Words have the power to move people. While television shows and movies (the visual media) has made the population numb to things like violence or romantic emotion, words on a page will never lose the power. Why? Because while TV can show images to try and tell a story, words actually tell the story. Words can take a person inside someone's emotions, inside a scene, describing in detail full of lush figurative language and imagery things that may be shown on a screen, but can't be felt. Words are feeling.
One thing that I have found true is those who appreciate words in the written form can better express themselves orally. Yes, while many a book nerd is socially awkward at times, when it comes to giving speeches or sharing ideas, these are the people who most eloquently present what they have to say. Taking words in and understanding them in the written form helps a person to understand how things can be presented or shown.
The written word is so important to me because it got me where I am today. I got sucked into my first big book (well it seemed big to me at the time) in third grade. Matilda, by Roald Dahl, drew me in and kept me reading, hungry for more of the story. I think what got me was the main character. I felt that I could relate to her. Because of this book I went on to read many many more, trying to find the good ones with strong female leads. These books ultimately lead me to where I am today because I found myself not only relating to these characters, but also striving to be like them. I wanted to be these graceful beautiful heroines who had to deal witheverything from evil stepmothers to figuring out how to make it from day to day alive. Because of these amazing characters allowing me to delve into their emotional woes and both physical and mental troubles for a few hours a day, I learned to better deal with my own. I thank many of these characters (particularly Ella from Ella Enchanted and Maerad from The Naming) for my independent spirit, determination, and willpower that I have today. Where would I be without them? And where would they be without the written word?
Ultimately the written word is something that can not only take you places mentally and emotionally, but physically. Through someone's own personal writing, whether for a class or even to get into college, success can be achieved. The written word is a vital part of every day life that is slowly being phased out with electronic books and the concept of online magazines. My Ella Enchanted copy shows my love, seeing as its torn to shreds, battered by rain, and dog eared and crinkled on almost every page. The written word speaks to me so much more than anything else and that is why it is not only important but essential to a fulfilling life. This I believe.
After finally choosing to go to the University of Oklahoma, double majoring in international studies and professional writing, I am starting to get grief from everyone around me. Well, not necessarily grief, but worry. Everyone says I should have a back up plan, an escape route just in case the whole book editor thing doesn't work out. I don't want an escape route! I know what I want to do and I'm trying to get there. It doesn't help that my parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, you name it, are trying to persuade me to a more "safe" choice of work. I know what I have a passion for. I have finally found a line of work that will allow me to utilize and harness that passion. I don't care about salary, I don't care about hours. I just want to do what I love. I love reading, I love writing, and I love that I can do both of these things as a book editor. I often don't allow myself to hope, don't allow myself to look beyond what seems realistic and plausible, but everyone has a dream. Mine is simple. I just want to actually enjoy what I will be doing on a daily basis and feel like I'm good at it. I want to do something I know I will excel at. And, I mean, I have four years of college til I get to the real world. Who knows what can happen between then and now? All I know is that I'd rather be making next to nothing and enjoying my work than a lot more and hating myself every day.
