Dawson Therre ’26

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

I first realized I wanted to be a writer in 2020, when Taylor Swift released her album folklore. I was inspired by the way she told stories through her music and I realized that I wanted to do the same. Since singing isn’t my thing, writing felt like the perfect way to bring stories to life.

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

Writing usually comes fairly easily to me when I’m genuinely inspired. I feel like I say this a lot, but the best way for me to find inspiration is to go out and experience life for myself. I believe some of the best writing comes from moments a writer has actually lived through because there’s something special about being able to draw from real experiences and turn them into stories that others can connect with.

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

Honestly, being at UCF allowed me to grow so much as a person. I became more comfortable with who I am and have learned to embrace my personality rather than hold parts of myself back. One thing I really value is how much more confident I feel in being myself.

Who are some of your favorite authors or books?

I love J.D Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” and Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” If I could write “The Hunger Games” series, I absolutely would. I think it would be so cool to explore dystopian fiction and create a world that challenges readers to think differently. However, I tend to gravitate more toward coming-of-age stories in my own writing. Also, I will always stand by the fact that “The Song of Achilles” is the best book of all time.

What are you currently working on right now?

I’m currently exploring ideas for a third book and trying to figure out what story I want to tell next.