Danielle Slauter Dreams Up Plots from the Student Union Rooftop

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DANIELLE SLAUTER

English Literature major with minors in French and Creative Writing | College of Arts and Sciences | 2016

How has college inspired you?

College has pushed me to achieve my goals and live to my full potential. I’ve grown out of my comfort zone and really matured.

Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?

I’m a lot stronger than I originally thought. I was so nervous being on my own when I left home, but I did it. It was a big stepping stone for me. The longer I’ve been here, the more I know I can do it.

Where is UMKC taking you?

Somewhere successful. In an ideal world, I’ll have a short story collection someday. I might want to teach at a high school or at the college level. I had a teacher in high school who challenged me to be better than I thought I could be, and I’d love to be the person who inspires students like that someday.

Why did you choose UMKC?

One of my friends was going here and I visited over the weekend. I like that UMKC is in a big city but that it has the atmosphere of a small school.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received from a professor?

One of my professors gave me the confidence to keep writing. He told me to dream big because I had the potential to be an amazing writer.

What do you admire most at UMKC and why?

I love how personal UMKC feels. We’re in a big city, but it has the vibe of a small school. It’s perfect for me.

What’s your greatest fear?

Disappointing people I care about.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I’m not sure…hopefully something in publishing. I’d like to develop my own writing on the side, too.

What is one word that best describes you and why?

Determined. I work hard in a lot of areas of my life, and I’m always striving to be better.

What motto do you live by?

Continually trying to get better. I’m competitive by nature, so I’m always pushing myself harder to achieve.

What excites you?

I’m very close to family. I love seeing them. My cousin and brother are both interested in writing as well, so we have a long distance book club. We’re working our way through the 100-books-to-read-before-you-die list.

Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite author is Haruki Murakami, but I also love Hemingway and James Joyce. I love finding authors who inspire me.

What’s your take on e-books?

I will never get used to the digital versions of books. I love to hold a book in my hands and be able to flip back and forth through the pages.

Have you studied abroad?

I’m thinking about studying in London over the summer. There’s so much literary history there.

How do you fight writer’s block?

I love to sit on the roof of the Student Union when I get stuck on writing because it has a view of the city, and is so inspiring. I sit there and brainstorm up ideas.