What WOULD you do with that kind of degree?
(Bend over, and I'll show you! Oops, that's not very ladylike!!)
Don't you have a communications degree?
(This is my favorite. My blood is already boiling!)
Why don't you write for the local newspaper?
(A bachelor's of journalism does NOT equal newspapers.)
I bet you want to be on Fox News!
(Despite my naturally blonde hair color, no thank you!)
Ha, good luck doing anything with that degree!
(Tell me about it.)
Hearing that last one gets to me. It plays in my head over and over; it's a giant blow to my ego. It makes me question my studies and passion. It makes me wonder if things will ever fall into place and if I'll ever actually get to do something magazine related. Note to self: I'm not as good as I once was. When you don't use it, you lose it, right? Am I even qualified to do something in this field anymore? My resume is lacking in the experience area. OY WITH THE POODLES ALREADY!
 |
| projectmmnyc.com |
Thoughts of doubt make me wish I could rewind. Maybe I should have pursued another degree? If I'd known I was going to marry into the military, I really should have thought about something transferable like education or a job in the medical field. My mom is a teacher -- I've helped in her classrooms before. I've dabbled with substitute teaching. I worked with a little boy with autism for a few months and witnessed amazing progress and felt great pride. I get that warm and fuzzy feeling when I watch documentaries like The Lottery, The First Year or Waiting for Superman. Believe me, I'm a sucker for all infotainment regarding education reform. I've considered getting my master's in education. But is this my passion? I don't really know yet. I don't want to abandon one dream because I just decided to give up. At the end of the day, I have to consider what brings me joy and what gets me excited.
Confessions:
I get bubbles in my stomach when I receive a crisp new magazine.
I get goosebumps when I see my old roommate's name listed in the masthead of Glamour.
I get goosebumps when I see my old roommate's name listed in the masthead of Glamour.
I want to cry when I receive an issue of House Beautiful with a torn cover or folded pages.
I feel like dancing when an article from Vanity Fair inspires me to get out the old dictionary and look up a word or Google a location or name.
I've been known to frame issues of Domino and Blueprint because seeing them on a regular basis just makes me tickled pink.
I feel like dancing when an article from Vanity Fair inspires me to get out the old dictionary and look up a word or Google a location or name.
I've been known to frame issues of Domino and Blueprint because seeing them on a regular basis just makes me tickled pink.
I grin from ear to ear when I see an innovative spread with an interesting subject matter.
See below:)
10 things you didn't know about... HENRI MATISSE
 |
| *image via Matchbook Why didn't I think of this? My favorite artist featured in this month's issue. |
Brilliant Idea: Amelia Earhart Reimagined for a New Age
 |
| *image via Matchbook How imaginative and clever is this?? |
I used to think I wanted to work for a publication like Real Simple, but more and more I believe I'm a Matchbook girl at heart. They have a way of blending style and whimsy together in a way I've yet to witness. The magazine gives me hope and allows me to live vicariously through their writers and editors in their monthly "field guide to the charmed life." As each issue arrives in my inbox, I'm reminded of something I love, and I feel all twitterpated and inspired again. Thanks, Matchbook for allowing me to hang on to the idea of working in the glossy world -- even if it is just a dream! For now, I'll wait patiently for your July issue and pursue my options to substitute teach in the local area;) One day I'm bound and determined to make these worlds collide.
 |
| *images via Matchbook |
Other online magazines you should browse if you haven't already...
Toodles! I'm off to try Smitten Kitchen's Pea Pesto:)
P.S. If you read this and have any advice on getting into the freelance world, my ears are open. I'll take any pointers I can get!
I sent a message to my friend Beth, who is also a J-School alum. I know she has done some freelance work, so maybe she has advice for ya!
ReplyDeleteOoooh! That would be fantastic. I'm even trying to figure out how I can get paid to blog. I wish they would have taught us more about this stuff:) Thanks again!!!
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing - always go with your passion! You are going to get there - and there is somewhere fabulous! Print is calling your name. Shake them haters off!
ReplyDeleteNo prob, I'll let you know what she says. I hear ya... they need to include practical, real world knowledge with all that Missouri Method stuff!
ReplyDelete