My Story
Hi, my name is Alyssa, and I have a big problem! I’m double majoring in writing and film, television, and digital media at Texas Christian University. I have always loved stories and have dreamed of becoming a screenwriter in Hollywood.
So, what’s the big problem? After I studied abroad in Australia, my goals changed dramatically. While walking along the beach every day, I witnessed the breathtaking beauty of our ocean and the natural world. This experience sparked my interest in ecology and adventure.
Now, I’m just a semester away from graduating, and I have no idea what I want to do. All I know is that I want to travel the world and make a positive impact on the environment. I believe I can tell compelling stories, and this website will be a first step in exploring how I can use storytelling to explore and help our Earth.
My Writing
My love for writing began with screenwriting. I learned early on how to navigate the three-act structure to create a compelling story, craft realistic dialogue with just a few words, and set the scene with vivid imagery. These three elements still influence my writing today.
As I transition into travel writing, I aim to use narrative structure to tell a story rather than simply list unconnected recommendations. I strive to make my sentences snappy and engaging so that readers feel as though I’m speaking directly to them. The techniques I learned for creating striking scene descriptions are also in play as I tell readers about various exotic destinations.
My writing journey began with screenwriting and has now evolved into a unique travel writing style that aims to make readers feel like they are experiencing a movie.
My Experience
My past work experiences showcase my ability to work collaboratively, conduct research, and write engaging content.
My teamwork skills are evident from my time as a server at On The Border and Walter’s Wedding Estates. At On The Border, I worked as a waitress, managing multiple tables while ensuring my team had all the resources they needed to be successful. At Walter’s Wedding Estates, I often collaborated with three other team members to ensure our guests' weddings went as smoothly as possible. This involved serving meals, organizing the wedding venue, and even assisting an animal trainer when a bride requested a possum for her wedding. Both serving roles helped me learn how to tackle new challenges while supporting my coworkers.
Additionally, I have experience in travel writing. During my time with IES Abroad, a study abroad program, I had the freedom to write about any topic I wanted while studying in Australia, with the requirement to publish ten posts before the semester ended. This experience honed my ability to generate ideas independently. As will as manage my time effectively to produce high-quality articles without feeling rushed. While writing for the luxury travel magazine, Journey Beyond Aspen, I had less creative freedom. I was assigned to research various resorts worldwide and develop articles that aligned with the magazine's voice. This opportunity demonstrated my capacity to write in different styles to fit brand themes. Overall, my experiences in travel writing have not only enhanced my writing skills but also improved my time management and research abilities.