Sophomore Susie Seidel poses on a flamingo pool float for the “about” page of her blog. Seidel started the blog to build a portfolio for social media-related careers. “I was really scared at first of what people were going to think,” Seidel said. “It’s just kind of one of those things where people are going to have an opinion no matter what, so you just have to do what makes you happy, and it does make me happy.”

Visit susieseidel.weebly.com and you’ll find posts about lifestyle, food and travel accompanied by high quality pictures, all created by sophomore Susie Seidel on Sept. 8.

Seidel created a blog in hopes of building her experience with social media and writing to improve future applications to colleges pertaining to those subjects. Seidel works on the website in her free time outside of school.

“I’ve always liked the idea of social media influencers and YouTubers and stuff like that, but I’m not really that good with video stuff. I saw one of my friends had a blog, and it was really impulsive, but I made one in like one night, and it got me really excited,” Seidel said.

Seidel wants to maximize her high school experience by enrolling in courses that will build skills for her future career.

“I wanted to take marketing this year but I had to take like more required classes,” Seidel said. “Hopefully next year I’ll be able to take business classes because I’m really interested in public relations.”

She believes her blog provides a good example of her abilities to future colleges.

“I know a lot of colleges, especially if you’re going into the liberal arts field, like you to show your ability. I’m building a portfolio that reflects my passion, and it’s good to have it in my back pocket for applications,” Seidel said.

Since its creation, the blog has been seen by Seidel’s peers and teachers.

“I love that someone I know has a blog,” sophomore Charlotte Zera said. “When you see her doing all these cool things around St. Louis it makes me want to get out and see the city.”

Charlotte was also impressed by Seidel’s openness, and the professional organization of the website.

“I like how she has different portions of the website like lifestyle and food, it’s very organized and fun to read,” Zera said. “I think it’s something that could really make waves.”

Journalism teacher Debra Klevens teaches Seidel in Newspaper I and understands the growing influence of blogs like hers.

“I’ve seen a lot of people make careers out of it and get major companies to start sponsoring them,” Klevens said.

Online platforms for personal commentary and exposure are becoming increasingly viable opportunities for career and skill development.

“I think that blogs are a great way to start out and show what you’ve got. It’s a live portfolio so you can show somebody your work,” Klevens said.

Seidel’s plans are open-ended, and she usually just posts as new material arises.

“I’ll just kinda see where it goes. I’m excited that people like it,” Seidel said. “I was really scared at first of what people were going to think. It’s just kind of one of those things where people are going to have an opinion no matter what, so you just have to do what makes you happy, and it does make me happy.”