Amanda in Rome, Italy.

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Who is Amanda Abella?

I am a freelance writer,  a language instructor for Berlitz, part time yogi, and full time dreamer. I just graduated from college and find myself in the “Oh Sh*t. What now?” boat. I tend to give myself challenges like trying something new every week, being my own boss, and trying to be healthy in an attempt to add some spice to my life. I have big dreams and aspirations that I will achieve (notice positive action verb). Furthermore, I hope to help others do the same in their own lives.

What is the Grad Meets World vision?

The New York Times published an article about how 20somethings can’t seem to get it together. As a 20something I beg to differ. We have great GenY bloggers, entrepreneurs, and activists who want to help their fellow man (just check the side bar for some examples).

The fact of the matter is that 20somethings are overwhelmed by options. Do I start investing at a young age? Do I work at McDonald’s? Do I settle for a desk job? Is grad school worth the price tag? What the hell is an IRA? Oh my gosh, health insurance! Can I be a writer? How do I make money? How long will it take to pay off my loans? Should I move across the country? Relationships? Marriage? Kids? Entrepreneurship? Politics? Backpacking through Europe? Peace Corps??!?!

As you can imagine, our brains are flooded with information and some of us are having a hard time sorting it all out. Grad Meets World hopes to help 20somethings (and anyone in this predicament for that matter) figure some of it out with practical resources, tips, and guides. Add equal parts wit and charm and you’ve got the recipe for nipping life in the bud.

How did Grad Meets World get started?

I received my BA in English Literature from Ave Maria University in May 2010. During the last couple of years of my college career I was so focused on getting through in one piece that I forgot to plan for that little thing called Life.  Combine that with a not so great economy and you have the makings of an epic emotional breakdown.

Amanda in Bilbao, Spain.

About a month after graduating I strapped on a backpack and traveled around Ireland, Italy, and Spain in an attempt to learn a few things and figure out what the hell I was going to do when I got back. I spent a month working in Spanish country side, falling in love with the city of Dublin, and gallivanting through Roman streets. The experience was an eye opener and made me realize I had a lot to offer and even more to learn.

When I came back to the States I decided to take matters into my own hands and started freelancing. In addition to writing for several websites, I started running my own green living blog Ecobellus.com which has received some attention and was even featured on Ecycler. I figured since one blog was already having some success then I should make a more personal one and help my fellow man even more.

After some brainstorming and organizing, I asked my friend Melanie what a good name for a personal development blog would be. Melanie and many of my other friends are going through the same confusion and growing pains so I found her input to be important. After a few minutes she said “Grad Meets World” which I loved because, not only did it describe my vision perfectly, it also reminded me of one of my favorite shows from my childhood, Boy Meets World. And so, on November 13, 2010 I scurried on over to BlueHost and WordPress (many thanks to both) and this blog was born.

So you’re a writer, huh?

Yes I am. I suppose my love affair with the written word began when I was copy editor for my high school newspaper, Coral Gables Senior High’s Highlights. The love followed me throughout college and I received by BA in English Literature from Ave Maria University in May 2010.

I am now a Featured Green, Featured Crafts, and Featured Home Improvement contributor for Associated Content, have been featured on Yahoo News, and write for Demand Media. In addition I am a Coral Gables Green Living Examiner, a GreenWise columnist for Handmade News, and a contributor for Environmental Graffiti. In December 2010 I founded my own writing, copy editing, and translation business Abella Media and hope to turn it into my full time gig someday.

So what else have you done besides writing?

I have worked for a financial advisor, canvassed for a Florida environmental campaign, and have given tours to hundreds of visitors at Ave Maria University. I also just recently completed language instructor training so that I may teach others English or Spanish as a second language through Berlitz (awesome program if you are interested in learning a new language!).

Anything else?

I hope you find Grad Meets World to be useful in your lives. If you would like to contact me with questions or ideas please email me at abella.amanda@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

And don’t forget to follow Grad Meets World on your favorite social media sites!

Disclaimer: the views on this site are my own, and in no way represent those of my employers.