Writing. Typically, when you hear this word, you automatically cringe thinking about word count and page numbers, but when I hear this word I think of endless possibilities to create.
When I was younger, I did not particularly like writing but I would find writing song lyrics fun. As I got older, I found out that I enjoy writing for both academic purposes and for pleasure. In school, when I would get an assignment to write an essay, I would groan with everyone else, wondering how in the world would I be able to write a seven page paper on Macbeth. Once I start writing though, topics and ideas would begin to connect in my mind and I would begin to find interesting connections, themes, and symbols throughout the work of literature. A form of writing that I really enjoy is writing articles on the topics of my choice. I am able to be creative and write about topics which I am passionate about or that I find intriguing. I started writing for the Odyssey about half a year ago, and it gives me a good creative outlet to express my ideas and thoughts. Since I have been at JCU, I began writing for The Carroll News as a way to practice my writing and improve my skills. Although writing is not a popular activity that is regarded as fun, it is a form of art which I personally love.
I am not the best at eloquently writing, and I often have to ask for help when writing an essay. I am not great at comma placement and I do not know all the grammar rules, but I do love to write. It is not about being the best, but being willingly to try. Writing is a skill, so you can only grow from whatever point you are at now. Even if you do not like writing or think you are not very good at it, I encourage you to try to write something for enjoyment. You might be surprised at how much fun you have putting words together and creating a story! Just like the famous writer Ernest Hemingway said, “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” Write for yourself, and maybe you will discover a new passion.