Accidental Writer

Source: https://writingcooperative.com/what-can-i-write-about-998a13b019ff

Ten years ago, my dad was invited to give a talk to the school paper writers in my school.  I was so thrilled and proud to witness my dad share his plethora of experiences and knowledge in the field of campus journalism.  Our school only allowed fifth and sixth graders to be part of the school paper; ergo, they were the only attendees in the seminar.  My dad decided to tag me along to accompany him although I was only in my fourth grade at that time.

I have a vivid recollection of that event.  As my dad was giving tips and techniques in writing, I eagerly jotted down all of it, hoping that someday I too would be able to be part of our school paper.

Days after the talk of my dad, our school principal summoned me to his office.  Frighteningly, I went to see him at once.  As I walked towards his office, playful moments kept flashing on my mind, mentally picturing if I hurt a classmate or a playmate, pending projects, deadlines, unfinished tasks, all the possible reasons that caused his invitation.  The moment I stepped in his office, the sweetest widest smile welcomed me.  I felt relieved in an instant.  Maybe I did something good, I thought.  

“Abie, I want you to be part of the school paper. But since you’re just in fourth grade, you’ll just be a protégé first.  Next year, you have to submit an article to us, from then, we’ll decide if you can be part of the school paper staff.” 

Even before dad gave the lecture about campus journalism in our school, I have always wanted to write, not only for the paper, but also to write in general.  I admire the people who write.  It amazes me how they weave words to form a wonderful masterpiece.  Writing gives them the freedom to be whoever they want to be.  It brings them to a world without borders, a universe without limits.  It also gives them opportunities to make an impact in the lives of many people.  

And so upon hearing our principal’s statement, my ten-year old body froze.  Not knowing how to react and take in the shocking news, I stood there like a monument in front of our school principal.

From that day on, until high school, I became part of our school paper.

College came.  I had only one course to take in mind – Mass Communication, and no other.  But due to circumstances, my parents decided that I take a different course.  I was devastated. I did not want to enroll in that course. I knew that I would never learn to put the same amount of love that I have for writing.  But I also knew that I have to obey my parents.  All throughout my four-year course, I put writing aside. I brushed off the life-long desire to be a writer. I thought that I was just an accidental writer.  And all those years in campus journalism were just extra-curricular activities in school. Nothing more.

Ten years later, my dad still gives talks to schools about campus journalism.  I must admit, I still get the “high” in writing from time to time but no longer the aspiration to become a writer. Until a friend, who always encourages me to write, made me realize that I should give this a shot – again.  It dawned on me that the Lord did not orchestrate everything just for nothing.  He blessed me with this desire to write because I have a Good News to tell and good stories to share.  I am purposed to write. I am not an accidental writer.