Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer, Staff Writer
Most people would not compare journalism to sailing.
At first glance, the two activities could not be less similar: one involves being in a boat, while the other involves thinking of creative headlines. For Ellie Gavin ’14, however, it’s a different story.
Gavin has been sailing for as long as she can remember, she tells me one sunny afternoon in August. When Gavin speaks, her hands mirror the bright tone of her voice, with animated gesticulations aplenty.
Gavin explains that she loves the decision-making aspect of sailing, and anticipates bringing some of these skills to Inklings. Like any good journalist, Gavin has an angle – she hopes to expose the truth and make people think, and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
When I ask her if she’s nervous about being a brand-new member of Inklings, she pauses for the first time in our conversation.
“A few years ago, I was sailing, nowhere near land, and there was a big storm,” Gavin said. “To get through something scary, the worst thing you can do is back down. Keep doing what you’d be doing if you were in a more comfortable situation.”
Be it a storm or a tough interview, Gavin’s going to keep on sailing.