As I sit here trying to think of what to write my first article about, only one thought comes to mind -- why did I apply to write for The Odyssey? I’m a math major with a minor in biology. To say that creative writing is not my forte would be an understatement. Nevertheless, with the due date for my article quickly approaching.
I decided to skim over one of my favorite blogs for some inspiration. I first came across Hannah Brencher’s blog around this time last year when she posted “25 Things Every Woman Needs To Know.” Her honesty and inimitable writing stirred something within me. It wasn’t long after that I subscribed to www.hannahbrencher.com, and I’ve been reading her posts ever since.
From what I can tell, Hannah has led a relatively ordinary
life with highs and lows and everything in between, but what she’s done with
her life and her voice is anything and everything but ordinary. Long story
short, writing became Hannah’s means of finding herself and maintaining sanity.
In addition to entering the blogosphere in 2009, and instantly attracting a
following, she also mailed letters -- To strangers. Within nine months she had
written over 400 letters to people around the world in need of a smile.
Within
a few short years that small hobby evolved into More Love Letters, a powerful organization
of over 20,000 individuals spanning 50 states, 53 countries and more than 60
college campuses. This is more than cursive writing and a stamp, though. Hannah’s
organization is a full on social movement. She’s written a book and spoken at all kinds of
conferences and universities around the world with a new goal in mind -- turning
lives into letters of love and inspiration, brave, gutsy, spirited letters,
passionate about setting someone else’s world on fire.
As we enter recruitment and begin a new school year, I’m aiming
to become a love letter and I encourage you all to do the same. Rid yourself of
the stress that comes with a self-consumed life, and work instead toward one that
improves the lives of others. Let go of expectations, be bold, open and honest.
And write. Jot down a favorite quote on the back of a picture. Keep a running
tab of the little things that make you smile. Put a post-it note on your
roommate's notebook. Send a handwritten letter to a stranger (www.moreloveletters.com). Even apply to write for The Odyssey!
You don’t have to be an English
major or an award-winning blogger for your voice to make a difference.
