Q&A With SSU Student Life Lead, Laura
Ever wondered what it’s like to study Creative Writing and Publishing while balancing college life, work, and your own creative dreams? We sat down with Laura Mora, Sheridan student and SSU’s Student Life Lead, to chat about her journey from moving to Canada to pursuing her passion for writing. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a fan of live music, or just curious about the student experience from someone who’s living it, check out our Q&A with Laura below:
“I dream of having that big city life, like I’m in a movie (or a book!). I’m excited to keep growing, both as a person and in my craft.”
- Laura Mora
Q: Has this program changed the way you see yourself or your future in any way?
A: Definitely. This program has taught me so much, not only about writing but also about the publishing industry. I learned about different possible career paths and about what the future might look like for me as a writer. Lately, I’ve become interested in acquisitions editing , the people who review submissions and decide what gets published.
Q: If you could go back in time, what’s one thing you wish you’d known before starting your program?
A: It’s very easy to get discouraged or burned out creatively. We are constantly producing work, and sometimes inspiration is hard to find. But if you truly enjoy what you do, you always find your way back to it.
Q: What’s a project, assignment, or experience you’re especially proud of — and what made it so meaningful to you?
A: I’m proud of a poem I wrote for my poetry workshop last semester. Poetry was never really my cup of tea, but after taking that class with my professor, Paul Vermeersch, I learned to love it. I wrote a poem about the Salem Witch Trials during an in-class exercise, then edited it further to submit it in my final portfolio. It felt like a turning point in how I see myself as a writer!
Q: Tell us a bit about your experience in the Creative Writing and Publishing program!
A: My experience in my program has been good for the most part. It’s what I always wanted to study. It was a bit challenging at first since I was not used to having classes in English, which is not my first language. That was probably the hardest part when I first moved here. I was in a new country by myself, and I had to adjust not only to college life but also to a completely different culture altogether.
Q: What inspired you to choose this program in the first place?
A: Since I was very young, I’ve always liked reading. I think it’s like watching TV in your head. I always admired writers and their ability to transmit so many emotions just through words. When I was around fourteen, I decided I wanted to be a writer. Literature was always my strongest subject, and since I already loved books, my parents were fortunately very supportive.
In my final year of school, I started doubting whether I actually had the talent to become a writer. I entered a national autobiographical writing contest in my home country with no expectations at all, and to my surprise, I won first place. That was the final push of confidence I needed to choose creative writing.
Q: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself or life by working at the SSU?
A: I used to be really reserved and shy, and I thought I just wasn’t meant to be a social person. But working at the SSU helped me realize how important human connection is. Through events, I ended up talking to so many people all the time, and I’ve made amazing friends, both inside and outside the workplace.
Q: How would you describe a typical day working at the SSU?
A: I work in Events, so it really depends on the time of year. During the summer, we have daily meetings to brainstorm and plan events and trips for the fall and winter semesters. Once the semester starts, our shifts vary depending on the events happening that week. Some are small-scale like hallway pop-ups, and others are larger, like pub nights and concerts. Overall, it’s a very fun and enjoyable job.
Q: Outside of Sheridan, what’s something you’re passionate about?
A: I’m very passionate about writing and reading. I also love going to concerts; live music is amazing. I watch a lot of movies too, and I love logging them on Letterboxd and writing informal reviews.
Q: What is something that has inspired you lately?
A: I recently visited House of Anansi Press in Toronto. It’s a small press with a bookstore attached to it. It was such a great experience and gave me the opportunity to visualize my future in the industry.
Q: What habit or daily ritual can’t you go without?
A: Listening to music. I have headphones on basically all the time, when I wake up, when I’m on the bus, while I’m studying, even when I’m cleaning.
Music helps me get into the right mindset for whatever I’m doing or if I need to focus.
Q: When things get overwhelming, what helps you stay grounded or motivated?
A: Making to-do lists! I love organizing my priorities and planning things out. Also, music helps me a lot; oddly enough, listening to heavy music relaxes me.
Q: Is there someone at Sheridan who’s had a big impact on you?
A: My poetry professor, Paul. When I took his class last semester, I was feeling creatively lost and doubting my talent. But he always spoke to us with so much passion. He motivated me and reminded me why I write, because I love it. He reminds me of the poetry professor in Dead Poets Society, one of my favourite movies.
Q: What’s something that excites you about what’s next?
A: I’m excited to become a writer and hopefully inspire others or make people feel something through my work. The idea of working in publishing also excites me. I dream of having that big city life, like I’m in a movie (or a book!). I’m excited to keep growing, both as a person and in my craft.
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