Hey everyone! Welcome to “katie writes things”, where I unload a lot of things that I should probably just keep in my personal journal hidden under my bed.

My name is Katie McCallion. I am 17 years old, though I have the movie taste of a 6 year old (Paddington 2 is one of my favorites, but that is a story for another time). My family means a lot to me, and have drastically shaped the person I have become. Kentucky born and raised, my mom is 100% Southern Charm. She plays a game when she goes to public places (airports, grocery stores, malls) where she tries to see how many people she can make smile. I am so lucky to have such a kind, positive role model in my life. My dad is

incredibly intelligent and passionate. When he finds an interest, he will put forth 100% of his energy toward it. Whether it be videography, John F. Kennedy, or the city of La Jolla, he will research the topic and become basically an encyclopedia. I am so happy to have inherited this quality from him because it sparked my passion for performing on stage many years ago. However, this curiosity has lead me to fall down deep internet holes at 3 am such as “the discography of Jude Law”. My sister, Shelly is 19 and a sophomore at Vanderbilt University. She is one of the funniest people I have ever met and always gives me the best advice when I facetime her during my emotional breakdowns. My dog, Curly rounds out the family. Most days, he can be found licking peanut butter off a spoon or sleeping in the coziest corner of our couch.

 

The Midwest has been my forever home (born in Chicago, moved to Naperthrill before I could consume solid food). However, I spend much of my time in Michigan, visiting my extended family. We are incredibly close, celebrating every holiday and milestone together. My most recent memory with them was our annual trip to my aunt’s house in Beulah, Michigan at the beginning of August. Thirty of us live together under one roof for one week, having backyard cookouts and spending days at the beach. It was an amazing way to end the summer, and it’s a tradition I extremely value.

 

Fun fact: athletics have never been my strong suit. I consider myself a fairly strong skier, having taken lessons since I was little and visiting Colorado every year with my family. However, my former soccer, tennis, and swim coaches can vouch for me, when

 I say I was not the strongest player. As a result, I have picked up a variety of other skills. For the past four years, I have been a part of show choir at  North. It is 100% my happy place. I have met so many amazing people who have taught me the importance of acceptance, hard work, and authenticity. Expressing myself onstage has always terrified me, but I’ve realized that being vulnerable is the only way you can truly grow and discover yourself. And yes, that was sappy. But so is show choir, so it is only fitting.

 

I also love photography, which gives me another outlet to unleash my creativity. Two summers ago, I visited New York and took a photojournalism course at the School of the New York Times. This experience was incredibly life changing, as I met so many inspiring individuals who are driven by passion and curiosity. What started as a fun interest has morphed into an activity I see myself continuing well into the future.

I know a lot about my life in the abstract. I love the color lavender because it reminds me of my grandmother. I have a fear of vomit because of one bad day with some poisoned mac and cheese and a new pair of crocs. I like to eat peanuts WITH the salted shell still on.

 

      But, there is still so much to learn. Senior year is literally the “year of finding yourself”. Well, at least according to the teen movies I watch where they walk down the hallways after graduation with a sense of purpose and understanding. I don’t know if I’ll have that ending, but I sure as heck will have fun trying to get it. And now, you’re coming along for the ride too.