Jade Fabello

Tell us about yourself

I am an Austin-based freelance writer. I've written for Texas Monthly, Austin Monthly, UT News, Fero’s Magazine, the Brown Journal of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Batshit Times, and more. I write mostly about politics, race, art, grief, and love. I do personal essays, profiles, copywriting, content marketing, and other such gigs. I also run a newsletter about the craft of writing called "I love words and you." I am also the Operations Manager for an Afrofuturism start-up alongside Dr. Lonny Brooks and Ahmed Best (who played Jar-Jar in Star Wars).

How are you using the skills that you learned at Moody in your current position?

Since graduating, there's not a conversation I've had that wasn't helped by the improved communication skills I got from Moody. The ability to know yourself and then to communicate your ideas is underrated. It shows up in every aspect of what I do—writing, negotiating, structural organization, and beyond.

What advice do you have for #TEXASMoody students?

Learn to lean on people. No one makes it in this world alone, and knowing when and how to ask for help is critical. Not everyone has access to the same amount of hours in a day. Financial and mental stressors make certain tasks more difficult. But finding a few people you can trust to help you with different aspects of your life is a big relief. Also, find something you like and get good at it. Dr. Kathleen McElroy was the first person to really look at me sideways and tell me that I should start focusing some of my energy. I owe her for that one.

What do you miss most about Moody College?

There are a lot of great connections from Moody that I've maintained, but I miss the smaller interactions that you have with the people you kind of know. I miss the transient moments and the big sunny windows at Belo.