Writer and student Aliyha Gill (pictured above) attributes her involvement with MiNT Magazine and The Lamron to helping her express herself. Gill urges students to get involved on campus to find their true passions (Udeshi Seneviratne/photo editor).
Psychology and English creative writing double major sophomore Aliyha Gill has happily discovered her passions through Geneseo’s various clubs and organizations. Gill has established a connectedness, specifically to MiNT Magazine, a student-run magazine that solely revolves around the mechanics of creative writing pieces.
Gill, who began writing for MiNT Magazine as a freshman, now serves as the magazine’s managing editor, a position where she can guide MiNT. Her involvement in this organization has significantly influenced her future interests.
“I first got involved in MiNT Magazine during the fall 2017 semester, and I discovered it through the club fair. It sounded really interesting that was a place where I could submit my creative writing. I wasn’t an English major at the time, so that was something I was really interested in,” Gill said. “I got on board as the managing editor during the spring 2017 semester, so I’ve been involved with the board and publications since last spring … [I’m now] able to have a real voice in the club because I’m vice president.”
As a student who is passionate about writing, Gill also writes for The Lamron’s opinion section. However, she explains the differentiating factor between her approach for the publications’ different styles, however.
“For MiNT Magazine I write poetry, so it’s a completely opposite thing than what I’m writing for The Lamron,” Gill said. “For The Lamron I write serious articles, but for MiNT Magazine it’s completely creative and a completely different world.”
Not only has Gill’s involvement in the magazine’s organization helped her to develop her skills as a writer, but she has also had the opportunity to express herself through writing.
“I’m typically a shy person, so it’s hard for me to speak what’s on my mind. When I write creatively, I can explain what I’m feeling or what I’m thinking,” Gill said. “People can understand my feelings and thoughts and get visceral images of it rather than me trying to get my words out in person.”
Later in life, Gill plans to professionally pursue psychology through government service and also to publish her writing.
“I actually plan on being a case worker for Child Protective Services, but I also definitely want to freelance write,” Gill said. “I might even try publishing my poetry, or I’m currently in a non-fiction workshop, so I’m getting interested in writing more pieces too.”
Since Gill found her passion through clubs and organizations of the college, she encourages students to venture out and join organizations that are out of their comfort zones.
“If there’s something that you’re passionate about, but you’re worried it won’t really fit in your future, then you should still pursue it,” Gill said. “A good way to do that is [to] go to clubs based on [your various passions], even if that’s not anywhere near your major. The club fair showed me different clubs that I wouldn’t have even known about.”
With the various clubs and activities offered through the college, Gill has advantageously used her involvement to hone in on her writing skills and to discover new passions she hopes to pursue in the future.