PDF
Written by: Matt Weisse
Since this is my last article, I was told I could write about whatever I wanted. I considered a lot of ways to go out with a bang, but in the end I decided to reminisce and talk about my experiences here at The Vanguard, in true senior fashion, despite how lame that may seem.
Really, I’ve enjoyed my time writing for this paper. Sure, there were some times I got e-mail-yelled-at for missing a deadline because I’m a procrastinator, and there were other times it was truly frustrating when I knew I had an article due and nothing to write about, but the overall experience was a good one, and here are a few of the reasons why:
The freedom to write about whatever I want is awesome. Many of my friends think it’s odd that a college student would willingly write essays in addition to their regular school work.
But those friends are missing the point; writing under one’s free will is actually quite enjoyable. Writing gets a bad rap from 12-plus years of forced papers on the Civil War and Pride and Prejudice. When you finally get the chance to express your feelings on movies you’ve watched and albums you love, its way more interesting.
Additionally, it encourages you to look at things in a deeper, more critical light, and when that happens, you never know what you might find that you could have missed before.
I got some really sweet benefits, too. Not to rub it in everyone’s faces right now, but as a senior, I’m going to rub it in everyone’s faces right now: I talked to Paul Rudd and Jason Segel as they drank beers at Fenway. I got an iPod shuffle on the house. I went to movie premiers and felt like I was a celebrity. I listened to music weeks before it came out, legally, on custom-fitted earbuds. Life is good.
And as an added bonus, on some weeks someone might actually read what you write. Who doesn’t love a little ego trip?
I could go on, but if you’ve read this far you’re probably wondering, “Why is he telling me this?” And the answer to that is simple. Somewhere there’s a freshman, sophomore, or maybe even a junior out there who’s always considered writing for The Vanguard. Maybe you need a resume booster. Maybe you want some free stuff. Maybe you need an artistic outlet in the land of income statements and net present values. Or maybe you just like to write. But if you’re one of those people, I really encourage you to give it a shot, even if it’s just for a week – who knows, you might actually find it enjoyable.
Thank you to The Vanguard for giving me a creative outlet as well as free stuff. Thank you to The Vanguard staff who put up with my late submissions and the fact that I still double-space after every period. And thanks to anyone who’s ever taken the time to read an article I’ve written.
On a final note, if you are looking for more reviews and commentary on music, movies, and culture, check out thingsyoucandotocats.com, where I will be posting from time to time, as will several other writers more talented than myself.
Thanks again and have a good summer!
-Matt
Comments on this entry are closed.