Name:
Kirsten Loose
Age:
25
What Do you Currently Do or What Were You Doing?
I just graduated from Villanova University in December, with a degree in English Literature. Now, I’m doing the full-time job-search thing, which is lovely and fun.
What Would You Say Is Your Dream Job?
Editor-in-Chief of a food magazine! It’s changed many times over the years as everyone’s does; you grow and you mature and you learn new things. But, right now, that’s what I’m leaning toward. Also, I want to get my doctorate, probably in anthropology. I haven’t really decided yet.
Which Magazine Would You Love to Work for?
I used to read Gourmet when I was growing up. I think they stopped their print, but they’re still online. I love Bon Appétit, too. Maybe I’ll have my own! Another magazine I like is Cherry Bomb, which only comes out semi-annually. It’s kind of like a feminist and food publication, which is really cool.
Why Food?
“English major” is one just one part of who I am. I’m also kind of a foodie, and I do some baking on my own time.
I grew up in a pretty big family, so I was always around food. My Sicilian mother had her “big sauce” meal on Sundays, and we had big family gatherings where delicious food was a huge part of it. I love it. I think it’s a very unique way to bring people together. Everyone from all over the world has their comfort food from home. It’s nice to be able to share that.
How Did You Get to Where You Are Right Now?
Actually, I’ve had kind of an interesting journey. I graduated high school and went off to college, but had to leave for a time due to health issues (chronic migraine, etc.). I hit a wall.
Many people have that happen to them in different ways. I’ve just tried to stay true to myself and listen to what I like to do versus all the other material things that can get in the way of life. So, I’ve gotten here, to this park today, in a very roundabout way—but I’m here!
What Have You Learned Along Your Journey?
Stick to your guns. Sometimes you want to listen to everyone’s advice and take it all in because you think “this person’s in a certain place in life, I should listen to what they have to say.” But, at the end of the day, it’s your life and you have to try and make the decision that’s best for you.
What Is One Piece of Advice That Really Stands Out to You as the Best Thing You’ve Learned From Someone Else?
I can’t really think of a specific golden line. There’s the advice from people who tell you what you “should” be, right? They tell you to be this or that, a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer. But I think the advice people want is how to get to where they want to be.
Do You Have a Favorite Quote That You Think of to Help You Stay on Track?
There’s a reality TV show out right now called So Cosmo. I was watching it for kicks because it revolves around Cosmopolitan magazine and the publishing industry, and I’m looking at those types of jobs. In one episode, the editor-in-chief has left, and the word she leaves her colleagues with is, “Onwards.” I thought it was such a simple way of saying goodbye because it meant so much more than one little word.
Usually, we think ‘onwards and upwards,’ but for some people, that’s not necessarily the right way to end it. In life, you might go down, or in another direction, but at the end of the day, onwards is the way everyone is going.