Aww :)

I honestly don’t know how I will incorporate this blog into the idea of the Writing Center, or any of the authors in we’ve discussed, but I want to take a moment to reflect on writing in general.  I know that at times, I get very frustrated with writing and feel like it is a tedious task that I’d rather avoid.  The daunting writing assignments from college professors can hinder my positive outlook on writing.  What’s even more frustrating, is when you feel like you have so much to say and what you produce on paper is not “up to par” with your expectations.  On the other hand, it’s an awful feeling when there is a giant writing assignment due and any intriguing ideas that relate to the prompt are simply absent from your mind.  I will admit it’s hard to be creative, keep the prompt in mind, and deviate from how you may want to write just to impress the professor. 

When did writing become such a chore?  I can remember writing a few entries in a diary before my brother was born, the heartfelt letters to my mom and dad for special occasions, and the simple “I love you” notes they used to put in my lunch bag.  I think it’s time we that we remind ourselves how special the act of writing can be, and how it can be a positive outlet where are thoughts are brought to life.

My grandparents are pretty much AMAZING.  They send me 2-3 cards every week and are incredibly supportive.  I felt guilty for not taking a moment to write back, but it’s definitely hard to find time.  Fortunately, I was able to respond last Sunday evening and wrote a lengthy letter that discussed pretty much everything.  I talked about my friends, classes, and how I could not contain my excitement for our spring break trip.  Sure, the content of the letter was fun to write about, and I wasn’t restricted by specific guidelines, but I felt a strong sense of joy knowing that later in the week they would finally get something in the mail.  It was a miniscule act of appreciation compared to how many letters they send, but the thought was most important.

I guess it’s hard to always have that spark about writing.  When it comes to college, writing tends to become a chore, or a member of the infamous “to-do list.”  What I’m trying to say is that it doesn’t have to be.  As members of the Writing Center community, I think we can help remind other individuals that writing is a really important skill, and doesn’t have to be the dreaded class assignment.  Finding joy in complicated tasks is difficult, but it can also be the most fulfilling realization.  I hope this post triggers memories of when writing was an outlet; when it meant something to you.