Anna Burden Lange ’17

Please describe your position and what you enjoy most about it.

I began blogging in 2017, and got serious about turning it into a career in 2019 after my son was born. I write and encourage other moms who are walking through loneliness or postpartum depression by sharing my story and experiences. I also am able to sprinkle in my love for Disney and have been able to use it as a ministry to share the Gospel and encourage other believers. I love that it allows me to make money while being able to stay home with my son, and the flexible schedule blogging offers. It has branched off allowing me to create a YouTube channel and be active on Instagram. It’s so much fun being able to connect with people and collaborate with brands. The majority of my work is done alone so the moments when I’m able to connect with others are my absolute favorites.

What aspects of your HLGU experience helped you prepare for your career?

I was able to use the stage presence I was taught in my acting classes to help me create a voice online and on YouTube videos. Creative Dramatics was my absolute favorite class because I love to write. Even though it focused on writing scripts I’ll still get my notes out when I’m working on a new blog post.

What have you enjoyed most about your career?

Creating my own schedule, the opportunity to always be learning, flexibility, and getting to meet people I would have normally never met.

How did HLGU shape you as a person?

HLGU changed my life. It strengthened my faith, I made lifelong friends there, and gained the skills to be able to create my dream career.

Please share a specific example from your career or life when the skills you gained at HLGU helped you most.

HLGU helped deepen my understanding of God and knowledge of the Bible as well as the importance of being a part of a local church. Before I started at HLGU I didn’t have a great understanding of the Bible or even the character of God. I think that’s the most valuable skill that I gained at HLGU because it turned my spiritual life around.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

My first brand partnership. It’s when I thought “wow, okay, this is what I’ve been working towards.”

What HLGU professors played a part in your success? How did your relationship with faculty help you succeed?

Sabrina Brookshire. She was so intentional in teaching me, she challenged me and allowed me to grow. In the moments I didn’t believe in myself she believed in me until I did. I will never forget that.

Do you have any tips to share with students interested in this field?

Just start. Jump in, I think that can apply to all aspects of life. If there’s something you want to do, just do it. I have psyched myself out of so many opportunities by being afraid of failing or what other people would think. If God has put a desire on your heart then it’s worth following. With blogging, anyone can do it. Everyone has a story to share, they have unique life experiences, and there is a niche out there for everyone.

What are some of your favorite HLGU memories?

Serving on the New Edition. I absolutely loved it. Getting to travel the US and to Europe with them are memories I treasure.

What on-campus activities were you involved in at HLGU?

I was a Resident Advisor, involved in every theatre production, Concert Choir and the New Edition.

HLGU’s motto is “knowledge for service.” What roles have these values played in your life?

I think that it ignited the desire to always be learning. From college to my professional career to motherhood, learning how I can better myself to serve others.

What is one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you started in the field?

It takes dedication and hard work, but it’s extremely worth it. There’s a lot more that goes in to blogging than just writing and taking pictures. I wish I would’ve started out learning about search engine optimization instead of implementing it years later.

Find Anna’s blog at classicanna.com