Spring Break
Former photographer for The Battalion dies in crash
Friends remember sophomore as kind, adventurous
By: Angel Hadnott
Issue date: 6/1/09 Section: News
Serena Swanland, 19-year-old sophomore chemical engineering major, was killed in a vehicle collision May 14.
While traveling southbound on U.S. 190 near Hearne, Swanland lost control and skidded into oncoming traffic, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Swanland was not wearing her seatbelt, according to the DPS. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Swanland had aspirations of becoming a doctor, but was also exploring other career opportunities, said friends.
Swanland worked as a photographer for The Battalion from October 2007 to April 2008.
She loved taking pictures and was excited about working for The Battalion, said friend Jace Taylor.
"Serena loved candid photos. If you weren't ready for a Facebook photo, and she took one, 'oh well,'" Taylor said. "She was so happy when she found a job on campus doing what she loved."
Swanland served as a Fish Camp counselor, and participated in Sophomores Advancing in Leadership, or SAIL.
She was a licensed scuba diver, and eager for adventure, said friend Anna Lewis.
Swanland attended Kadena High School in Japan. She participated in tennis tournaments there and was one of 175 people to graduate from Kadena High School.
"She loved sports and working out," said junior agricultural leadership and development major Cory Fortner.
In 2004, Swanland began assisting Stripes, an editorially independent daily newspaper for the U.S. military community, with coverage of Far East tennis tournaments.
Swanland was more than meets the eye, said friend Anna Lewis.
"Serena was kind. She was there for me when I needed her," Lewis said. "She was patient, outgoing and always eager to try new things."
She made an impact on all those who met her, Taylor said.
"I am so blessed to have been a part of Serena's life and that she was a part of mine," Taylor said.
Swanland will be honored at Silver Taps on Sept. 1 at 10:30 p.m.
While traveling southbound on U.S. 190 near Hearne, Swanland lost control and skidded into oncoming traffic, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Swanland was not wearing her seatbelt, according to the DPS. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Swanland had aspirations of becoming a doctor, but was also exploring other career opportunities, said friends.
Swanland worked as a photographer for The Battalion from October 2007 to April 2008.
She loved taking pictures and was excited about working for The Battalion, said friend Jace Taylor.
"Serena loved candid photos. If you weren't ready for a Facebook photo, and she took one, 'oh well,'" Taylor said. "She was so happy when she found a job on campus doing what she loved."
Swanland served as a Fish Camp counselor, and participated in Sophomores Advancing in Leadership, or SAIL.
She was a licensed scuba diver, and eager for adventure, said friend Anna Lewis.
Swanland attended Kadena High School in Japan. She participated in tennis tournaments there and was one of 175 people to graduate from Kadena High School.
"She loved sports and working out," said junior agricultural leadership and development major Cory Fortner.
In 2004, Swanland began assisting Stripes, an editorially independent daily newspaper for the U.S. military community, with coverage of Far East tennis tournaments.
Swanland was more than meets the eye, said friend Anna Lewis.
"Serena was kind. She was there for me when I needed her," Lewis said. "She was patient, outgoing and always eager to try new things."
She made an impact on all those who met her, Taylor said.
"I am so blessed to have been a part of Serena's life and that she was a part of mine," Taylor said.
Swanland will be honored at Silver Taps on Sept. 1 at 10:30 p.m.
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