Staff Q&As: Kelsey Dantuma

Name: Kelsey Dantuma

Grade: 10

Position: Staff Writer

Semesters spent on TCT: 1

1. Why did you decide to join TCT?

“I decided to join TCT because I have always had an interest in writing, and the WFP class seemed to me like a really good way to improve my skills. I ended up staying because I loved the fact that I was given an outlet to express my ideas. It’s really crazy to think about how many people are reading your stuff.”

2. How has TCT helped you grow as a writer and person?

“TCT has helped me to grow as a writer because I really have to put my skills into practice publishing two stories a week. It has helped me to find my writing style and the types of stories I’m good at writing as well as the ones I need to work on. TCT has helped me grow as a person because I’ve been given the chance to discover myself through writing. The vibe on staff is very laid back, and everyone is so kind and thoughtful. It has really shown me the kind of people I want to surround myself with as well as the type of person I want to strive to be.”

3. If you were a type of cheese, what type of cheese would you be?

“Definitely Colby Jack. Just because my planning style is super spread out and sloppy, so I often end up multitasking—hence the two colors of cheese mixed together.”

4. What is your favorite thing about writing?

“My favorite thing about writing is that there’s a ton of stylistic leeway as far as grammar, word usage, and punctuation go. I love how everything doesn’t have to be so black and white, and it just helps me to further express myself, my ideas, and my opinions through writing.”

5. What’s your funniest story of complications while working on a story?

“I remember one time I was scheduled for a review, and I really enjoy doing music reviews —I should probably branch out. But I was in crisis mode; I sat on the floor of my room for a solid hour-and-a-half or so, staring at the wall, thinking about new music. I did, eventually, find some, but it was definitely a struggle.”

6. Who’s your favorite literary character and why?

“My favorite literary character would have to be Park from Eleanor and Park. I really love the change he undergoes throughout the story as his feelings for Eleanor develop. It kinda represents how certain people can enter your life and change you for the better. I love how committed and loyal he is; he would do anything for Eleanor.”

7. What is your favorite type of story to write and why?

“My favorite type of story to write would probably be columns. Although most writing has stylistic leeway, columns especially do. I really love the fact that you can use metaphors and similes to describe really different and deep feelings. I also really like the idea that a column can mean many different things to the individual reader, and it doesn’t have to be just one concrete idea.”

8. What are your aspirations for the upcoming decade?

“My aspirations for the next decade include making fantastic memories and really finding myself through the experiences I have, people I meet, and the places that I go.”