"WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP, BRIAN?"

I never used to know how to answer this question.

From a young age, I was drawn to the arts like a moth to a flame. Whether it was watercolor painting or the language arts, I have always enjoyed being creative. By studying computer-aided drafting in high school, I learned that I enjoyed playing with visual elements, though my first love has always been writing. We’ve shared long, sleepless nights. Heated debates. Agonizing heartache. I’m not gonna lie: sometimes, it feels like I’m the only one putting in any effort to keep this thing we have going. Overall, my relationship with writing is very one-sided. But you know what? In spite of everything, I can’t see us breaking up any time soon.

I entered Boston University as an English major, eager to dissect some literature about, you know, the Civil War or something. Then, I realized my talent for communicating ideas through writing would be more rewarding through a creative lens. Give me an objective and a reliable Internet connection, and I’ll find the perfect series of words. Even if it takes all night.

I accrued experience at BU by studying advertising and learning how to write for a variety of media. Finally, I found where I fit in. Now I can rest assured that I know what I need to do in order to leave my mark(s) on the world.

DISCLAIMER: Marks may include but not be limited to: pencil shavings, crumbled pieces of paper, Sharpie stains of various hues, inappropriate jokes, etc. Also, I'm still growing. 

"WHAT’s With The MIddle INitial?”

1) Glad you asked! As it turns out, Brian Anderson is a painfully common name. During high school, I was in the same graduating class as another student with the same exact name. Ah, those were the days. It was barrels of fun having our academic files mixed together as I was preparing to apply for college. Not to mention, there were two other students in that class of 2014 with the last name Anderson. According to the 2000 United States Census, it is the 12th most popular last name in the country.

2) Makana, on the other hand, is not so common. Interestingly, my middle name is actually Hawaiian; my parents chose it as a way of honoring my birthplace, the Big Island of Hawai’i. In the Hawaiian language, Makana means “gift.” As a result, I would now like to take this opportunity to humbly say: you’re welcome.

✐ ‽ ✎   

Brian M. Anderson graduated from Boston University in the summer of 2018, earning his Bachelor's degree in Communication. He currently spends his days around Boston, MA, where he obsesses over the nuance of the English language, much to the detriment of his overall health and wellbeing.