I WISH LIFE HAD GUARD RAILS

This week was a bit uneventful in relation to the past weeks I’ve had, but there are a few things worth noting.

First, I only got to talk to one of my role models (making me think that I should start work on an entirely different set of potential contacts), but I did get Dawn’s contact number. Unfortunately, she said that she would be unavailable this weekend but to call her first thing in the morning on Monday, so I’m anxiously awaiting the chance to actually speak with her, especially after so many weeks. Before bed, I’m going to make a simple outline of questions I want to ask and topics I want to touch on during our phone conversation.

I spoke with a distant family friend, Allison, who works for the Boston Globe and received a Master’s degree in journalism from Harvard a few years back. I met her a couple years ago at a family function. She had heard through my ex-girlfriend’s mother (who was her college roommate at Brandeis) that I had done a lot of writing on my blog, and having visited it a few times before, she was one of the very first people to encourage me to pursue a career in writing.

Calling her involved a lot of casual conversation: catching up, asking about how things are going for her in Boston, her asking how things were going with school and life. Then I started to ask her things pertaining to her career. I asked her what got her into journalism in the first place, what kind of fulfillment does she gain from writing, and how she copes during phases of discouragement. It was an insightful conversation, to say the least. It was also very encouraging, because I realized that I could actually be happy if I dedicate myself to this type of life, the life of a writer. Her words and advice helped orient my goals and filled me with a sense of purpose. She offered to be my mentor during my early stages, and I promised to keep in touch from time to time, coming to her with updates on my progress and any new questions or concerns that will undoubtedly arise. I also congratulated her on her new book on prescription drugs (which I had heard was getting terrific reviews). I was honored by her request that I read the book and give my thoughts on it. (Me? Who am I to critique her? It will be nerve-racking.)

Other than that, I started my search for a new job by revising my resume and applying to a few ads online. Also, I attended an interesting seminar Saturday morning on how to be docent (a museum tour guide). It may be something I would like to do on the side (being a history major and uncovering my new passion for Latino culture). I’m going to talk to the gentleman who conducted the seminar and explore that idea more with him.

I can’t remember what I put on my pink card for the week, but I hope I’ll have my arm elbow-deep in that candy bag come tomorrow night. Lord knows I need it! hahaha