Staff

About Soundings | Meet the Staff | Join Us

Rylee Schmidt// Senior Editor

Hello! My name is Rylee Schmidt and I’m from Olathe, KS. I’m a junior majoring in English and minoring in business. This year I’m honored to be serving as Senior Editor, and I cannot wait to see what you all submit! In my free time, I also love reading nineteenth-century English literature, creative writing, and eating alarming amounts of dessert. When I’m not studying, you’re likely to find me at the pool where I train with my fellow OC teammates. Go Eagles!

Jude Stewart//Administrative Director

Hello artists! I’m Jude Stewart, a sophomore political science major with an English minor. This year I will be serving as the Administrative Director for Soundings. I love all things golf, classical literature, and cinema. My favorite film is Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige, and I’m currently reading Homer’s The Iliad. I cannot wait to see what great art you all create this year!

Ali Richardson // PR and Events Director

Hello everyone, my name is Ali Richardson, and I am a junior Political Science major with a minor in English Writing. This year I will be acting as the PR and Events Director for Soundings, planning fun events and buying cute decorations! My obsessions range from Edgar Allen Poe to eating chocolate ice cream, and reading copious amounts of books! I’m looking forward to all of the fun things Soundings is going to take part in this year, and I can’t wait!

Hank Waterston // Events/PR Assistant

Hey y’all! I’m Hank Waterston, and I’m from Vienna, Virginia. I’m a sophomore and currently studying Biology with a minor in General Ministry. When I’m not in class or studying, you’ll find me playing Magic the Gathering, losing in video games, or writing poetry. I’m super excited to work as the Events/PR assistant for Soundings and share my love for the fine arts.

JAcee SImons // CopyEditor & Website Assistant

Hi, my name is Jacee Simons! I’m a senior English-Ed major from Mt. Vernon Missouri, and this is my first year working for Soundings. When I am not studying, I enjoy spending time with my Gamma Rho sisters, reading and writing young adult fiction, fueling my shopping addiction, and obsessing over Taylor Swift. I am so excited to join the Soundings staff this year as Copyeditor and Website Assistant, and I can’t wait to see everyone’s submissions!

Aevi // Graphic Designer

Whats up! I’m Aevi, the current senior graphic designer. I was born and raised in Oklahoma City. My free time consists of show watching, YouTube, reading, designing, and spending hours on Stardew Valley. My major is Graphic Design, and I’m also seeking a minor in writing. This year will be a great one!

Abigail Balleweg // Admin Assistant

Salutations! My name is Abigail Balleweg, and I am Soundings’ Administrative Assistant for the 23-24 school year. I am a Junior Communications Major with a passion for writing, painting, TTRPGs, all types of coffee, and listening to Taylor Swift. I am looking forward to serving Soundings and the OC community as best I can this semester!

Hi, my name is Jaxson Pearson! I am a sophomore English Education major. This is my first year as a member of the Soundings Staff, and I’m really eager and honored to work as this year’s copywriter. I am from Mustang, Oklahoma and enjoy reading, writing, playing video games, and hanging out with my friends and family whenever I am not preoccupied with school. Whenever I am on campus, you can typically find me either in the major’s lounge in the English Department or on the third floor of the library.

Ashlyn Pendergrass // Journal Proofreader

Hi, I’m Ashlyn, and I’ll be the journal proofreader for Soundings this semester. I’m a junior English Writing major with a Music minor, and I have a passion for sniffing out grammar errors like a bloodhound. I enjoy roasting books on Goodreads, playing the clarinet, and baking various cookies, brownies, etc.!