When I read "Seabiscuit" by Lauren Hillenbrand for the first time, something clicked for me. I wasn't in the head space for a new career at the time, since I was flying helicopters in the Army, but I felt the need to make a mental note to file this book away in my brain. I have always loved reading creative nonfiction, also known as literary journalism or longform, but until "Seabiscuit," I didn't know it could be done using such tedious research to form such a beautiful narrative. It completely blew my mind. I served 7 years in the Army, and left in 2007. Like a lot of veterans when they leave military service, I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I tried Sales, Customer Service, Motivational Speaking, and even Stand-Up Comedy, but none of them really made me happy. I had a few people in my life, including my mother-in-law, my Mom and my husband, who constantly asked me, "What about your writing?" I put off writing because it really isn't a practical career. It most likely won't pay you much. It is uber competitive to break into. I'm definitely no Lauren Hillenbrand.
Finally, in 2017, I caved. I found out that UC-Irvine has a Bachelor's program in Literary Journalism. I started the program in September 2017, at age 39, and drove 67 miles each way, in notoriously terrible traffic, to graduate in June 2019. This program really sparked in me that I wanted to be a journalist. This podcast, "The Journalism of Everything Podcast," is going to cover as many topics as my brain and busy life can handle. Right now, on the list, I have "What is the legal process for a migrant to enter the U.S.?" "Is there room for Vigilante Justice in a democracy?" "Does Birth Order determine a kid's personality?" "Does capitalism improve medical innovation?" "Will Student Loan Forgiveness lead to a stronger economy?"
I hope you enjoy listening!
Comments