This is my last article for The Miscellany News. I graduate in less than a month and move on to my next chapter. As I get closer to May 19, I have found myself reflecting on my time at Vassar and as a columnist. I started writing for the paper in my junior year. Before that, I had always loved to write. In fact, once upon a time, that was the plan. The first time I went to college, I was studying communication; I was going to be a journalist. When I dropped out and joined the military, that dream faded into the background. Instead of being a writer, I worked in human resources and jumped out of planes. It was a new adventure, one I completely enjoyed. Coming back to college, I was afraid of failing again, so I spent the first two years focusing on my classes. I had decided that I could not afford any distractions—plus, I was married and had a baby that required all my focus, so writing was not in the cards for me. Instead, I wrote once a year for Veterans Voices and considered it good enough. The summer between sophomore and junior year, the Supreme Court overturned the decision surrounding Roe v. Wade. I received an email from The Misc asking if I would like to write an Opinions article about it. I agreed because I was furious, and that was it. I was back into writing, and I have been consistently for the last two years.
This brings me to the real point of this reflection: I should have started writing sooner. I let my nerves get the best of me and avoided something I genuinely enjoyed. I missed out on two more years of writing, two more years of community with the paper and two more years of sharing my thoughts on the world. If you are a student considering writing, take the risk. Every section of the paper is essential and needs new writers. Obviously, Opinions is where my heart lives. The section is incredibly valuable because it allows for conversation. People often surround themselves with like-minded friends and colleagues. That is normal, and it is easy. It does not challenge a person. On the contrary, writing opinion pieces is a challenge to campus culture and community standards. It is an opportunity to say what you agree and disagree with on a community stage . You can write about politics, campus life, music, Poughkeepsie or anything else. Whatever you believe in, you should take the risk and write about it. Chances are, the things you care about will intersect with at least one other person, maybe more. Allowing others to see you means allowing others to be seen, too.
Writing for The Miscellany News has other benefits, too. I learned so much about the campus. As an off-campus student, writing for The Misc often gave me new perspectives. Most of my articles started from conversations in class or with a peer. I learned about their frustrations, what they love about Vassar, what they miss about home. Writing is also an excellent resume booster, especially if you are applying for graduate school. It teaches you a new writing style, making you more academically flexible. Writing can even teach you to be more open-minded. Instead of writing a one-sided argument, you learn to consider all sides. It does not mean your opinion changes; alternatively, you learn to understand why others think differently. It can make you more well-rounded and grow your understanding of your own convictions. Writing teaches you to take constructive criticism from your peers. It also teaches you what you cannot or will not compromise on.
Editing is a humbling experience. Four to six people commenting style and grammar corrections throughout your writing can be off-putting. It can make you feel like a terrible writer, but that is not what is happening. Even the best writers require editing because we, as writers, are too close to our work. Edits make you a better writer, allowing you to see how others view your writing, helps identify gaps in your prose and learn your writing style. Edits also demonstrate the importance of your voice. Some edits might change your voice, making it necessary to push back in respectful ways. You will learn time management, both when you have an article due and when you should say no to writing. After all, some weeks you will have assignments due, and writing for the paper will not be an effective use of your time. If you are a people-pleaser like me, the ability to say no is a valuable skill to learn.
If you are considering writing for the paper, consider this an invitation. From one nervous writer to another, you will not regret it. Pick up a pen and get to writing. Welcome to The Miscellany News, and I look forward to reading your work. And to The Miscellany News, thanks for the privilege of writing these last two years. It has been a pleasure.