One down, four to go

I started this blog to chronicle my path to a journalism career. Today (or yesterday, by now) may have marked a crucial date in that journey, or, it may prove to be completely insignificant; I'm not really sure yet. That's because today (or yesterday) I mailed in my first journalism application. The letters have been sent, the sites have been clicked and my credit card has been charged so it's done for good or ill.

Overall I think my application is solid. My background is a bit of a smorgasboard and I'm not certain if that's to my detriment. Some programs seem to prefer "dedicated" students who have already cut their teeth in a journalism capacity while others apparently welcome students of all backgrounds. My education should help and my test scores were neither spectacular nor embarrassing. My statement of purpose didn't take shape until two days before my deadline (isn't that always the case?) but thanks to a mentor and an old college friend I sharpened it up considerably right up until a half hour before the deadline. The writing samples I submitted, three in total, are big question marks for me. Obviously, my portfolio (and I use quotation marks when I say that) is comprised almost entirely of opinion pieces; all I write about are my opinions on television shows, movies, sports, my life, etc. I could have dusted off some old college papers but when I read those I could actually hear all the words being stretched out to meet length requirements. I could have edited those bad boys for a slimmer fit, but even then they would still sound like academic papers. In the end I went with my opinions and we'll see how far they take me.

Now that my application is submitted I feel like I can catch my breath for the first time in weeks. I think I almost lost it once or twice during the last month. I've been trying to make headway on my internship, but it has oftentimes taken a backseat to my night job, my applications, and, certainly not least, my visiting parents. Plus I got sick so that sucked too.

The problem with the whole scenario is that writing application essays isn't like normal work. You can't say "I need four more hours on this and then I'll be done." You have to stick with that bastard until you get that burst of inspiration and smack the hell out of it until it says exactly what you want. I've never had an easy time writing about myself and as much as I like myself, it's super hard making yourself sound qualified and certain when you're anything but.

Poor me.


My parents flew home on Monday but I get to see them again for New Year's. We all have tickets to see UH at the Sugar Bowl (Go Warriors!) and my brother and I will fly down to New Orleans for a few days to soak in the sights, the game, and most likely some alcohol. Seriously though, I am such a lightweight that I may regret this trip. Okay, probably not.

Take everyone and I'll keep you all posted. Literally.