Blog

Name: Kayla Nessmann

Age: 20

Hometown: Combined Locks

School attending: St. Cloud State University, May 2020

Tell us about your background: 

I’m a senior in college and majoring in English with an emphasis in Rhetoric and Writing and minoring in International Relations. I’m really passionate about writing, social justice and environmental issues. I interned at the St. Cloud State Women’s Center last semester and worked on projects related to gender violence issues. I really loved my time there because I got to create awareness on issues that matter and work with other like-minded women. Once I graduate next year, I want to combine writing with social justice and legislative change to help bring more awareness to various issues. I also want to be a science fiction author because science fiction is my absolute favorite genre and it’s so much fun to write about. Besides that, I like painting, taking pictures and being outdoors. I love camping, kayaking, hiking, downhill skiing, playing tennis, biking and walking my dog.

Why did you want to be an intern at FCM?

I wanted to be an intern here because the magazine is very well-received and FCM is a great opportunity to improve my writing and editing skills.

What’s your favorite thing about the Fox Cities?

I have lived here my entire life, so naturally I love just about everything in the Fox Cities. I really love Downtown Appleton and going to the farmers markets and music events. I also really like the nature and trails here and so does my dog! 

The last book you read:

Being in school full-time, I don’t read for fun as much as I should, but I read a book about Buddhism recently. I have always found it interesting and want to keep learning about it.

Last movie you watched:

I watched “Hidden Figures”recently and I loved it.

Any hidden talents?

I can eat a lot of food if that counts? 

What can’t you live without?

My pets and chocolate. I’m pretty simple.

What’s the biggest risk you ever took?

Definitely the biggest risk I ever took was studying abroad in Australia last year. I knew absolutely nobody but going to Australia has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I had the time of my life and traveled by myself on a couple of occasions where I had the chance to drive on the opposite side of the road (my first time in a roundabout there was terrifying). 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Get knocked down, get back up.” Thank you to my favorite show, “The 100” for that quote. 

Describe your perfect Saturday:

Spending time with my pets, going for a hike, reading in my hammock, writing, thrifting and going to Target. (Honestly, who doesn’t love Target.)

Stay tuned for Kayla’s blog series this summer!