascinated by creative writing and mathematics as respective languages used to understand the natural and emotional world. Over the time spent at Oregon State University, I’ve discovered that many different subjects can align with this fascination, including business as a means to understand the wants of the people around me. I’m particularly interested in the fragrance industry, which combines scientific knowledge in formulation and creative writing in advertising and overall feel for a majority of products.
What has been your experience as a student of both the College of Liberal Arts and the Honors College?
I am both delighted and grateful to be a part of the College of Liberal Arts and the Honors College. Being a part of these communities has helped campus become wonderfully familiar to me. The liberal arts and honors 360, that is, looking around any classroom and seeing someone from either college that you know, has made my college experience feel like a second home. The offerings are endless, whether it be volunteering to man a letterpress, having a scheduled intimate morning coffee & chat with classmates, or taking a class on the science of science fiction. Personally, I feel that it is impossible to take advantage of these opportunities enough, and that my college experience has been permanently altered in the best way by trying to do so.
Have you started your honors thesis? If yes, what’s the topic and/or focus of your research? If not, are you considering any ideas so far?
I have started my honors thesis, and for it I’m producing a linked collection of short stories which surround interpersonal relationships and the fragrance industry as a means to discuss wider industry issues and special little revelations that most people have in their lives. I am a firm believer that scent is the only true photorealistic carrier of memory, which is another major theme in the project.
What have been some of your favorite classes taken?
Some of my favorite classes taken include Manipulation of Time in Narrative (ENG 485), Worldviews and Environmental Values (PHL 443H), Advanced Fiction Writing (WR 424), Intro to Numerical Analysis (MTH 351), Intro to Film (FILM 145H), and Soundscape Ecology (HC 407). Highly recommend this list!
What are you hoping to do after you graduate?
After I graduate, I’m hoping to complete an M.B.A. and spend some time working in the cosmetics industry before coming back to school and completing an M.F.A.
How do you feel that your experience in CLA and HC is setting you up for success?
I feel that my experience in both of these colleges has set me up for success due to the importance placed on networking and the friendliness of the communities. Being aware of career fair opportunities and having speakers come from all around the world are also some very valid perks. The work ethic I’ve been able to develop through these communities in terms of creative pursuits and completing what is set in front of me is something that I believe will help me succeed in the long run.