Her Story
About Alicia
Alicia Aranyi is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, where she is completing an honors thesis in Creative Writing and Literature and has applied for an honors thesis in psychology. Her psychology coursework focuses on developmental and social psychology, while her creative writing emphasizes fiction and her literature studies center on folklore and mythology. She has spent time studying abroad, including one summer in Kyoto, Japan, and one semester in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition to her academic pursuits, Alicia works as a research assistant in a University of Michigan psychiatry lab and holds internships, including one with Keshet. She has been writing poetry, short stories, and her first novel for the past 6 years, with several publications in literary journals. Alicia also creates visual art that has been published and is self-studying Spanish and Danish. She attributes her success to a supportive family, a strong educational background, hard work, and a mindset of pursuing goals without waiting for perfection.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alicia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I'm lucky enough to have a very supportive family and background, and I was provided with a wonderful education. My parents were very intentional about my development and leading to me when I was younger, exposing me to multiple languages. Stuff that I've done on my own is, I think, I'm hardworking and have a mindset of course, there are limitations and restrictions in life, but given the circumstances you have, going after what you want and trying. And not holding yourself back and waiting for perfection, because the process is what reaches that perfection, and so I think this mindset has helped a lot.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think a quote that I've been told that I really like is that if you love what you do, you'll never work a day of your life, and so I think that's very inspiring. And kinda gives advice of going after and pursuing different career objectives that one is passionate about.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd say for writing, of course, work on your craft, but also think about when you see authors out there, how many failures and edits led to what you see, so just get it out there, try, and don't judge a product until it's finished. I'd say to respecting limitations in your life, to go after what you want, and not let a conventional way of thinking, if it doesn't fit you, guide your life, and to pursue what you're passionate about.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think kindness is very important to me. So is ethics? Both towards other humans, towards the environment, towards animals and those who can't have a voice for themselves. Passion in my professional life is very important, as is diligence.
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