selenaxrojas

[selenaxrojas]

ice cream on hot days is a must, loves the smell of fresh rain, always carries a notebook for random thoughts, secretly hums while cleaning, prefers books over e-readers, coffee over tea but loves both, always adds extra seasoning to food, scared of heights but loves tall buildings, collects seashells on every beach trip, always wears mismatched socks, can never remember movie quotes, doodles on the edges of important notes, falls asleep listening to podcasts, loves thunderstorms but hates getting wet, always keeps fresh flowers in the house, writes letters but never sends them, eats dessert first at restaurants, prefers sunrise to sunset, has a soft spot for stray animals, owns way too many throw blankets.

Childhood in New York City: Selena Rojas was born and raised in a working-class neighborhood in New York City. Her father, Rafael, a dedicated firefighter, and her mother, Camila, the director of a community center, instilled in her a sense of resilience, justice, and service to others. From an early age, Selena displayed curiosity and determination, often spending hours reading or observing her mother’s work at the community center.

Teen Years: As a teenager, Selena attended a public high school where she excelled academically and served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. It was during this time that she uncovered her passion for storytelling and investigative work. She frequently volunteered at her mother’s community center, connecting with people from all walks of life, which deepened her empathy and understanding of systemic issues.

College and Early Career: Selena attended Columbia University, where she majored in Journalism and interned at local newspapers and media outlets. Her reporting during college, which focused on housing inequality and police misconduct, earned her recognition and an offer to join a prestigious investigative team after graduation.

Rise in Investigative Journalism: For nearly a decade, Selena built a reputation as a fearless journalist. Her groundbreaking exposés on corruption and systemic injustices earned her multiple awards. However, the grueling demands of her career began to strain her personal relationships, particularly with her family, who often felt she prioritized work over them.

A Turning Point: After a particularly dangerous investigation into corporate malpractice led to threats against her safety, Selena decided to step back from the chaos of New York City. Feeling burned out and seeking a slower pace of life, she moved to Westport, Connecticut.

New Beginnings in Westport: In Westport, Selena took on a freelance journalism role, focusing on local stories with national significance. The town’s charm and tight-knit community initially felt foreign, but over time, Selena found a sense of peace. Despite the slower pace, she couldn’t help but uncover complex narratives beneath Westport’s idyllic surface, allowing her to continue her work while reconnecting with herself and her family, who often visit her new home.

Personality:

Selena has a sharp wit and a deep sense of empathy, which makes her both approachable and inspiring. While her charm draws people in, her grit and determination often set her apart. Selena has a strong moral compass, which fuels her investigative work and her desire to uplift marginalized voices.

Despite her passion, Selena can be overly independent, often refusing help even when she needs it most. Her tendency to overwork herself stems from her belief that every story matters, sometimes at the expense of her personal relationships. She is fiercely loyal to those she cares about but struggles to balance her  career with her connections to family and friends.

Potential Connections for Selena

The Mysterious Neighbor: A quiet and enigmatic person who maybe eventually  becomes one of Selena’s confidants.

The Book Club Friends: A lively group of Westport women who use their monthly book club as an excuse to get wine drunk and gossip. Despite initially feeling out of place, Selena becomes part of their dynamic.

An Ex from New York: A past serious relationship that ended because of Selena’s workaholic tendencies, occasionally resurfacing via texts or unexpected visits.

[selenaxrojas]

Marian Seldes, referring to Anne Sexton featured in “Anne Sexton: A Biography,”