Student Spotlight - Julia Bristol ('25) writes for a popular college blog!
Her Campus is an online publication with chapters on myriad college campuses with a focus on women's interests and issues. The site fosters involvement on a student level and has several representatives at Temple University including current FMA student Julia Bristol. We sat down with Julia, who works with Her Campus as a writer, to talk about what drew her to Temple, how writing for Her Campus is rounding out her student experience, and advice she has for incoming students.
Interview has been lightly edited for length.
Please introduce yourself!
My name is Julia Bristol, I'm currently a junior Film and Media Arts major, minoring in Creative Writing here at Temple University. Originally from Massachuestts, I have a great passion for photography, love to thrift, attend concerts of my favorite artists, and travel with my family and friends.
How did you end up writing for Her Campus and what has the experience been like for you?
In the beginning of the semester, I had been searching for an outlet to expand my creative writing skills and experiences and discovered that Temple’s Her Campus chapter was the perfect opportunity to get myself into the world of creative opinion writing through an online publication. As a new member, I was ecstatic to be welcomed by a group of accepting individuals, all incredibly passionate about their own pursuits in the writing world.
We noticed that your work surrounds self-care -- how did you start writing specifically about that topic and what is it about the topic that interests you or you find vital?
I feel that much of what is discussed through my writing aligns with my own personal experiences. Many of the self-care mental health topics contain truths and admissions that I have, over several years, encountered within my own mind. Sharing these personal experiences, difficulties, and elements of mental health, and really uncovering the depth of your own mind, will help readers to identify and persevere through their own individual struggles.
Is there anything you find unique about Temple that makes you excited to represent your experience on Her Campus?
The one thing that drew me to Temple is the diversity, not only in terms of faculty and students, but also in terms of experience. I truly believe that Temple University offers the ideal combination of lifestyle that both city and campus schools contain. Additionally, the vastly different individuals I've encountered, ranging in types of talent, backgrounds, passions, and opinions, has created a positive experience for myself, one that I feel elated to share through writing pieces for Her Campus Temple.
How has your experience been as part of the Film and Media Arts Department? What advice might you give an incoming freshman?
The biggest piece of advice I would share with incoming students is to expand your interests. At the beginning of my freshman year, I really didn't know which corners of the entertainment industry best correlated with my own passions and hobbies, what would make the best potential career.... The FMA Department offers so many different courses, concentrations, and opportunities to intimately discover every crucial building block that makes up the industry. I have found it incredibly helpful that many of these courses are specifically curated for students to receive that first, initial learning experience of roles such as producing, directing, screenwriting, etc. Additionally, the connections the school provides are endless, and allow for the journey of creating opportunities for oneself to be easier.
What is your favorite spot on campus -- and what is your favorite food on campus?
On campus, I love to eat at none other than Richie’s. I feel it's the perfect stop to grab a quick bite, cram in some last-minute work and revision in between classes, or meet up with friends for a quick chat. A solid bagel and iced chai latte from Richies I've found can, momentarily, relieve any stress I may naturally have as a college student.
You talk a little in your bio about connecting with the city of Philadelphia -- what is it about Philly that resonates with you? What are your favorite Philly things?
Philadelphia is such an ardent city, one that holds a great deal of history and creativity as well. Whether it's the passionate sports celebrations or the kind man playing the trumpet I pass on my walk to work, little integral pieces of this city have truly made my experience studying here complete. One place I will mention, that I can confidently say is my favorite spot in the city, is an old used bookstore: The Book Trader in Old City. Rows of books line the high walls, perfect for any avid reader to stumble upon and escape for an hour or two. Additionally, the music room contains endless stacks of vinyl, ranging from classicals, rock hits, and even film soundtracks. One of my favorite pastimes is just to come and spend time sorting through the records, seeing what I know, and discovering new favorites as well.
Thanks so much for chatting with us, Julia! Check out her work on Her Campus and if you're looking for a way to express yourself regarding college-age women's health and interests, check out the link at their instagram @hercampusTemple!