I really don't remember when I started writing, but now I can't stop. I am who I am because of my love for writing. Once I began writing every day, things started to make more sense to me. I started to understand my thoughts, emotions, and feelings. The world around me wasn't so hard anymore, because I was able to create my own simply through my words. Writing is as close to creating magic as I'll ever get. I believe that writing fuels the soul; that it creates a fire in my heart. I think anyone can benefit from that. So yeah, I'm the kid that gets excited when I receive a new assignment in English class or a term paper, but only because I'm able to put little parts of myself in everything that I write.
If you know anything about me, I can't draw, paint, or sculpt. But writing is my art. I release so much of myself into my works. Writing has become my creative outlook on life. I'm able to reflect on the things that I see, but in the genuine way I perceive it. Sometimes reality sucks, but writing allows an escape. There are so many thoughts in my mind, and sometimes I don't know how to say them. I talk a lot, but I write way more than I physically speak. I'd rather write letters then send a text. I'd rather write articles, about all my different opinions, then speak publicly. Writing allows me to think about what I want to say, and convey it to my readers perfectly. When I see my pen flying across my page, it's freedom. Everything in my head flows out perfectly on paper.
If you're not a writer, I encourage you to begin your journey now. Challenge yourself to write down a few thoughts each day. Write stories, poems, song lyrics--even keep a journal by your bedside, and talk about your day. You'll see that the blank pages will turn into filled ones, and your life, your own story will become your muse, your inspiration.
When I found out I'd be writing for The Odyssey Online at American University, it changed my life. My hope going forward is that every piece I write, inspires, at least, one of my readers. I want to leave a mark on the world, and I hope my writing does that.
So for anyone who asks "why do you write?" or "why should I write?," I hope this answers your question.
