My name is Jaclyn Koss, and I am an amateur.
Actually, by trade I am an editor at an academic publishing company. I acquire and oversee the development of exam prep/certification review products. Prior to this, I worked in the entertainment industry for a few years.
“So, how are you an amateur?” you ask.
AMATEUR /ˈA-MƏ-CHƏR, -ˌCHU̇R, -(ˌ)TƏR, -ˌTU̇R/
NOUN 1 A PERSON WHO ENGAGES IN A STUDY, SPORT, OR OTHER ACTIVITY FOR PLEASURE RATHER THAN FOR FINANCIAL BENEFIT OR PROFESSIONAL REASONS. 2 A PERSON INEXPERIENCED IN A PARTICULAR ACTIVITY. 3 A PERSON WHO ADMIRES SOMETHING; DEVOTEE; FAN.
ADJECTIVE 1 CHARACTERISTIC OF OR ENGAGED IN BY AN AMATEUR; NONPROFESSIONAL.
Photo Credit: Eric Yang
“First and foremost, I am an amateur of the cinematic, performing, and media arts,” I say in my most pretentious-sounding voice. Translation: I’m a nerd (or is it geek?). My favorite things to watch as a child were
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Disney movies—obviously,
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Cartoon Network/Toonami,
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Pokémon,
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Power Rangers,
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Star Wars,
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Lord of the Rings,
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Harry Potter—Hufflepuff pride💛🖤,
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and South Park.
While my palate has greatly expanded, my tastes remain largely unchanged. I still gravitate towards fantasy, sci-fi, superhero, magical realism, and animated (of all kinds, from American to stop motion to anime to anime-adjacent) content.
I had various creative interests throughout my life—acting, writing, music, visual arts, and dancing. In doing this I developed a great appreciation for each art form and the artists who pursue them. My current amateur creative endeavor is cosplay.
Additionally, I am an amateur foodie and mixologist. Growing up in an Italian-American household and living in major metropolitan areas such as New York and Los Angeles, much of my world revolves around food and drinks. I grew to love quality craft cocktails and started coming up with my own to share with family and friends as well as make them more accessible.
This blog is my way of ‘leveling up’ these interests as well as exploring who I am as a person, a professional, and, yes, an amateur. I hope you become inspired to embrace and pursue your own passions, too. (Unless they’re illegal or harmful to yourself/others. Don’t do that.)
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Photo Credit: Justin Schuman