Finding Your Passion
When I was younger, I came to school one day excited to do my first ever writing sample. Our teacher told us the day before to get some rest because the next day we were going to do a writing assignment that was to be sent in and graded by other teachers who would assess our writing against our peers. Her advice was to stick to the topic, be original, and to write naturally.
I don't remember exactly what the topic was, but I remembered how excited I was when I decided to write about my mom- one of the people I love most. I went through the outline/web development, a rough draft, and was proud to put my first sample in the manila envelope to be sent out to the graders. The top score was a 4, and the worst was a 1. The teacher then explained that if we did not follow the topic, or if it did not follow the directions, they could not grade your paper and you received an x. The dreaded X.
Needless to say, a few weeks later, we were told our papers were sent back. I was so excited, because I was so proud of my work. When the teacher called me to her desk, she pulled me outside of the class to give me my paper which had received a double X. I was devastated. I came home in tears, shocked that I did not even receive a grade, let alone two 4's. Then, I was afraid to tell my mom, because I was even more embarrassed that my piece that could not be graded was about her.
While I was only in the third grade when this happened, it obviously had big effects on my writing career. (I have never pursued a career in writing) But it did teach me one thing. That sometimes your passions have to align with your opportunities.
This is a mature view for a third grader, but I have had a few years to reflect on this. This lesson is something that I am currently being reminded of now at Fisher. Between recruiters and career counselors, I am constantly told to follow my passion. But finding this connection between our passion and what are opportunities are is the hardest part of the internship right now. My goal over the next few months, is to find an internship that will foster my passions through the opportunities that I have.
PS If you are reading my blog, please don't grade it with an X!