I just wanted to give a small reminder to all of the aspiring writers and journalists and photographers out there: never give up.
There are so many artists, actors, writers, singers, and photographers who have told a story with their work. A story that makes a difference. A story that inspires. A story that believes.
Just as I was about to graduate, I was drowning in the midst of projects, finals, and portfolios when I get a message from a girl in my journalism program. She is about two years younger than me, but she is already the editor for our school newspaper and writing a novel of her own. Her message told me how much she looked up to me for all I had been able to do through school and how hard I worked to be successful. Here was this girl who inspired ME with all she does telling me that I was her inspiration. It blew me away. She will never have any idea how much those simple words meant to me in those moments that I needed them most. Even when you feel like you've done nothing right, someone out there is watching you and becoming inspired by what you write on paper.
I just wanted to use that story to show that you can do it. No matter how hard it is or how many times you quit trying. Writing is worth it. Tell your story.
I was blessed to go to the Southeastern Journalism Conference in February, and there was a speaker there who said something that really hit home - "This is our place. Where we belong. Where writers inspire and photographers capture moments. Be hungry. Get out in the real world. Tell real stories that will tell us all to take notice."
And don't forget it.
Much love,
Shelby