Name
Amanda Simmons
What is/was your major?
I’m a Broadcast Journalism major with a double minor in Sociology and Chinese.
Graduation Year from AU:
2010
What school do/did you attend?
School of Communication and School of Public Affairs.
What are you passionate about/interested in?
I’m interested in Sports Journalism and Public Relations.
Your childhood ambition?
To become an Egyptologist!
Your career ambition?
To work in Public Relations.
Where was your internship and what do you do there?
I worked for the Maya Angelou Public Charter School. I worked most with alumni of the school and researched colleges for current students at the time. I was even able to co-teach classes!
What are you doing now?
Right now I work for Yelp.com.
Why did you choose WMP?
I was so excited to have an internship my first semester of college.
Your inspiration?
Diane Sawyer!
Your hobby/hobbies?
Running, yoga, CrossFit, cooking, baking, watching sports, and going to the movies.
What is the name of your High School?
Francis W. Parker School.
What do you do for fun in D.C. and on the weekends?
I attend lots of private events for my job. I’m also a Wizards season ticket holder, so I go to all the games. I love running and have been doing CrossFit for a month now.
Your preferred social media?
Twitter.
What do you want the world to know about WMP?
It’s a fantastic program and an excellent foundation for starting school at AU. I wouldn’t trade my WMP experience for anything in the world.
If you were a superhero which one and why?
Wonder Woman, of course ;)
What do you love about your Seminar?
It was intimate and the field trips we took were exciting and worthwhile. It was like my family away from my family. We all really bonded.
Words to live by?
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Favorite book and why?
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I love memoirs and this one is unbelievably written.
What is the most favorite part of WMP?
Making friends I’m still close with today and setting myself up for another positive, educational, and fulfilling six semesters at AU (one semester was spent abroad!).
Favorite city and why?
Chicago, of course! My home! My kind of town!
Your political views?
In true journalist fashion, Moderate.
Who is/has been the biggest influence on your WMP experience so far?
My biggest influence was probably my college writing seminar professor, Professor Drummond. He picked the most interesting books and we had some of the most memorable classroom discussions I’ve ever been a part of. He helped me write better and think clearer. To this day I remember that class.
Favorite food and why?
French fries. Can be as simple or complex as you’d like them to be.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned here so far?
Internships make or break you. If you do well, the possibilities are endless. If you don’t, good luck.
Who has had the strongest influence on you and your life and why?
My mother. She raised my sister and I singlehandedly and did an incredible job. She has instilled many words of wisdom with me and has always been supportive of my endeavors.
Favorite movie and why?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, because it was beautifully made and is incredible, thought-provoking and full of meaning.
Favorite course of study?
Too many to count! But probably Andrea Brenner’s American Society course. It was PHENOMENAL!
Your biggest challenge so far?
Being an “adult” and learning how to budget my life. Stressful!
Favorite quote?
“Life is like the surf, so give yourself away to the sea.” This is my favorite quote because you have no idea what to expect in life and things won’t always go as planned, but if you can let loose, take it a day at a time, and go with the flow, everything will work out.