Not So Frequently Asked Questions with April Shaw!

 

April Shaw at Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration gallery opening at the Hunter Museum of Art.

April Shaw is one of our library assistants on the Public Services team. Our library assistants help out with the library's service desk schedule and much more! April helps write blog posts for the library's blog team! Let's learn a little bit about April Shaw in her Not So Frequently Asked Questions interview.

1. What is the last book you read?
The last book I read was “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. It is terrifying how accurately it portrays current life, including invasive uses of AI technology. I do not remember if it was assigned reading in school, but I appreciate it more now as an adult.

2. Favorite thing to do in Chattanooga?
My favorite thing to do in Chattanooga is to find ways to experience global connections even in a small town. In the past, I achieved that by volunteering with Chattanooga Sister Cities whose goal is to connect Chattanooga to various cities around the world and foster cultural exchange.

I also worked with the UTC Center for Global Education as a student mentor to ESL students studying at UTC and European international students participating in the Studies of the U.S. Institutes program (SUSI).

I am loving to see more ethnic restaurants open here as well! I visit as much as my wallet will allow.

3. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to watch Korean entertainment or catch a livestream on Twitch. I also follow various YouTube channels; mostly travel-related. I want to get back to reading and creating art in my free time as well.

One channel I would suggest is Korean Englishman. Not only are the two hosts-Josh and Ollie—hilarious, but it is fascinating to watch them introduce Korean food and culture to everyone from strangers on the street, to high school students, and even celebrities.

I recently binged-watched one of my favorite Korean dramas (again) called At a Distance, Spring is Green. This story highlights the struggles of (fictional) students struggling during college, which is supposed to be the prime of their lives.

4. Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall?
Fall. Hands down. The weather is pleasant, the colors are beautiful, and there are so many festivals to enjoy! Also, APPLE EVERYTHING.

Fun fact: I was almost named Autumn!

5. What are your favorite podcasts?
I am more likely to listen to an audiobook or livestream over a podcast. However, I will occasionally listen to the Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast or Avatar: Braving the Elements.

6. Who is your favorite author?
I am torn between Brian Jacques and Wendelin Van Draanen.
 
I credit Brian Jacques for developing my imagination through his beautifully descriptive Redwall series. It is high fantasy, but with animals.

I credit Wendelin Van Draanen for my curiosity and spark through the Sammy Keyes series and her sassy titular protagonist who solves small-town mysteries with her friends (and sometimes her grandmother).

7. Name one thing you think Chatt State students should know about the library.
As with any library, I wish that Chatt State students knew that you can do more than check out a book or use a computer here. There are so many opportunities for collaboration and relaxation. We even have therapy dogs!
How cool is that?

8. Favorite cartoon?
My favorite cartoon is Avatar the Last Airbender. Great character arcs, expansive world-building, surprisingly serious themes for a “kids show,” and beautiful animation and score! I had the pleasure of attending Avatar the Last Airbender: Live in Concert with my family last year, and it was an unforgettable experience!

A close second favorite is season one of Arcane. Arcane (S1) from start to finish is a storytelling and visual masterpiece!
 
9. Name a movie that you think is better than the book.
This may be controversial, but Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. I barely remember the book, but I will never forget the movie. Is the movie accurate to the book? No, but it captured a sense of wonder, exploration, and magic that is so special, and the last scene always makes me tear up.

In general, I do not fear adaptations. The original source material will not disappear if a new iteration is made. That said, changes should make sense within the world of the story.

10. Last major trip?
The last major trip I took was to New York in 2017 in conjunction with the Art Club and the Spanish Art Club at Chatt State. It was an amazing week-long experience studying art at museums, on the street, and even the subway.

Before then, it was Japan in 2009 through my high school. That was my first and only time travelling overseas, and I still cannot grasp that I was actually there. Thank goodness for pictures and videos!

Travelling or settling in another country has always been a major goal. I plan to explore more in the coming years!