We are very proud to see our alumni shine in different areas, and today’s turn is the literary world. Congratulations to Maria Paula Del Portillo, Class of 2015, on the launch of her children’s book “Cuadrúpedo” (Four-footed). The book is written and illustrated by María Paula and was published by Editorial Ilona Libros under the pseudonym Emepé.
María Paula studies Literature at Andes University in Bogota and is currently working on her second book, “Bípedo”.
Thank you, Maria Paula, for sharing such a positive message to children through your book, “Cuadrúpedo”. We wish you great success as an author!
You can find her book at @ilonalibros.
5% of the sales of “Cuadrupedo” go to Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary, Colombia’s first and only animal sanctuary.
Maria Paula shared with us a few memories of her experience at KCP:
What are some of your best memories or experiences from your time at KCP?
I am fond of the library and its wonderful collection of adult literature and picture books. From my time in elementary I recall a big, black, and old book containing all of Dr. Seuss’s oeuvre and In a Dark Dark Room, and Other Scary Stories. Later on, I delved into American literature as I teenager and discovered by chance authors such a Kurt Vonnegut and Somerset Maughan.
How has your KCP experience impacted your life today?
Being an outcast in the place that constitutes your entire universe as a child and an adolescent becomes an opportunity for ethical learning.
How did KCP prepare you for your career?
There is a common misconception about studying literature: one does not become an undergraduate student in literature to become a writer, but rather a scholar (although sometimes literature students do become writers). In view of the above, my high school experience, and especially my English classes with Taylor Dopuch, prepared me for an academic path.
What advice would you give KCP students?
Kids, stand up to your bullies and watch anime.
High schoolers should watch films by John Hughes and listen to David Bowie.
Why are you proud to be from KCP?
KCP allows students to shape their own personality and faith.
