Everyday each person is creating their personal history. As the 1996 Michael Jackson song states, “everyday create your history, every path you take you’re leaving your leagacy…” History, journalism, writing- its all history. Some of it is the history of the indivual, some of it is the history that will be written in history books one day. At George Mason this past week, I created alot of my own history. I made desgions and really thought about my future. I got inspired, fired up, and I really felt empowered. Like I could do something.
Part of creating history is taking chances. Setting goals, taking chances, seeing how different risks pan out. Almost every speaker touched on trying everything, doing what scares you, putting yourself in situations that aren’t comfortable. That, in itself, is a scary thought. Yet, it’s something everybody is going to have to do eventually, and knowing what I know now, it’s better to learn to do this earlier in life than later. It’s better to get ahead of the game than to be behind.
I feel like I am ten years older after these past five days. I’ve learned so much, not just about journalism and media, but where I am and who I am, and where I want to go. I’ve learned the personal stories of my peers, I’ve taken insight from some of the most respected people in the news world. I leave this week bursting with ambition, and no longer just hope, no longer a dream, but a plan. A plan to rise above expectations and make my way to the top. I realize now that being told “no” is nessasary, not something unique to just me. I didn’t do anything wrong, I’m not the only one who’s ever been told “no.” As harsh as it sounded, I needed to know it.
I needed to know alot that I didn’t before. This has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life, and I’m so glad I got to share it with the people I did, listen to the people I did, and just have the experience I did.
I’m creating my history, I’m leaving my legacy, and I’m on my way to a great career in something I love.
