My name is Kyla Alleyne, and I am a proud member of the graduating class of 2023 at the University of Central Florida. This is my story.

 

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved writing and anything creative. While others played sports or spent time with friends, I would often be in my room drawing or writing. Writing became my way of capturing my thoughts and expressing everything I was feeling. My passion for writing and journaling has stayed with me throughout my life, and it hasn’t wavered. Over the years, I’ve written blogs, created short stories, and, most recently, published my own book. This is just the beginning of my writing journey; writing will always remain an integral part of my life.

 

Before settling on my current path, I explored several different majors. While pursuing my undergraduate degree at Valencia College, I dabbled in Journalism and then Technical Writing. By the time I transferred to UCF, I realized that writing had been the one constant throughout my journey. During this time, my composition and writing courses helped me uncover my passion for writing, not just as a hobby but as a potential career. I discovered my interest in digital writing and realized it could help me grow both as a student and as a person.

 

My pursuit of knowledge and my writer identity truly began to take shape in my English Composition I class. This course was my first step toward understanding my own voice as a writer. When I sat in a class for my Technical Writing major, I quickly realized that it wasn’t the right fit for me. I knew I had to make a decision soon because I was approaching my transfer to UCF.

 

Ultimately, this exploration led me to UCF's Writing & Rhetoric program. As I progressed through my coursework, I began to understand what it means to "write about writing." I grappled with concepts like rhetoric, composition, and literacy—terms that initially intimidated me as a freshman. Over time, I immersed myself in various fields, including writing center research, film, editing, and publication. These experiences allowed me to grow as a scholar and gain expertise in areas that interest me. I discovered that writing is not just a tool for learning but also a way to share knowledge with others.

 

Outside of school, I have worked on several personal writing projects. One of my biggest accomplishments was publishing my first book, Girl vs. the World, in 2022. It took months of writing, editing, and revising, as well as professional help, to bring the book to life. It’s a deeply personal project that shares my story, and I’m incredibly proud of it. In January 2023, I achieved another major milestone when I landed an editorial internship at a magazine company. This role gave me valuable experience and insight into what I hope to pursue after graduation: a career in magazine editing.

 

My passion for marketing and social media began when I managed the marketing for my own small business. Over the past two years, I’ve completed two digital marketing internships, both of which involved writing and graphic design. These opportunities have helped me hone my skills and deepen my understanding of marketing and content creation.

 

All these experiences have illuminated exciting career possibilities for me. My identity as a magazine editor reflects my dedication to writing as the foundation of my work. It’s the core from which my skills continue to grow and evolve. No matter where my path takes me, my love for writing will guide me.

This online portfolio offers a deeper look into my journey by showcasing the experiences I’ve had and the works I’ve created. These projects demonstrate the skills necessary for a successful career in editing—whether freelance or full-time—and in content creation. I hope these samples not only provide insight into my craft but also inspire a shared appreciation for learning, knowledge, and the power of the written word.