We're thrilled to have three summer interns in the Corporate Communications team, all of whom will be blogging right here throughout the months ahead. You've read Melissa's first post; now, here's Stephanie Agresti, a senior at The College of New Jersey (that's her in the middle!).
We asked her about her Bookprint: the five books that most influenced her life. It's a question we've asked a lot of people, including Taylor Swift, Hillary Clinton, and Neil deGrasse Tyson!
Here's Stephanie's:
I learn something new every day. Especially now that I’m spending more time in New York City, every experience and every person I meet teaches me something new. But when I’m spending long hours on the train heading to and from the office, my favorite way to pass the time is to read. More than connecting with characters in books, I enjoy reading because of all the new experiences I get to have. With every book I read, I try to take away one new idea to carry with me.
Tell people how much you appreciate them: Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney is the first book I remember my mother reading to me as a child. After tucking me in, she would always repeat the book’s famous line, “I love you to the moon and back.” While I fell asleep each night, I would think about just how far that actually was. This story has taught me that letting people know how much you care about them makes them feel good.
Always be your true self: Freak the Mighty by Rodman Filbrick is by far the most influential book I have ever read, and my favorite! I first read Freak the Mighty when I was 13 and learning to navigate those difficult middle school years. The unlikely friendship between Kevin and Max is a great reminder that life is too short to worry about what people think about you. When you are your true self, making friends will come naturally.
Life is precious: Whirligig by Paul Fleischman is a tragic story of loss and learning to deal with the consequences of decisions made. Fleischman’s story reminds me that life is fleeting and even when you’re feeling down, every day is one to be cherished.
Keep your imagination alive: I first read Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll when I was 10 and I absolutely loved the adventure. Re-reading Carroll’s tale as an adult, it reminded me of the importance of staying playful and not taking myself too seriously. Keeping my imagination alive does wonders for my creativity!
Be humble: This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald details the life of Amory Blaine, a Princeton University student navigating his early 20s. Because this stage of life is full of new and exciting moments, it’s so easy to become concerned with only yourself and your own goals. Amory’s story reminds me that it’s important to stay humble and think of others.
Which five books comprise your Bookprint?
