Who Am I?

Name: Lily Parkinson
What year? Junior
E-mail: lilypark89@gmail.com
Where are you from? Delray Beach, Fla.
Why did you come to the University of Florida? Not only is UF the school most of my family members attended, it was the best fit for me because this university is so successful in so many different areas. This appealed to me because when deciding where I wanted to attend college, I wasn't sure about my path of study. UF gave me great options. In addition, this school made the most sense for my family financially with my Bright Futures scholarship. Many of my friends from high school decided on this university as well, so I knew I would have a solid friend base as a freshman.
Major? Journalism and English
Why are you taking this course? I really enjoy editing. I discovered this while serving as editor of my high school's yearbook in 11th and 12th grade and taking Editing last semester with Dr. Lewis. I also believe this course will improve my editing skills, something I am always trying to do.
Outside interests, hobbies, avocations, things you love to do? I grew up dancing and participated on a competitive dance team in middle school and my first year of high school. After that, I decided to devote more of my time to school involvement and became editor of my high school's yearbook. I really enjoy participating in community service projects. I fell in love with reading as soon as I learned the alphabet in pre-kindergarten, and I hope that my love of literature will one day be reflected in my career.
Tell me one interesting thing about you - something that makes you unique. I have an abnormally large space between my big toe and the next toe. My feet were designed for flip-flops.
Are you the first person in your family to attend a university? No.
On a scale from one to 10, with 10 being top-notch, how would you rate your knowledge of grammar, punctuation and AP Style? Eight.
On the same scale, how would you rate your skills with working with InDesign and PhotoShop and with online media in general? Three.
What online skills do you feel you are proficient at? Social networking and research.
Where do you get most of your news? I read local newspapers every day, and I also use Google News.
What books are you reading and have read in the last three months? I've been reading "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell little by little, and currently I'm reading "Firefly Lane" by Kristin Hannah. I also regularly read devotional books.
Career goals? Be specific as possible. Elaborate a bit. I have two career goals: to be happy and to make a positive difference in people's lives. These goals seem very general, yet they seem to be leading me to a career in education. I do enjoy editing and reading, so I may try to pursue a career in publishing as well.
What magazines, newspapers and news websites do you read regularly? The Independent Florida Alligator, The Gainesville Sun, The New York Times, The Palm Beach Post, Southern Living and Google News.
What is your favorite website? The website I go to the most is Google News. I like the layout, and I also like how Google allows your to personalize the types of news that filter on to the site.
Do you blog? I kept a blog while I studied abroad in Europe in May, but I have not blogged since then. I would like to start a blog about community service.
Do you have any media/communication experience? Besides working as editor of my yearbook in high school, I have not yet held any internships in the media world. I plan on rigorously pursuing internships this semester and this summer.
Are you pursuing a media-related internship or job at this time? No.
Do you have an updated resume in your files? Yes.