Column Emulation Assignment Based off of Bill Plaschke's "It's a Wonderful Life of Writing"
"Wait- are you serious?", she asked her mom, "I really got in?".
The girl had been accepted into an NYU summer program for the Recorded Music Summer Institute. The thought of it was incredibly exciting- a month in her favorite city, surrounded by music and new people- the thought of the memories that could be made was titillating. But she had no idea how transformative 30 days could be, and how different everything would be following her month there.
She arrived in the dorm room at 8 A.M sharp on the morning of move in, which she assumed would be some sort of representation of what it would feel like to really be leaving home forever and moving into a new home once it came time to really go to college. Though it was only for a month, the fear of homesickness and worries clouding her mind consumed her- "What if I don't make friends? What if I'm not good enough? What if I can't handle being on my own?". The room felt small, almost crowded. It was being shared with an earnest cheerleader from South Carolina, attending the Musical Theatre Summer Institute. Though quite a contrast from the type of person the girl would normally associate with, her room mate was warm and genuine. "We're going to have the best summer together!", the room mate said giddily. Though it was nerve-wracking, the girl felt a little bit more at home. The linoleum floors and brick walls slowly seemed a little less sterile, and the view from their little window showcasing the bustling streets of New York practically began to glow.
In the following month, the events that ensued would be life changing for the insecure, slightly lazy, and intimidated girl. She would learn more about herself and her music than she ever thought she could've. Through being surrounded by supportive and artistic new friends and some of the most inspiring mentors she'd ever met, she began to grow. She learned that hard work didn't have to feel like work if it involved completely engulfing yourself in the things you love. She learned that she was more independent than she anticipated, and the streets of New York City weren't all that intimidating once you've walked them enough times, once you find your way around. She learned that there were people who were genuinely not only willing, but happy to be around her and all that she was- her true self, without barriers and pretending. Through all of this, she learned to work hard, and how worth it it could be to get her faltering grades up in public high school. She was willing to put it any amount of work if it could mean to be back there again, maybe even for four whole years. If one month could positively affect her so immensely- imagine what years could do. Immersing herself in the work she got a taste of in her time in New York sounded like heaven.
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Almost a year later, the girl sits at her laptop, bags under her eyes, exhausted from a long and hard junior year. Teaching herself study habits for the first time ever and raising her standards for herself shifted everything. She became more introverted, more focused. The going out with friends that had seemed so attractive and fulfilling just 12 months before seemed almost hollow now. Time spent alone was time that could be spent making music and doing school work- things that could help her progress. Though some procrastination was still evident (old habits die hard), the young woman had really turned things around, and even though it was difficult and often stressful, it was completely worth it to see that GPA raise and self confidence grow. Whether or not she can spend the four years she craves at the school she aspires to attend, the hardworking tendencies, newfound focus and responsibility (mostly), and discoveries about herself would hopefully benefit her for the rest of her life. She thanks her lucky stars every day for the most valuable month of her life and the profound impact it would have on her life forever.
P.S to Mr. Winter- I'm so sorry about the absurd lateness of this, but I'm glad I forced myself to do it because it was very satisfying to write.
P.P.S to Mr. Winter- I know this column is super cheesy and writing in the 3rd person is weird, and I'm sorry if it came across arrogant or over-dramatic in some sections? Who knows! This topic is just super close 2 my heart !
"Wait- are you serious?", she asked her mom, "I really got in?".
The girl had been accepted into an NYU summer program for the Recorded Music Summer Institute. The thought of it was incredibly exciting- a month in her favorite city, surrounded by music and new people- the thought of the memories that could be made was titillating. But she had no idea how transformative 30 days could be, and how different everything would be following her month there.
She arrived in the dorm room at 8 A.M sharp on the morning of move in, which she assumed would be some sort of representation of what it would feel like to really be leaving home forever and moving into a new home once it came time to really go to college. Though it was only for a month, the fear of homesickness and worries clouding her mind consumed her- "What if I don't make friends? What if I'm not good enough? What if I can't handle being on my own?". The room felt small, almost crowded. It was being shared with an earnest cheerleader from South Carolina, attending the Musical Theatre Summer Institute. Though quite a contrast from the type of person the girl would normally associate with, her room mate was warm and genuine. "We're going to have the best summer together!", the room mate said giddily. Though it was nerve-wracking, the girl felt a little bit more at home. The linoleum floors and brick walls slowly seemed a little less sterile, and the view from their little window showcasing the bustling streets of New York practically began to glow.
In the following month, the events that ensued would be life changing for the insecure, slightly lazy, and intimidated girl. She would learn more about herself and her music than she ever thought she could've. Through being surrounded by supportive and artistic new friends and some of the most inspiring mentors she'd ever met, she began to grow. She learned that hard work didn't have to feel like work if it involved completely engulfing yourself in the things you love. She learned that she was more independent than she anticipated, and the streets of New York City weren't all that intimidating once you've walked them enough times, once you find your way around. She learned that there were people who were genuinely not only willing, but happy to be around her and all that she was- her true self, without barriers and pretending. Through all of this, she learned to work hard, and how worth it it could be to get her faltering grades up in public high school. She was willing to put it any amount of work if it could mean to be back there again, maybe even for four whole years. If one month could positively affect her so immensely- imagine what years could do. Immersing herself in the work she got a taste of in her time in New York sounded like heaven.
----------
Almost a year later, the girl sits at her laptop, bags under her eyes, exhausted from a long and hard junior year. Teaching herself study habits for the first time ever and raising her standards for herself shifted everything. She became more introverted, more focused. The going out with friends that had seemed so attractive and fulfilling just 12 months before seemed almost hollow now. Time spent alone was time that could be spent making music and doing school work- things that could help her progress. Though some procrastination was still evident (old habits die hard), the young woman had really turned things around, and even though it was difficult and often stressful, it was completely worth it to see that GPA raise and self confidence grow. Whether or not she can spend the four years she craves at the school she aspires to attend, the hardworking tendencies, newfound focus and responsibility (mostly), and discoveries about herself would hopefully benefit her for the rest of her life. She thanks her lucky stars every day for the most valuable month of her life and the profound impact it would have on her life forever.
P.S to Mr. Winter- I'm so sorry about the absurd lateness of this, but I'm glad I forced myself to do it because it was very satisfying to write.
P.P.S to Mr. Winter- I know this column is super cheesy and writing in the 3rd person is weird, and I'm sorry if it came across arrogant or over-dramatic in some sections? Who knows! This topic is just super close 2 my heart !
I think you did a great job on the assignment because it was very clear to me how you emulated the original article which was cheesy but also very heartfelt. You got a lot of elements right -- the jumps in time, the use of concrete details to reveal change in the central first-person character. I wonder if you could have added the angle of being appreciative of your parents (if they encouraged you to go to this summer study). I do think it's a pivotal point in your life and clearly something that you should revisit and write about often.
ReplyDeleteIt is absurdly late as you say, but the degree of effort and craftsmanship is impressive. 92