What’s your name?
Peter Sofronas
Where is your hometown?
I reside right now in Portland, Maine. But originally I am from Massachusetts. I lived there for 18 years before I moved here.
What year are you at USM?
I’m a second-semester junior. I’m a media studies major with a writing concentration.
Why did you decide to attend USM?
Actually, it was the most affordable at the time. And after my first semester, I actually had planned on leaving. But I made such good friends, and [media studies] was such a small program then, and the way it is now, it just prompted me to stay. I’ve met a lot of people who just don’t give it a chance and leave after the first semester, and I didn’t want to do that.
How did you decide on the writing concentration?
The hemisphere of my brain that controls math and science doesn’t work. And I love to write. I think it’s the most liberal and most expressive way to do anything. I can write way better than I talk. I write fiction, and poetry and a little bit of songwriting. I can play guitar, and I sometimes write my own songs.
Do you plan on being a full-time fiction writer when you graduate from college?
I don’t think so. I plan on doing it on the side besides my regular job. I’d possibly write some short stories and stuff like that. I’ve got some screenplays started too. I’d really like to put that to the side. I’m really just going for a degree, and I’d like to get involved with a firm back in Massachusetts which finds employees for other companies.
Can you combine headhunting and fiction writing?
I don’t know. I’m sure I’m going to have to do some persuasive writing. The more money I make, the more expressive I will have to be. But as far as fiction writing, I don’t think so.
Any advice you’d like to give your fellow USM students?
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I know that’s the old clich? but it’s a true one. USM is expanding so fast right now. The opportunities for freshmen just getting in here are just unbelievable.