August 13, 2018 9:55 am Meet Annie Plumer Estrella – Cambridge Mom and Medical Writer
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?
I have a wonderful daughter who is 7 years old. We love to swim in our pool together, draw/color, play card games, go to different playgrounds and play tag, and read to each other. My greatest wish for her is to be happy and successful in her own way.
Who has had the biggest influence upon you?
My parents have probably had the biggest influence on me. I admire their love for each other, their drive to always do the right thing, be in tune with others and the environment, and to work hard, which I have learned really does pay off.
What quality do you most admire in a mother?
I admire the strength and resilience of mothers. It is very powerful.
Besides motherhood, what other careers/opportunities have you enjoyed? And what are your strongest qualities?
I was able to find a career that I love, which I discovered early on – medical writing. I have worked on all different document types related to clinical research (for running studies, reporting results to health authorities, and publishing the data). I have had the opportunity to lead several teams of medical writers at various pharma/research companies. My current job is my favorite one so far. I love being a leader and nurturing my team of amazing writers.
Were you happiest in elementary, middle high school or college? Please explain why.
This is a tough one. I liked all of these. But, I’d have to choose college. I had a blast with my friends and still studied a lot and really appreciated the opportunity to go to school where I did (Bates College). I majored in Biology and was a technical writing assistant (where I realized my love of scientific writing) and minored in music (I played violin and was also interested in music theory). I liked my school so much that I was even a tour guide so that I could share the love with others. The friendships I made there were lifelong and I thank my parents often for helping to allow me to go there. (I still had to work during school, and then pay off loans for a very long time, but it was worth it)!
What do you like to do for fun and what is your idea of a perfect day?
I love playing with my daughter, relaxing by the pool, running, and going to concerts/hanging out with friends. So, my perfect day would contain all those things.
What is one of your favorite books? Movies?
One of my favorite books, which I have read more than once over the years, is The Intrinsic Exerciser. It’s an easy read and it will change your outlook on exercise. I have never been the same since reading it. I incorporate exercise into my life as if it were as essential as brushing my teeth (and have been doing that for a long time, with joy). My favorite movie is The Labyrinth because it’s so silly and awesome. David Bowie is amazing (it features him AND his music), and who doesn’t like Jim Henson, or the 80s?
What is your favorite type of food and what do you love to cook?
I like many types of food… I eat a lot of salads, but I also like pizza, burritos, various Chinese and Thai dishes, sushi, etc. My favorite thing to cook is rice with beans and corn because it’s easy and my daughter loves it.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go to China to see the Great Wall and marvel at the architecture and richness of their culture and their vast history.
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms and what’s your drink of choice?
My favorite place to Party with Moms in general is probably somewhere in Boston, maybe in the seaport area. My current drink of choice is a dirty martini.