Interview conducted by Grace T.
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 11:11am: Lanna and I sit criss-cross-applesauce on a bench in the courtyard. The sun is blinding. I click record. The interview has begun.
Grace: What’s something that you’re passionate about?
Lanna: I am passionate about a lot of things. I think, right now, I’m really into—Well, I think, honestly, the top three things would probably be canoeing and rivers (which I’m saying is one), and then writing (even though it’s kind of a basic one), and also mushrooms.
Grace: Solid, thank you. I love that for you.
Lanna: I appreciate it.
Grace: What’s one of your favorite songs?
Lanna: Oh, god—Give me time to prepare! Ok, my favorites…Right now, my favorite song is “Simulation Swarm” by Big Thief. That’s a sad song. But it’s ok because it’s been a weird, weird, weird time. I’m also super, super duper into “Suds In The Bucket” by Sara Evans right now because I’m a little country…a little cowboy. Yeah.
Grace: Ok, fabulous. And what’s one item on your bucket list?
Lanna: Oooh, let me pull up my bucket list.
Grace: You have a bucket list? When did you make your bucket list?
Lanna: I think with you actually.
Grace: Really?
Lanna: I’m pretty sure.
Grace: I don’t remember that!
Lanna: I’ve definitely discussed my bucket list with you before.
Grace: I do love asking people what’s on their bucket list. That’s true.
Lanna: Um, okay, well—my bucket list right now—there’s a lot of things on my bucket list. Oh my gosh, I can cross this one off! Cute!
Grace: Wait, which one did you do?
Lanna: I performed in a band. With you.
Grace: Cute!
Lanna: Cute. I think the number one thing on my bucket list is to solo flip up a woody, which means, like, picking up and putting a wooden canoe on my shoulders without help. I can do it with a plastic one, but I’m not quite there yet. And then my other one is to learn how to drive a motorcycle.
Grace: How have you changed during your time at College Prep?
Lanna: There’s an interview of me [from] freshman year on the Radar somewhere, and I have changed in every single way possible, which I’m grateful for. But also, it’s kind of sad because sometimes I miss who I was…Like, I don’t dye my hair anymore, I’m not chronically online, I don’t listen to Penelope Scott (in fact, I hate her)...I have matured, I’d like to think, emotionally and socially, and I make better choices for myself.
Grace: And finally, what’s one of your favorite College Prep memories?
Lanna: Oh, god. Oh, I have one. Okay. Last year [during the production of] Midsummer, Lei, who graduated last year…he brought a ghost pepper, or…the super spicy pepper. And we were eating it on set on [opening night] of Midsummer. And I ate one and I was like, “Oh, this isn’t that bad,” and then I immediately rubbed my eyes.
Grace: Oh, Lanna!
Lanna: It was hilarious. We busted out the first aid kit. I was running around like a loose chicken and I was blind for a little bit. It was really silly. But I was fine and I can still see.
Grace: That’s really awesome. I’m happy for you.
Lanna: That was painful, but very…fulfilling. Not fulfilling. Very—It really describes my time at College Prep.
Grace: Very…metaphorical?
Lanna: Yeah.
Grace: Lovely. Thank you for sitting down to have a chat with me!
Lanna: Yeah! Let’s go sit down and have lunch together, like we always do!