Writing is something I have always found enjoyment in. In high school and college, I would rather write a paper than take a test on any given day. Also, I normally did really well on papers. I owe that to the English teachers I had in middle and high school. I remember having to write this huge research paper in seventh grade English. It was the first time I had done something like that, so I did find it to be a little challenging.
There was also a great learning curve involved as well. I went on to honors and AP English classes in high school. I did find them challenging, and I often got papers back that were covered in red ink. However, it was that tough critique from those teachers that made me a much better writer. I learned that there is not one particular style that one must use, and organizing your thoughts into an outline helps the flow of the content and can help improve quality.
I think it's safe to say that my educational background helped develop an interest in writing recreationally. I consider myself to have a lot of extroverted qualities, but I think I am slightly more of an introvert. I thoroughly enjoy deep, meaningful conversations with people and do not like small talk. I sometimes am deep in thought and have to write down what I'm thinking in order to either understand it better or think deeper on the matter.
I have found that it's easier for me to explain myself in writing than in verbal communication. Part of that might be due to my past with stuttering and the fact that confrontations have never been my forte. Writing is not something I use as a crutch or to hide behind, but rather helps me organize my thoughts. Impromptu speaking is not my thing by any means. Sometimes I surprise myself with what I end up writing. I just let my mind wander and my fingers type away. Sometimes some of my best work has came from that.
Like I said before, I enjoy deep conversations with people. I enjoy talking about things that matter. I genuinely want to get to know people for who they are and learn what makes them tick. Same goes for writing. I enjoy writing about things that are important to me and stating my opinions. I also enjoy lighter, happy topics as well. From this I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned that I am a rather passionate person, and I also have a lot of diverse interests.
I love being able to write about whatever is on my mind for the Odyssey. Some weeks are heavier than others, and others I just want to be able to make someone smile with what I create. I think it is important to create quality work that you can be proud of, because you never know who might read your article. It could have a lasting impact on someone.
Above all, I've recently found my voice in advocacy through writing. I'm currently working on a blog about stuttering awareness, featuring my own story and daily live surrounding stuttering. Stuttering is something I have dealt with most of my life and will for the rest of it. I've came a long way with it, and hope that my writing will help someone who is struggling with accepting stuttering and also educate the rest of the population who do not understand what it is and why it should be treated with sensitivity. I love how powerful written words can be, and I personally know how much of an effect it has on my own life.