Since creating her Twitter account in 2012, Alumna Ellie Schnitt (‘14) has amassed over 500,000 Twitter followers. Now a digital content creator, Schnitt said  in an email correspondence that she never planned on going viral, but believes early posts about her experiences as a “21-year-old college kid” resonated with people. Responses were edited for length and clarity.  

Q: Can you talk about your involvement in the GBN Comedy Troupe, a sketch comedy group that performed at school assemblies, and the impact it had on your career and social media?

I loved being a part of Comedy Troupe! I still vividly remember standing up on a chair, saying my first solo joke in the middle of my first Loyalty Day skit and getting a laugh from the entire school. Honestly, before I was asked to be part of it I didn’t necessarily think of myself as funny, so it was a big confidence boost. I definitely think it helped me have the confidence to pursue the career I’m in. I learned the basics of comedy, how to deliver a joke, and I have absolutely taken that with me. 

Q: You originally blew up on your Twitter account. What was this experience like for you? 

Knowing that I could help young women just by talking openly and honestly about my experiences was always a wonderful thing, but I had to figure out really quickly what to share and what to keep to myself. I definitely messed up and over-shared a few things that got me in trouble with friends and boyfriends. To be honest, that’s a balance I’m still struggling with! I always want to give people interesting content and funny stories, but I also have to be respectful of my relationships.

Q: How did the Twitter fame you gained in college change your outlook on your future and career goals?

Creating a career out of Twitter followers was less “waltzing through open doors” and more “prying open windows with a crowbar and crawling through.” I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do with my life when I was graduating college. I didn’t think I could make a career out of what I had. I still sometimes feel that way, even three years later! The best advice I can give is that betting on yourself in a career like this is really hard and takes tough skin and a lot of blind faith in yourself.