Writing for her future

Veronica Hassink
May 13, 2010
Filed under Profiles

It’s 12 a.m., Mary Willa Allen is hunched over her computer clutching her Quick Trip sweet tea and working on a story that is due in nine hours.  As a reporter for The Breezeway, this is not an uncommon scene for Allen.

Allen’s passion for writing began in the 7th grade when she first started writing creatively.  Her first short story, “Music,” was about her love for music.

“I write my feelings down and they come out as stories sometimes,” Allen said.  “But it’s not anything I would show anyone.”

As a child the different books Allen read sparked her interest in this future career.  Her favorite book when she was younger, Because of Winn Dixie, and her favorite book now, The Count of Monte Cristo, inspire her to write with interesting story lines and memorable characters.  Unfortunately, most of her writing at the moment does not allow her to use these inspirations.  For now, she is honing her skills as a writer for the school newspaper.

“I like to write more poetically.  [News writing] can be kind of boring, but it’s what I have to start out doing,” Allen said.

Her least favorite type of writing is tested out almost every week in her AP Lang class: essay writing.

“I like creative writing, like stories about fictional characters,” Allen said. “Not essays, which usually follows a boring pattern.”

Hoping to one day write for The Wall Street Journal, Allen served as Editor in Chief of The Breezeway last semester.

“Mary has great writing ability.  She is hard working and driven,” friend Hayley Butler said.

As a member of The Breezeway staff, Allen attended Fall and Spring Media days at the University of Oklahoma.  Allen’s talent is recognized by Oklahoma Scholastic Media. Articles sent in to OSM receive ratings from merit to superior, and Allen has received a number of top ratings for her writings.  But, Allen is unsure about her career path.

“I want to do something including writing, but print journalism is a dying career, so I’m going to plan wisely for my future,” Allen said.

These future plans including attending OU or Mizzou and majoring in English Literature.  This will allow her to “teach and not just be a writer.” Allen believes she needs a backup plan because online writing is becoming increasingly popular.

“Everything is online now,” Allen said.  “I will miss having the newspaper and printed writing.”

Allen’s ultimate goal, though, sparked a comical rivalry between her friend, junior Claire Shelton, and herself.

“We have this thing about who can make it on The New York Times Best Seller’s List first.  I’m going to win, of course,” Shelton said.

Wherever Allen’s career takes her, her passion for writing will guide her future.

“I would rather be poor doing what I love rather than being rich and hating it,” Allen said.