Toward the end of the summer I spent the day with Ava. In the Capitol Hill area of DC I took some photos in her room while she got ready and then we headed to Georgetown. Ava had just graduated high school and was off to study at University in Vermont in just a few weeks. I had the chance to get more insight into her life and find out more about what it’s like to be young and in that transitional period in life.
Tell me three words that describe you:
– Aloof
– Unusual
– Passionate
Whats a typical day like for you?
Well before I left DC for the University of Vermont I spent most of time on Capitol Hill, either working on my writing or hanging out in Garfield Park with my friends. If I’m not on the hill, you could find me bumming around some other neighborhoods (like U St, Dupont Circle, Admo, etc.) with friends or doing work in a park.
What do you enjoy/dislike about Washington, DC?
I miss DC so much! I miss my cats and my family. I also miss living in a city because I grew up in one. I could walk for two minutes and get anything I needed super easily. I don’t miss the DC metro system though; it was starting to get messed up right as I left.
Is there anything you’re looking forward to, whether its in the immediate future or long term?
In college you kinda forget about the long term future, so right now I’m excited to go to Higher Ground to see Toro Y Moi! I’m also looking forward to going to the mountains to ski all the time, and just getting the chance to be outside more. Burlington seems like a cool place to explore, but I will take many trips up to Montreal to visit my older sister and get my city fix.
How important is personal style to you?
Super important. It’s how I express myself, and it lets me explore different ways to do so. Even at a school where there aren’t many people who care about style, I still try to have fun with my clothes (without going overboard, which is surprisingly difficult) and mix things up in the little ways I can. I bought this awesome beret the other day and I can’t wait to wear it in the snow.
Describe your perfect summer.
Traveling everywhere! I want to explore different places, eat all of the good food, and learn about other cultures. A perfect (and realistic) summer would be spent practicing my French in Paris, and then relaxing at a lake-house in Maine.
Lastly, is there anything else that you want people to know about you?
I’m currently a student, a theatre major, but I’m also an aspiring actor/model. I love performing, its when I feel the most comfortable and liberated – whether on stage or in front of a camera (or just in life).
photography: Lauren Melanie Brown
model: Ava Reuss
