team BELLA
Graduation
#Throwback
VANESSA COPPES
CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
I’ve been writing in journals since I was 7 years old. Encouraged by my teachers, writing and telling stories came naturally and helped to make my troubled childhood less of a personal burden. I was the Editor-in-Chief of my high school newspaper in English. After becoming a teacher, I helped my students start school papers as well. My parents were both teachers and I grew up with the mantra that no matter what I was going through, my education was the one thing no one could ever take away from me. Naturally, I threw myself into learning, focusing on improving my talents and helping others along the way. Bringing people together for a common objective always came easily to me. I remember one of my teachers telling me that that alone was a gift. I didn’t understand it then, but I do today. I was 13 years old when I envisioned where I am today. Many things got me here, but most importantly, so did a lot of hard work.
MINDY GURA & PAULA ORLAN
KRISTEN ROBERTIELLO
ONLINE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Fashion has always been on my radar and a huge passion of mine. During my high school years, I worked part-time in retail sales and dreamed of owning my own clothing store. Today I own a wardrobe styling business and am blessed to incorporate my experience and knowledge into my other favorite interest, writing.
THE STYLE DUO
We remember taking this picture like it was yesterday. Both of our parents always stressed the importance of a good education, as they both worked in education and still do. After we graduated from Tufts University, we started our careers in fashion and entertainment. If we could tell our younger selves anything, we would say, enjoy the moment and enjoy the process. Life is a wonderful journey of adventures and learning along the way.
ALEXANDRA ANASTASIO LYNETTE BARBIERI
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I never had the desire to get into a big corporation like many of my friends. I was always willing to try whatever I had to to make money. The only part of school I ever enjoyed was the social aspect. Having fun was my priority. It’s OK to be different and to try new things until you find your passion. Just keep moving, keep learning, and getting better. Don’t worry about what your friends think—it won’t matter 30 years from now. Just be the best you can be. 88
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
“There are no wrong turnings. Only paths we had not known we were meant to walk.” -Guy Gavriel Kay, Canadian fantasy fiction author When I rewind back to my high school days, the dreams I had looked a lot different than they do now. Back then, I envisioned myself being in front of a camera; now, the people who know me know the camera actually scares me! Instead, the hobby I had growing up—writing in my journals, “reporting” on my days—would turn out to be my life’s passion. I have always loved telling stories, and today, I get to do that through my work “behind the scenes.”
