The Facts
My name is Marilee Griffin, and I’m a 21-year-old journalism student at the University of Florida. I was raised in Tallahassee, FL, except for three years when I lived in Saudi Arabia.
My parents and little brother still live in Tallahassee. I went to Leon High School, where I got involved in the school paper. During my senior year, I became editor-in-chief, and decided for certain that I wanted to pursue journalism.
I went to Tallahassee Community College to get my AA degree. I was the executive editor of the school paper, The Talon, for three semesters. During my last semester, The Talon won first place in design from the Florida Community College Press Association .
In Tallahassee, I worked as a part-time receptionist for a law firm, but I am not currently employed.
Presently, I am enrolled in Communication on the Internet, Fact Finding, Reporting, and French II at UF.
Personal
I guess the most important part of my life is the fact that I am a Christian. Meaning, I try my best to involve God in every part of my life instead of making Him another bullet point.
I love reading, writing, drawing, taking photos and listening to music. On the flip side, you wouldn’t want my help on anything regarding math, macroeconomics, or directions. I might have the worst sense of direction in the world. If you look in my glove box you will find MapQuest directions to every place I have been in Gainesville, including a Starbucks that is three minutes away.
Most of my extended family lives in the same city, and we’re quite close. My immediate family is very quirky and extremely loud, but I love them a ton.
As for my hopes and dreams, one day I would like to live in Europe. I’ve visited Switzerland, Germany, and Holland and I don’t think I’ve ever lost my taste for the beautiful architecture and sense of history. In particular, I would love to live in Scotland. My favorite color is that of green grass under a grey sky, and I’ve got a hunch Scotland wouldn’t disappoint me there.
Interests
You can see more of my specific interests under Faves.
In general, I favor acoustic music under the “indie pop" category. I like singers that have a unique sound, but I am more concerned with lyrics then anything else.
As for movies, I love most 80s teen films and anything directed by Quentin Tarantino. I think the linking factor there is that they both have good characters. I love being creatively inspired by movies, so I find myself drawn to Sundance flicks and foreign films.
I am a little embarrassed to say that I like anime (I’m very picky), but it combines my favorite aspects of storytelling and art. If you pressed me, I might admit I would love working for an anime magazine at some point in my life. The industry is blowing up right now in America and I would love to be apart of it.
I love to read, but totally for pleasure. I'll take a book of humorous essays any day.