Skillologist Spotlight: Stacia Yearwood, Writer/Journalist

This week, Skillology features Stacia Yearwood (pictured), a passionate poet, writing consultant, and graduate student at American University completing her M.F.A. in Creative Writing and Journalism. An international student from Trinidad and Tobago and a frequent world traveler, Stacia exudes a life full of vibrant energy, personable charm, diverse talent, and unique ambition. 

Ms. Stacia Yearwood, thank you for taking the time to share some personal insights with the Skillology family. 

To kick things off, please describe yourself to fellow Skillologists in less than 140 characters: 

Brilliant, Beautiful, Creative and Chaotic.

Where do you live and how did you end up there?

I am currently based in Washington, D.C. I’m living here while completing my M.F.A in Creative Writing & Journalism.

What's your occupation?

Study abroad programme coordinator, writing consultant, poet, student.

What inspired you to get into your current line of work? And do you like it?

I am living my dream. I spent years pursuing the “practical” fields of environmental science and law however, my passions haunted me and I took a leap of faith by applying to an Arts programme. While studying full-time only allows me to work part-time, I fully expect to have either found or created a career position that is exciting, fulfilling and offers me the space to enhance my skills in writing, photography and film by graduation in 2013.

What skills do you utilize on a daily basis to do what you do?

Design, language, analytical and inter-personal skills.

Are there any other endeavors you'd like to begin, or are working on, that you envision pursuing and making a living from in the future? 

Chapbooks and anthologies of poems.  I am also toying with the idea of doing a series of creative non-fiction pieces featuring the voices of marginalized populations in an effort to grant them the human recognition they deserve. The rough title is: “The City, Limits.”

What people (or types of people) motivate you and why? 

I am continuously motivated by those who are resilient and maintain high spirits in the face of challenges. They remind me that there is nothing that can beat me unless I accept defeat. Experience has since taught me that it’s not just hard work that wins the race but thought, word and vision.

What's an interesting book, magazine, documentary , or online blog that you're reading/watching currently?

I don’t have much time for leisure reading these days but I am currently plugging through “The Chameleon Couch: Poems” by Yusef Komunyakaa. Here, Komunyakaa writes again of music as muse—from a blues club in the East Village to the shakuhachi of Basho.

In just a short sentence or two, what productivity, business, or career advice would you offer someone fresh out of college (or who has no clue what to do with themselves just yet)?

Sit and make a list of all the things you do willingly, unconsciously and with a smile. Pursue those.

Do you have a favorite quote? What is it? Who's it by?

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” Jack Kerouac

Do you have a favorite travel destination? Where is it, and why aren't you there now?

This is just as hard as coming up with the name of a favourite author. I love traveling and would go anywhere if the opportunity presented itself. One country that has intrigued me for its music, literature, history, mixing of races and quality of life – is Brazil. Why am I not there? I’m just waiting to graduate, pack a rucksack and get there even if it means motorcycling it Che Guevara style!

Anything else you want to add for fellow Skillologists to check out, while we're here?

I’m waiting with bated breath to see Skillology take off! We need more sites that encourage and cultivate independent thinkers – the future will belong to the innovators among us.

Having visited Skillology.com, what do you think of the site as a tool and resource for other individuals like yourself? 

I’ve seen Skillology undergo many improvements - not simply changes. The Skillology team is fantastic and certainly seems to hold their clients and their advancement in high esteem. The motivational videos, inspirational articles, and personal blogs that they post all work in reminding us that all things are possible in faith and with a close circle of likeminded and sincere individuals as support. The opportunity to share my own experiences, fears and even expertise on the WeMiXX wall gives Skillology.com the feel of a workshop – where friends come together to offer whatever they can to help you realize the greatness that you are becoming. A home like this is extremely hard to find and I will definitely keep visiting – you should too!

Thank you Stacia Yearwood for taking the time to provide personal insights into your creative endeavors.

Much continued success!

The Skillologist Spotlight is an on-going feature showcasing individual Skillologists utilizing their skills, talents, and ambitious drive to pursue their creative passions and entrepreneurial interests. If you would like to be featured, please contact us and tell us more about yourself.