Harvest International

Written by Bella Rodriguez.

Growing up, I absolutely loved to read! I have my parents both being teachers to thank for that. If I wasn’t being read to, I was reading in a public library, and if I wasn’t reading in a public library, I was reading in one of their classrooms after school, and in the car while on the way home, and on my own, under the covers with a flashlight… you get the idea. I was also, simultaneously, a very energetic child, and it was a running joke that I only ever settled down when I had a book in my hands. Settled down might be the wrong term- my imagination was alight! Even as I grew, got into soccer, art, and nature, I maintained a healthy love for reading; the benefit of which was that I always enjoyed my English classes- including the one I failed! Yes, that’s right, I failed an English class and went onto become an English Major. So… how?  

Well, while I’d known very early I wanted to go to college, I hadn’t really considered what major- in fact, I decided while filling out my application! I decided to be a history major- and knew very quickly it wasn’t for me. The idea? To try something English adjacent, which I figured would be close enough to be familiar and different enough to be interesting. Little did I know that sticking to English would not only be more interesting personally, but more engaging and even nourishing for me. I finished off a couple more GE classes and then built up the courage to switch majors- and it felt like coming home. I haven’t looked back since. I came into this degree not fond of poetry, non-fiction, or particularly interested in fairytales- those were for pretentious people and children, respectively. I was kind of interested in creative writing, but didn’t consider myself a writer at all. Now, I couldn’t be prouder as a poet or an author, and I’m always interested in any myth, folklore, fairytale, or fable that’s yet to come to my attention- and how they can resonate with each of us in beautiful and unique ways. I hope to take this outlook with me into my future endeavors- adding some magic to the mundane and meaningful, joyful moments in tough situations.  

And of course, I hope to continue reading for as long as I can.