As I went through my schooling I always had an answer. Write a book. Write for a magazine. Write for Disney. Write a book. Write a book. Write a book.
Yet, in the three years since I graduated from St. Ambrose University, I've been the one asking myself, "What the heck am I going to do with this English degree?" along with, "What the heck am I going to do with this journalism degree?"
This morning, on my 45-minute commute on snow-covered roads to my data entry job, I heard the perfect response to this monotonous question.
"What are you going to do with an English degree?" asked everyone in the world.
"I will carry it with me as I do everything that matters." -Cheryl Strayed
Heck yes.
I've been listening to Cheryl Strayed's audiobook, Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar, in which she publishes letters people have written to her and the advice she gave back to them. Many of them are sad, some are dark, all are heartfelt and emotional. I am enjoying most her advice on writing. (Cheryl Strayed earned an English degree and eventually became a published author. I highly recommend her autobiography, Wild.)
I know several people who struggle to find what the purpose is of the degree they worked so hard for or of the career path they once were so passionate about. Will we really get the dream jobs we sought out for when we were 18 and decided on that major? Do we even still want those jobs now? Do we know exactly what those jobs even are?
I've found myself wondering a lot lately about where my career, or lack thereof is going. I get frustrated with myself, my lack of finding a good job in my field, and my slow progress.
But luckily, I have my Kyle here who points out to me that it has only been three years since I graduated. That I am only in my twenties, and that I am not going to have it all figured out yet. He kindly pointed out to me the other day that I have done everything I can up to this point, which was so nice to hear when I've always felt like I should be doing more.
It seems for those of us who chose the path of arts, we have to use our passion and efforts to create job opportunities out there. We have to pitch ourselves, our skills and our creations to editors or publishers who don't know they need our story. If you read the advice of other well-known writers, you'll know that rejection is a common thing of your twenties. Perhaps if we make it through all of the rejection and all of the waiting without giving up, that's when we can really find our success.
I know, however, in these three years of impatiently waiting for success, I have absolutely carried my degrees with me in all things that matter. I've held a job as a newspaper reporter, in which I had several bylines. I've been published in two small magazines, one of which I am now the monthly cover story writer. I've blogged about one thing or another for more than two years. I've submitted work to contests and other magazines.
These things seemed small to me as I did them, but looking at them now, I know they are helping me get further. I gained incredible experience as a reporter. Sharing my blog has landed me interviews and a magazine slot. Every magazine article is another publication on my resume. I may have started and given up on my book more times than I can count, but I am always thinking about it.
Fellow English friends, it might not be everything you hoped and dreamed. It won't be, but if you put your work in, and carry your degree with you, the chances are better that some day it might be everything.
As you go through everything that matters--a full time data entry job to pay the bills, waiting tables on the side to pay for your questionable English degree, trying to find yourself and what you set out to do--never forget that English degree that you worked hard for and wanted so much. Use it. You probably won't get paid for the things you do right away, but use it anyway. Write. Teach. Read. Blog. Write some more. In every way you can, use the knowledge you went to class at 8am with a hangover to learn. Then, someday it might just prove to be worth something.
I know mine will be.
No comments:
Post a Comment