Observer’s Incoming Editor-in-Chief Shares Journey of
Self-Discovery and Creativity
By Isabelle Mascary | Editor-in-Chief
Elysian Alder is twenty-six years old and began their journey at the Mount in the fall of 2022. She’s currently a professional writing major and the upcoming editor-in-chief. Her pronouns are: they/them, she/her or anything used with respect.
After a year of soul-searching, extensive research, and surrounding herself with more LGBTQIA+ people, Alder began her transition on July 16th, 2021. “It began with me exploring my non-binary identity, and then, while researching for a transgender character I was writing – and still am writing – it all clicked for me,” she explained. During the process, and after feeling uncomfortable with her given name, she chose her own name: Elysian. Derived from a concept in Greek mythology, the name means “a place or state of ideal happiness.”
The signs of them being gender nonconforming were always present. Alder shared that, during her childhood, there was a huge contention between her and some of her extended family members because she never wanted to do the things that girls were doing, nor did she want to wear what she was being told to wear. It never felt right to be told to act ‘more like a girl.’ After discovering and embracing her true self, Alder identifies as agender, which they describe as falling under the transgender or nonbinary umbrella. Being agender means “I don’t really have a gender identity,” she explained. “It’s not important to me to decide, and I don’t feel connected to the idea of gender. I’m very gender-apathetic.”
For Alder, Pride Month is about advocacy and awareness. When it comes to embracing queer people, “It’s important to realize that it’s not your business unless you’re the person. Just leave queer people alone. We just want our rights and want to be respected,” she said. “We’ve gone through so many struggles and fights for rights and enough is enough. It’s tiring to see the violence and persecution that trans and queer people face every day.”
As the incoming editor-in-chief, it may come as a surprise to some that at first, Alder didn’t think she would enjoy journalism due to her reservations about interviewing others. “I went into it just to fulfill a criterion on my degree and the other options didn’t really seem like my style,” she said. After taking some time to consider the course, she said, “I figured I could probably write a pretty good journalism article, and I like being able to get perspectives on things that maybe I originally wouldn’t have unless I was doing a story for it.” When the opportunity arose to become assistant editor for the Observer, they accepted. Through firm and constant reassurance – from her advisor, Professor Fuller, and her peers – Alder was motivated to take on the editor-in-chief role for the fall semester of 2023.
Alder shared a few obstacles she has faced. She was born and raised in New Jersey, but during COVID, while living with a childhood best friend, she was unexpectedly facing eviction. Despite having had no plans to leave, the room she was renting in the house she shared with her friend’s family was promised to someone else. “It came out of nowhere, and it was stressful. I was tirelessly looking for rooms to rent, basements, attics, wherever I could find for myself and my cat. My cat is non-negotiable. He goes where I go; he’s my little guy,” she shared. With her options slimming and pressure mounting, Alder had to leave the house. Fortunately, help was just a few phone calls away. After explaining her situation, her current roommate (who is also her writing partner and friend of 8 years) provided reassuring words and helped her find a new place to call home in Massachusetts.
Alder shared that she struggles with imposter syndrome. “I’ll be interested in something, but then it comes down to doubting if I really deserve to do it,” she said and added that even though someone may compliment her work, self-doubt tends to rear its ugly head. “It’s a really terrible thought pattern to be in.” Realizing that it has had some impact on the careers they have considered going into, they knew healing was key to knock down barriers.
On the topic of careers, she has recently been considering early childhood education. “I love kids, and I do love teaching,” she shared. “Superficial things that matter to adults don’t matter with kids. You just have to guide them along the right direction because they don’t know any better. They’re not out here to maliciously judge people.” Alder has a love for teaching children, but she wishes that underfunding wasn’t an issue, because compensation matters. “As much as it sucks to focus on, I don’t want to be doing something that’s not going to compensate me, and it’s so sad that teachers are not compensated well.”
Alder’s hobbies include hiking with her roommate, reading, and writing. She primarily gravitates towards fiction novel writing, but she is not opposed to short stories and has recently developed an interest in screenwriting. “My roommate and I joke about ‘dethroning J.K. Rowling’ someday, and if it’s me who does it, maybe I will write an autobiography.” As for her five year plan, Alder and her roommate might relocate to Washington, and she hopes to finish a screenplay or novel and become a college graduate.
A piece of advice that she has for students is to stay organized and to find what organization style works for you. “What works for me might not work for someone else.”
Her next piece of advice is to get involved on campus. “Getting involved has been a good thing for me and being part of the Observer really helps. Not only does it increase your ability to take on responsibilities, but also gets you involved with the community.”
Lastly: Alder emphasizes being kinder to oneself. “It’s really important. Mindfulness and being aware of how you’re treating yourself can really boost your productivity, your efficiency, and your happiness. It can positively impact every aspect of your life.”
Despite experiencing traumatic events in her childhood, including childhood homelessness, the loss of her mother at a young age and dealing with the consequences of her brother and father’s poor choices, Alder has not let those experiences prevent her from achieving her goals and finding herself through freedom of expression and creativity. What could have derailed her in life set her up to become a pillar of resilience and responsibility. Like the meaning of her name, she is in a place of happiness.
Comments are closed.