Blogging did something for Sammi.
As someone struggling with crippling anxiety, blogging became a way to understand herself. She is now able to take her own advice while simultaneously helping others in identical situations to her own. Sammi Says is a blog in existence to advise people through the tough times, whether it be about relationships or battling your inner self.
Sammi is a junior at Rowan University majoring in writing arts while minoring in both journalism and psychology. Needless to say, she has the necessary combination of writing and understanding of people to create a pretty comprehensive advice blog. So that’s what she did.
Just a few weeks ago, actually, Sammi began to put her words to work.
“Though I’ve done journalism and reporting, I prefer more conversational writing. I am a very open person and use my words as an escape from my mind,” Sammi said. “When I write my posts, I am able to channel a stronger, more grounded side of myself and offer advice to not only myself, but others who experience similar issues.”
Now, Sammi enjoys the rewarding feeling of having assisted another through a difficult stressor while doing what she loves most, which she says helps her settle her own thoughts and inner demons. Of course, it’s not the simplest task when you’re a major and dual minor in college.
“It’s tough to find time to manage the blog because of school, internships, clubs, etc.,” she said, “But I treat it like a relaxing activity, like reading a book or watching Netflix. It’s very rewarding.”
Although the blog’s primary purpose is not just to give advice to others, it is the advice column component of her blog that keeps her going and provides her with the deepest satisfaction. “I get lots of questions for the advice column section, so having specific people to respond to helps motivate me.”
In addition to her new blog, Sammi is also president of Her Campus Rowan, another blog-oriented website (think Buzzfeed, but specifically geared towards Rowan University) that allows students to both contribute to and confide in for entertaining advice and other material.
“Blogging should and will play a huge role in the future of journalism. I know of many individuals who rely merely on blogs for fashion advice, news and statistics,” Sammi said. “There are many credible blogs out there. You just have to make sure to determine the writer and his/her intellect on the given topic. I would view blogs as editorial sections of newspapers. They’re similar in their subjectivity.”
The feedback and support from readers keeps Sammi going. As for up and coming bloggers, she advises you choose a beat that interests you the most. “It could be anything,” she says. “Any niche of notion you value. If you’re doing something you love and enjoy, you won’t view it as a chore.”
Originally posted on femfeministblog.wordpress.com