Rutgers University Student Is Aiming For The New York Times

By Ben Sobsey

NEW BRUNSWICK — Rutgers commuter student Theodora Appleton began writing for her local newspaper, “About Our Town Community News” three summers ago and now she is looking forward to landing a job with the New York Times.

“I would love to develop a Dear Abby type of column where I can communicate with younger audiences about everyday issues,” Appleton said.

                                                                                                              

She started writing as a promoter for local businesses but this summer she was able to start her own column. Appleton, she says, likes to write about the “muses of life,” where she can share her feelings and opinions on things like pop culture, current events, and international affairs.

Appleton also likes to write about significant life experiences, she says. Last week, Appleton wrote an article highlighting how life has changed for the generation that experienced 9/11. Her piece will be released in the October edition of the monthly paper.

In the mean time, Appleton continues school at Rutgers double majoring in Journalism and Media Studies and Psychology.

Outside of the classroom, she is working as an assistant director for the Livingston Theatre Company’s upcoming play Anything Goes. She also dabbled in some Rutgers clubs like baking and soccer before ultimately committing to her directorial position for the November showing.

When away from Rutgers, Applegate keeps active working hectic nights as a waitress at the Outback Steakhouse, which is just a short drive from her home. She does not let her busy schedule; however, stop her from exploring new challenges.

Last Spring, she entered a Spartan Race—a massive obstacle course at the Mountain Creek Resort in New Jersey which she admits is something that was, at first, a step outside her comfort zone, but is now something she loves and is enthusiastic about.

Enthusiasm, Appleton says, is what helps her manage her busy schedule between writing, working, and school. Even though she stays busy around the clock, she says that she enjoys every moment of her jam-packed days.

Appleton sometimes likes to draw her writing from her own experiences. Being the middle sibling between her older sister Paige and her younger brother Paul, Appleton has the resources to reach varying age groups with her writing. Appleton believes that being surrounded by people of different ages will help her serve as a mouthpiece for the youth.

One of her classmates speaks for all of Appleton’s close friends when she says, “she is so lively and full of character. I really believe that she will be a New York Times Writer one day, or anything else she wishes to be, because of all the devoted energy she puts into her everyday life.”

Looking ahead, Appleton has big plans for her future, “two summers from now, I would like to see myself at an internship in the city with a well-known newspaper or a some sort of media company.”

Appleton has two semesters remaining before she can walk off her graduation stage at Rutgers University with a ticket to her dream job.

Photo: Appleton posed outside of the School of Communication and Information Building on the College Ave Campus at Rutgers