Deirdre Ochipinti ’93

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

When my son turned two years old in 2010, I went to Barnes & Noble to find an adoption picture book and there were none so I decided to become a writer for him. 

What’s your writing process? What inspires your writing? 

My writing process is brainstorming and what inspires my writing is the story behind my book, adoption. 

What was the biggest thing you learned during your time as a Knight that you apply to your life today? 

You may have to overcome hurdles that seem impossible, but are possible. 

What was a class or club at UCF that helped you grow as a writer? 

Honestly, the FREE SARC Student Access Resource Center at UCF in the 90s was my biggest savior. They helped me get on the president’s list from C’s and a D my first year of college life. Thankfully it was founded in 1988 by Dr. Mary Helen Callarman! 

Who are some of your favorite authors or books? 

Jodi Picoult. 

If UCF had a time machine, what moment on campus would you go back to? 

Picking my degree actually. I would have gone into editing or publishing. 

If your UCF experience were a meme, what would it be? 

You have the power within yourself to make a change. 

What are you currently working on right now? 

I am the founder and owner of the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Children’s Adoption Celebration, Inc. to raise funds for adoptive families, and local community awareness.