An interview with victoria knight
In our centennial volume, we reflect on the history of literature within Anderson University. Junior Art Education major Victoria Knight’s reminiscent writing style weaves wonderfully into this collection as her pieces emphasize growth and acceptance. Her childhood and experiences stand to inspire both her works and her career path, which is why she advises writers to “write down any thoughts you have, even if it doesn’t become anything, because thoughts are important.” Through our discussion over coffee, we talked about how her love for literature began with her family’s love for literature. With her mother being a librarian and her father being a history nerd, Victoria grew up surrounded by the books and theatre that her parents loved and endeavored to show her.
Continuing her parents’ influence, Victoria seeks to bring this love to others as she pursues her long term goal of a masters degree and PhD in order to become an Art History professor. While she furthers her education, she wants to teach middle to high school age children either in the United States or abroad. Upon being asked what advice she would give to her younger self, she said, “Be kind to yourself. Be slow. Be calm and listen to people.” Her humility, passion for her craft, and education at Anderson University will continue to prepare her to instill a curious excitement with the past and a desire to reminisce.
Her love for writing poetry in particular began around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she participated in a poetry writing contest and fell in love with the way that the writing style helps her to reflect on her past. She remarked multiple times upon the melancholy tone of most of her works submitted to the journal in contrast to her habit of writing happier works.
While her pieces showcase difficult subject matter, her journey to acceptance within them acts as a point of hope for readers struggling with similar circumstances. Within her piece, “The Rubber on My Skin” she reflects upon her memories surrounding the scars on her body from self harm. Her mother gave her scar-away gel in order to treat the wounds and Victoria found that, when applied, the gel looked like rubber on her skin. Victoria’s opinion towards the piece is one of peace as she has decided to grow “not through it, not past it, but with” her circumstances and scars.
