Writer
“I love storytelling,” emphasizes senior Shelby Imes, “literature and storytelling and everything along those lines.” This English and SMAD double-major followed that passion all the way to JMU, where she’s enjoying honing her skills. A recommendation from a current TAD employee led her to apply, and a passion for reading and a childhood spent crafting tales make her a perfect fit for the Writing Team.
Shelby views this position as a great opportunity, not only to improve as a writer, but to become more well-rounded—making the most of the wide variety of skills here at TAD to learn more about the Adobe Creative Cloud, web development, and photography. “I want to learn everything I can get my hands on in one year,” she confides, “I don’t want to be a one-trick pony.” Like so many multi-talented young adults, Shelby doesn’t have a clear, singular vision for the future. She does, however, have three basic requirements: that she be constantly challenged, have the opportunity to be creative, and work with great people. Hopefully she’ll get a taste for what that’s like here at TAD!
Comedy is Shelby’s second love, and she’s been active in JMU’s improv and sketch comedy scene since her freshman year. Now, as a senior, TAD’s resident comedic genius is acting as Creative Director for New and Improv.’d, JMU’s first improv troupe. A self-proclaimed “grandma,” Shelby loves oatmeal and recently took up knitting. (We here in the TAD office are hoping to see some of her efforts when the cool weather sets in!)
Fun fact: Shelby once met Kevin McDonald, who voiced the character of Pleakley in Lilo & Stitch.
