As a journalism major, I basically write day in and day out for all my classes. Whether it’s discussions for Criminology, editorials for Opinion Writing, food articles for Arts & Culture journalism, or essays for Criminal Law, all the writing required is dictated for us.
Growing up, my passion for writing began at the prime age of 4, with my exuberant attitude and joy gained from writing stories and poems with illustrations to follow. I went on to have books I wrote displayed in the city and school libraries, got published in the Boston Globe twice in middle school, and became editor of my high school’s literary magazine. The classes I cherished and excelled in most were either AP English or my music commitments. As I ascended higher into singing and college came around, I found myself ultimately at a crossroads; should I go ahead with music school, pursue criminal law, or something writing related?
I always knew I wanted to be a singer or an author, that much was simple. When it came to skill sets and money, I knew I could excel as a lawyer or creative content marketing/management. It is really hard when one is passionate about a variety of things, including sports. I chose to major in journalism, hoping to make strides in investigation and social justice, as well as advocating for environmental issues and activism in general. Coming into college, it was hard for me to strike a balance. Music had become my life, and I got caught up in self-doubt and close-quartered living, holding me back from pursuing my passion. After getting more into journalistic writing this year, though it comes naturally to me, I ached for creative writing again.
I realized that I had not picked up a pen or typed out just to simply express myself on a page in over a year. This may sound strange, but someone I hold dearest to my heart helped me crawl out of the new shell I had molded around myself. He guided me out of the slight fear of singing for others, helped me grow into the extremely self-reflective person I am, and rediscover my passion for creative writing by inspiring much of my poetry through our conversations or mutual connections. Passion always exists within us…it just needs something (or someone) to ignite it once more.
I began writing poetry again, on a roll after self-reflecting with him. I started writing anytime an idea came to me, regardless of where I was or whom I was with. Some of my best writing has taken fruition, and I have only come to realize how much I have grown as a person and writer by expressing myself like old times. I also credit my daily meditation and yogic practices to stabilizing me further, and allowing me to feel more ready to do what I wanted. With being in the best mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual state I have ever reached, I am able to continue to find new passions and feel more excitement in every little thing.
All this made me realize that journalism may be my major and degree, but that does not define me, my goals, and my passions. Though related, I have decided on pursuing a Master’s in Creative Writing, if I continue my education. I finally see what people meant when they said doors open and as you tread along your path, everything becomes clearer. I am just around the corner of something new and spectacular. I know it.