I’m Payton, one of the Highlighter editors for the 2020-2021 school year, and here is a brief look at some of my favorite stuff. I am a firm believer that nothing is embarrassing as long as you don’t make it embarrassing. All of this stuff younger me would’ve been terrified to share, but I like to think I’ve grown past it.

My favorite book: Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero. I was a die hard Scooby Doo fan as a kid, and this book adds everything good to the teen sleuth genre. I cannot recommend this book enough to people; read it for Halloween and be prepared to freak out about the end.

My favorite movie: The Proposal. It is a hidden GEM. I have no idea what genius created this movie, but they can take all my money. Please, please watch this movie. 

My favorite song: This changes a lot, but it’s gotta be Foreign Object by the Mountain Goats. At heart, I’m really just an angsty teenager. 

My favorite state: I’ve been to more than half of the United States, mostly driving. Easily, my favorite state was West Virginia. I love Mothman, love the misty forests, and the people were absolutely wonderful. It will always hold a special place in my heart (and in case you were wondering, my least favorite is Kansas).

My favorite holiday: Christmas! Not because I’m particularly excited for the season or anything, but it always means that my entire family gets together. I have a smaller family than most but it means we’re all very close. I also bartend for the family – I make a pretty mean French 75.

My favorite quote: “But whatever I do, I find joy in it. Because, at the end of the day, that’s all you got, is looking back on the joy you had and the joy you found and the joy you gave other people.” – Clint McElroy.

My favorite food: I haven’t stopped thinking about a particular afternoon tea I had in London in 2018. Seriously, I would give anything to eat those scones again.

My favorite animal: A spotted eagle ray! Google their adorable pancake faces at some point today if you need a pick me up.

My favorite day of the week: Thursday. They are easily the chillest days of the week. Have you ever had a Thursday where you were incredibly busy? Nope, you just prepare for Friday. 

Other (less exciting stuff about me) is that I am a senior involved with theater, Rocky Mountain Peers, and Gender Sexuality Alliance Club. I want to go to school for journalism with an environmental concentration and hopefully have a country house with a giant dog and a few cats.