THIBODAUX, La. — Julianna Parker is majoring in culinary arts with a focus in both pastry and professional culinary arts, with a minor in mass communication. She is a junior at Nicholls and a returning staff writer for The Nicholls Worth.

Parker has poured hours into writing and has enjoyed contributing all things culinary to our publication. She said her love for writing comes from a respect for the power and infinite potential it holds.

“Through writing, we can shape ideas, make people feel and connect across time and space,” Parker said. “It is an incredibly versatile and deeply beautiful art form.”

This art form, according to Parker, can be used to express the utmost intimate thoughts and feelings. It can uncover truths and preserve the living history of the world. It gives voice to the human experience.

However, Parker’s interests are not limited to writing and the culinary arts. Literature remains an inspiration for her, an outlet of creativity and self-expression.

“All of my interests are, in some way, rooted in my love for great stories and creative self-expression,” Parker said. “My passion for reading began during mandatory school reading sessions. Before long, I found myself willingly spending hours in the library, completely immersed in the worlds and voices contained within the pages.”

Much of her enthusiasm for learning and curiosity was passed down through her grandfather. Parker said he has always been a firm believer in the power of reading and education. She encourages her peers to hold tightly to these values as well.

“Everyone carries a story within them,” Parker said. “Whether or not you consider yourself a writer, you owe it to yourself to find a way to express it.”