Gabrielle O’Brien

Gabrielle O’Brien’s nominated category is Literature. It has been important to her for her entire life. She grew up being taken to the library and reading classic lit from the moment she could read. In the future, she hopes to become a professor of history. To her, “Literature is one of the easiest ways to carry on that history, it is important to continue storytelling–one of the oldest forms of literature, spoken or written–and fact for generations to come.”

The Pathfinders experience allowed her to practice for her future in a professional atmosphere. She stated that the experience showed that, “Interviews, connecting with peers, and advocating for yourself and why you should be chosen for a role is something that most people will continue to do for the rest of their lives. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop being nervous for these types of things but I know that I will cherish every opportunity I have.”

She doesn’t know if she won, and feels like if she thinks about it she’ll jinx whatever chance she has. But she stated that whatever happens, “I know that I’m qualified and worthy of getting it and I believe that is all that matters. I have worked hard and one interview can’t possibly expand upon everything I have done, believe in, or strive for.”

When asked if she could be a literary character for a day, she replied, “It would definitely be Galadriel from Lord of the Rings. She is almost as old as their world itself and has so much grace and power but is still elegant. As one of the most powerful characters in both the books and movies, there is so much I could do. I could explore so much in just one day and learn more about their world.”