A Personal Story: How I Became a Writer

I hope that it serves as a source of inspiration to fresh high school graduates trying to decide what to do with their lives. I remember quite well that time in my life when I was preparing to graduate from high school and hearing, over and over again, "What are you going to major in?" and I know it's overwhelming.

I also hope this short "story" serves as a sort of affirmation for those who have already made their career decisions in life.

Without further ado:

I've always been interested in the English language. Throughout elementary school and even in high school, I was thrilled to write and was always nose-deep in classic literature. During my senior year of high school, I was faced with the question that all seniors are asked: What will you major in at college? For some reason, a writing profession never entered my mind. I viewed it as more of a hobby or passion--not a career choice.



One day, in literature class, my teacher asked me that very question. I answered with the answer I'd been handing out for months: "I'm going to major in physics." I think I liked the sound of it more than anything. Most people's eyes would widen and they'd nod in pleasant satisfaction with my future plans. This teacher's reaction was quite different. He stared at me in disbelief and shook his head. 



"Why would you do that?" he said in honest puzzlement. "You've got English in you, kid."



I thought about it for a while and realized that he was right. I loved writing, reading, escaping with words on a page. So when it came time to register for my first semester in college, I kept his comment in mind. Introduction to Journalism and English 101 were soon on the menu. That one simple comment--and my second year of calculus--made me realize that hey, maybe I did have English in me. I haven't looked back since that first semester and am thrilled with my choice to major in journalism (and philosophy). I had my writing, I had my reading and I had found myself.