Who am I?

Me!

My name is Amani Nelson. I'm a Junior at Brooklyn College studying Anthropology and Film Screenwriting, but previously I attended SUNY Oneonta where I majored in Anthropology and Media Studies with a minor in end of life studies! Ever since I was a little girl, I was enamored by stories. I'd spend most of my time reading, getting lost in other worlds -- a story I'm sure many have told before but it's true.

I grew up as a pretty shy kid, so I always felt disconnected from other people so storytelling was my way of not only feeling connected to others, but finding the courage to integrate myself into the world around me. As a writer, I feel that we are anthropologists by default: Whether we intend to or not, we reveal something new about the human experience. And in my work, I intend to explore the mundane aspects of human existence especially from a young black woman's perspective

What drew me to storytelling?

Maybe it's my Aquarius rising or the surplus of Leo placements in my chart (lol), but I believe that I have something to say and that people should take a moment to listen to me. Who doesn't believe that though? Especially now, in the age of social media where short form content platforms like TikTok and Substack give so many people the opportunity to speak their mind, regardless of whether they "should" or not. So what makes me different? Nothing! I'm just another voice, another thought, another opinion being sent out into the world.

My Mission?

So, if I'm just another voice in the void, and nothing really sets me apart from the rest of the void... what's the point? As an anthropologist, the point is to figure out the point. Why do we write poetry if someone else said the same thing already, but better? Why make films if no one is gonna watch them because someone did it better ? Why try if there's no guarantee that you'll ever be good at?

I don't know nor do I care to answer those questions. There's always gonna be a why but you can only answer but so much. These days I prefer to make effort to stay in the present. Not only that, but as much as I'd love for my work to be admired or enjoyed by others, I make it for me. It helps me stay grounded and make sense of the human experience. It's also a great way for me to connect with others. I like getting to observe and be immersed in the experiences of other people. It makes me feel like a true anthropologist :) . This is my way of sharing my Anthropology with the world :D !!!