The Arts Division’s Writer and Media Relations Officer, Gaby Messino, has made the arts a focal point in her life since she was young. At the University of California, Santa Cruz she loves to explore the groundbreaking research and events happening in the different departments.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Messino attended a theater school from kindergarten through eighth grade. She also received a minor in theater arts while attending Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. “Performance, especially musical theater, has always been a part of who I am,” she says. “I can’t imagine a life for myself that isn’t heavily involved in the arts.”
Messino fell in love with writing in high school, and decided to pursue a degree in English Literature. She is a passionate reader whose favorite genre is fantasy, and one day she hopes to write a fantasy novel.
After college she pursued a Master’s in journalism at New York University (NYU). Her work as a freelance writer has been published in magazines including Cosmopolitan and Men’s Health. “Journalism really gave me a way to channel my writing,” says Messino. “Sometimes I get overwhelmed about where to start when it comes to fiction, but with the news it’s easier to write something that is real, and it feels like work that is making more of an impact.”
Coming to UC Santa Cruz last January, Messino was excited to pursue writing about the arts in a way that has a positive impact. “Doing it for a UC feels like important work because I’m working for the betterment of art and arts education.”
When she’s not at her job Messino spends most of her time with her dog, Sammich. She’s also an avid bar trivia competitor who loves to dance, do karaoke, and cook for her friends.
“The arts are integral to our existence as human beings,” says Messino. “With all the uncertainty about the future, now is the time to invest more in arts and art practice. I’m just glad that I can be a part of that while pursuing writing which I love.”