“I used to come out here with my friends in high school and talk. However,  I am pretty introverted and also like having time to myself. I have lived in Fairhope my whole life, so I am attending DePaul University in Chicago for something new. Leaving Fairhope gives me a new way to look at it. I get so much shit and nonsense for being from the South. People  think Alabama is all farms or the middle of nowhere. I am constantly defending it, trying to explain that Fairhope is the sweet spot between beach and urban. My middle name is Rose—my family calls me Erin Rose. It’s a double name, but people in the Midwest don’t do double names, so I go by Erin there. 

I got into Creedence Clearwater Revival when I heard “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” Green River was my favorite album. I also love Lana Del Rey–my makeup is inspired by her.  Her music is slow and romantic. Sometimes it’s good to be a little sad and reflective. 

When I left Fairhope, I learned I can handle myself in different environments. Doing well at a bigger school also gives me more confidence in my abilities. After Chicago, I may go even farther and go abroad after I graduate.  There’s a big world out there where everything is different. I have to try.”

Erin Rose